What components are needed for industrial cabinets and enclosures?
Here’s our expert guide to the hardware you need to complete your design or build for a cabinet or enclosure.
We manufacture a comprehensive range of cabinet fittings and components, including cable conduits, wraps and accessories, cabinet hinges, grommets, cable glands, cable clips, ties, clamps and cleats and push-in rivets. We also offer metal storage cabinet replacement parts. Our range of cable management solutions are flexible and heat resistant; latches and locks that are secure; plus hinges that either allow for doors to be removed, to be concealed, to be external or embedded. This list is by no means exhaustive.
Fasteners
With a wide range of options, the right fastener (screws, nuts, bolts, washers or rivets) is dependent on your application. Particularly when it is for permanent use, the material you need will depend on the environment the server will be placed. This will affect the tensile strength you need, UV requirements, chemical resistance and heat stability. For example, nylon has very good UV-resistance but low chemical resistance and PVC has a high level of chemical resistance but low heat stability and tensile strength.
Read more in our guide Fasteners - The Design Engineer's Application Guide.
Cable Management
There are two priority functions to address: to ensure the protection of cables in application; and to guide cables through entry points. Make the following considerations when choosing the right cable management for your cabinet:
- Environment: the environment will play a crucial role when selecting the correct cable management solution. Be ready to protect against physical and non-physical threats. Non-physical considerations include solids, liquids and heat. Physical considerations include direct hazards such as abrasion and kinking of your cables.
- IP standards: you’ll need to ensure that your enclosures for electrical equipment meet IP standards (International Protection marking or Ingress Protection marking).
- Installation requirements: the right cabinet hardware will depend on installation requirements. These are affected by a number of variables such as available space, environmental conditions and mounting limitations of the application. The most important installation factor is usually the mounting. When looking to guide cables through an intricate cabinet or machine, having enough space to mount cable management solutions is vital.
- Adhesive cable mounts: if you are using a permanent adhesive cable mount then heat will potentially affect the product’s lifespan. You may want to consider opting for a fitting method that is not adhesive based that can clip onto your application. However, an adhesive-based solution would be perfect when looking for temporary cable management.
Fan Hardware
Server hardware produces a lot of heat on a constant basis, so it is likely there will be some form of cooling accessory used by the IT engineer during the lifetime of the cabinet. Consider specifying the relevant fan accessories which will give protection and mounting for small DC and AC fans. This is essential for safety and the reliable operation of the cabinet’s components.
Locks
Locks are fundamental to cabinet security and controlling access because they can be susceptible to tampering. A durable polyamide or corrosion resistant stainless steel will offer high potential IP ratings as well as strength. There are three main cylinder types:
- Keyed alike
- Keyed different
- Master system
Discover our guide How to choose the right lock.
Latches & Catches
When your server cabinet is in constant use, you will require a secure door that can be accessed immediately. Choose a lock that will maintain ease of access and save time in a busy environment by using easy open latches and catches.
Environment is another crucial consideration. Before installing on site, always ensure that latches are tested to NEMA, IP and UL standards.
Safety is also key. High-temperature equipment in server enclosures pose a very real risk to engineers or maintenance staff, who may open the door too quickly and experience a blast of dangerously hot air. Look for latch systems that allow the hot air to be gradually released, when first actuated. This will avoid the problem of a hot-air blast when the door is fully opened.
Find out more in our Ultimate Guide to Access Hardware.
Hinges
- Do you want to offer a full, restricted or controlled range of door motion?
- What will be the maximum opening angle?
There are a range of cabinet hinge types that allow you to vary this range of motion, no matter the door, frame or mounting area. Using the right industrial cabinet hinges for your application can easily drive increased functionality for the end user.
Definitely not a one-size fits-all situation, there are a number of options when installing cabinet hinges. Think about the weight of the door, the ease of installation and the correct position control features. These will guide you to making the right choice from external, concealed or embedded.
Then decide how the hinge will be attached to the frame. Will you need a through bolt, rivet or screw mounted or a welded, threaded bolt? Then decide on your cabinet hinge dimensions.
Gaskets & Seals
Will the cabinet need to be sealed? The benefits include reducing vibrations, keeping dust from entering the cabinet and protecting from humid environments. Gaskets clip or stick on to the inside lining of the door so that it compresses against the cabinet when shut, providing the necessary barrier.
It is also worth considering if electrical enclosure box should be waterproof. If so, watertight sealants should be used.
You may also wish to consider EMI gaskets. These sealing gaskets will prevent electromagnetic interference, and is used on electrical and telecoms cabinets and enclosures.
Swing Handles
For when security is paramount, you need to be sure you can trust your cabinet is fully protected with the right handles. Use a swing handle gear box with a three-point locking system to prevent tampering. Swing handles are chosen because they are easy to operate and are ideal for large doors – as they only require minimal effort by the user.
Pull Handles
Crucial when finishing your cabinet and maintaining quick and seamless functionality. Pull handles can offer ergonomic use and a flush fitting installation will help users stay efficient and safe in a busy work space. Consider the weight of the door and stay away from materials that conduct heat.
Feet
Lifting the cabinet off the ground on feet gives essential protection against vibrations. Machine and levelling anti-slip feet will also help on uneven surfaces, and will give the cabinet a cushioned and solid support. Depending on the weight and size of the cabinet, we supply rubber, plastic and metal bases which are available as either swivel or rigid. For server cabinets, we recommend the rigid bases only.
Castors
If the cabinet needs to be mobile, use heavy duty industrial castors. These have a solid steel welded construction and come in various wheel types and fitting styles. They are made from a range of materials including: iron, rubber, steel, nylon or plastic.
Ball castors are mounted via a plate or a stem and can be moved in any direction. We also offer bolt hole, stem and plate castors with swivel, rigid and braking options.
Hard casters or soft casters? Hard casters work best on equipment that isn’t moved very often. They have a greater load rating as they do not flatten over time. Soft castor wheels are ideal for uneven or hard services and best used for light to medium loads. Note these should only be used on frequently moved equipment as this type of wheels are likely to flatten over time.
Load capacity for castors: to determine the correct load capacity, divide the maximum load of the equipment and combined weight by the number of castors to be used:
(Equip Weight + Max Load Weight) / # of Castors = Approx. Load Capacity
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Download free CADs and request free samples, which are available for most of our solutions. It’s a great way to ensure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which product will work best, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.