A quick buyer's guide to Access Hardware
From security and functionality to noise reduction in your application, there are lots of factors to take into consideration when building outdoor utility cabinets, machinery and electrical cabinets and enclosures. You’ll also need to think of access hardware as part of your HVAC components and industrial generator parts.
Learn more in our guide, covering:
IP and NEMA ratings
Compression latches
Hinges
Quarter turn latches
Gasketing
Handles
This guide is designed to give you an introduction. We can provide 3D models (CAD files) upon request or offer our single-pack option so you can verify form, fit and function.
We can also support you with our vast range of locks, latches, handles, hinges seals and much more. Whatever you need, you can depend on us for hassle free customer service and delivery.
IP and NEMA ratings
IP and NEMA are rating systems for equipment or systems that might be exposed to liquids, moisture, ice, corrosion and contaminates such as dust and debris. They are important for electrical and outdoor enclosures. Depending on their environment, some indoor cabinets may require a system level NEMA or IP rating. Choosing a latch or lock that meets those requirements is critical. IP stands for ingress protection and NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Both ratings tell you the amount of protection against the entry of solid foreign objects and against moisture ingress. You’ll find approximate conversions of IP to NEMA ratings in our guide to IP and NEMA ratings. Below is an example of how NEMA and IP convert. Note, the numbers in IP ratings denote protection from solids and liquids.
Enclosure type
NEMA | IP code | NEMA Definitions | Solid Protection | Liquids Protection |
4 | IP65 | For indoor or outdoor use Protects personnel from incidental contact with enclosed equipment Protects from falling dirt, windblown dust; rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, hose-directed water; and external formation of ice |
5 = Protected against dust Limited ingress permitted |
6 = Strong jets of water from all directions Limited ingress permitted |
Compression latches
Perfect for: Outdoor and indoor cabinets
A compression latch offers IP/NEMA protection as well as a reduction or elimination of noise and vibration. Range includes hand-operated, driver tool styles and key operated version such as key-alike, key-different, Euro-key, CH751 and high-security. You can also learn more with our Guide to Latches.
Finish: Finishing options offer an aesthetic touch to your compression latch. These include stainless steel, chrome plated and black powder-coated
Material: Material options include zinc alloy (Zamak 5) and stainless steel
Features: Compression, adjustable versions, IP compliance, a variety of grip ranges, driver style locking, key-locking and padlockable versions to accommodate most application conditions
Discover our compression latches
Compression Latches - Adjustable
- 6mm compression
- IP65 compliant
- Adjustable to fit most any grip range
- Round low profile
- Cam lock lever can be used forward or reversed
- Noise and vibration isolation
- Chrome plated, stainless steel or black powder-coated finish
NEMA Rated Adjustable T-Handle w/ Compression
- Used for cabinets that need better sealing under vibration
- Quarter-turn latch
- Hand operated, ergonomic grip
- Stainless steel
- Adjustable T-Handle w/ Compression for indoor cabinets also available
- IP65 cabinet compression latch
- Cam turns to locking position when key is turned 90˚
- Cam turns to fixing position when key is turned 180˚
- Good compression
- Good noise isolation
- Different head styles and grip ranges available
- Zinc alloy
- Compression draw latch & keeper
- Low-profile design
- Keeper concealed and fastened under latch
- Black-rubber handle withstands corrosion
- Stainless steel keeper and bracket
Compression Latches - Adjustable/Wing Knob
- Low adjustable compression latch with wing knob seals under vibration
- Wing knob latch in choice of black powder-coated or chrome-plated zinc alloy
- Available in locking and non-locking versions
Flush Compression Lever Latches
- Flush-style trigger design
- Available with or without cylinders
- Compression lever latch suitable for 2mm door thickness (Maximum)
- Zinc alloy
Hinges
Perfect for: Generators and industrial cabinets
Often a full, restricted or controlled range of door motion is required when accessing your application. Using the right hinge can provide increased functionality for end users. You’ll also find it helpful to read our guide, Types of Hinges and Where to Use Them.
Features: Whatever your application, choose from different hinge types, including Concealed, Leaf, Lift Off, Torque, Offset, Piano, Side, Corner, Strap, Spring and Weld On
Material: A diverse range of materials suitable for your environment including Aluminium, zinc alloy (Zamak 5), nylon, stainless steel, steel, brass and Polypropylene
Specification: Universal, left or right mounting orientation and a range of mounting hole shapes, securing methods and rotation angles
Discover our hinges
Adjustable Torque Hinges – with Leaf Screw
- Adjustable torque position control hinge holds door in position
- Single torque adjustment with stainless steel screw
- Nylon
- Also known as rising butt hinges
- Heavy-door steel hinges
- Lift-off motion for easy access for maintenance and repairs
- 180˚ hinge rotation
- Steel
- Used for steel panels on large applications
- Available as zinc alloy, nylon or stainless-steel hinges
- Diverse range of concealed hinges
- Fastener and weld mounting
- Available in steel, stainless steel and zinc alloy
- Steel versions available with handed, pin, removable pin and spring-loaded options
- Continuous hinge also known as piano hinge
- Light-to-medium duty applications such as access panels and parts of HVAC system
- Polypropylene
- Butt hinge designed for HVAC industry
- Sustains heavy weight
- Free-swinging
- Nylon
Quarter-turn latches
Perfect for: Indoor and outdoor cabinets, industrial machinery, tool cabinets, lockers, file cabinets, marine industry, trucks, trailers, rail transportation and electrical cabinets and enclosures
Quarter-Turn Latches offer a wide range of styles from quick-install versions and spring loaded options to “L”, “T” and wing style handles and padlockable features. The Quarter-Turn feature allows for easy locking and unlocking motion and come with a variety of economical choices.
Features: Choose from key versions based on your security and access control requirements. Key types include: Keyed Alike, Keyed Different, and Master key system. Padlockable also available
Material: Material options include durable nylon and die-cast zinc alloy, with a black or chrome plated finish
Specification: Varied grip ranges are available based on the door depth of the application
Discover our quarter turn latches
- IP65 quarter-turn spring latch
- Ideal for electrical enclosures
- Available in nylon, stainless steel and die-cast zinc alloy
Quarter-Turn Slam Shut Latches
- Also known as a push latch
- Sprung cam lifts and returns when the door is closed
- Handle types available: driver tool operated and knob
Cylinder Locking Quarter-Turn Latches
- IP65 quarter-turn latch
- Good compression
- Good noise isolation
- Different head style and grip options available
- Die-cast zinc alloy
Quarter-Turn Latches - Wing Knob
- Quarter-turn latch with wing knob supplied with rubber gasket for good seal
- Available in nylon, stainless steel and die-cast zinc alloy
- Available with extra-long housing
Gasketing
Perfect for: HVACs, cabinets, enclosures, generators
HVAC system components often need to withstand harsh conditions. Prevent vital equipment malfunctioning by isolating noise and vibration using industrial strength solutions, such as gasket tape and sealing gaskets.
Features: Sealing Gasket, Trim Seal, Edge Trim, Weather Stripping and Gasket Tape
Material: Neoprene, PVC and EPDM. Note, neoprene weatherstripping tape and PVC gasket tape work well indoors; choose EPDM options for outdoor applications for its ability to resist the effects of sunlight
Adaptability: Gasketing profile can be manipulated by hand to allow flexibility during fitting
Discover our gasketing products
- Clip-on profiles offering edge protection and sealing
- Used on metal sheets
- Protection from vibrations and ingress of humidity and dirt
- Provide an additional seal to enclosure boxes
Weather Stripping & Gasket Tape
- Acts as both weather stripping tape and gasket tape
- Cell foam offers great barrier protection from moisture and air
- EPDM offers excellent weather and oxidation resistance
- Adhesive gasket tape with superior conformability
- Flexibility at low temperatures
Handles
Perfect for: Machine building, cabinets, enclosures
Industrial handles aren’t just about function but also aesthetics and comfort, especially if the handle will see frequent use. We offer a wide range of ergonomically designed handles with finish options to give your machines an attractive look. To learn more about handles, read out guide What is an Industrial Ergonomic Handle?
Features: Choose from industrial pull handles, recessed, adjustable, T-Handles and L-Handles
Material: Material options include zinc alloy (Zamak 5), stainless steel, aluminium, steel, nylon 6 and nylon, polyoxymethylene, polypropylene with glass-reinforced fibres and ABS
Specification: Range of diameters, fixing centres and projection heights to suit the environment in which your handles will be used
Pull Handle – Through Hole One Sided
- Ideal as machine handles for covers
- Front mounted with a rectangular grab handle
- Bridge, grab handle design
- Nylon 6
- Snap-in recessed handle
- Ideal for machinery covers
- Easy assembly by clips
- Flush design
- Screw mount version available
- Nylon 6
- Flanged right-angle rectangular bar pull
- Rear unthreaded through hole
- Steel
Handle Turn Cam Latches - L-Handle
- Popular for using with electric panels and machinery covers
- Angled arm
- Available keyed alike or keyed different
- Nylon 6/6
Through Hole Angled Arch Pull Handle
- Front-install counterbored through hole
- Industrial handles ideal for machinery covers
- Bridge, grab handle for easy hand gripping
- Aluminium with nylon ends
- Also available in steel with nylon mount
Adjustable Handles – Female Flared
- Female clamping handle for machinery or equipment parts
- Operates by simple lift and rotate action
- Push button for releasing and adjustment
- Ideal for confined spaces
- Tapered handle for convenient positioning
- Polypropylene with glass-reinforced fibres
- Male adjustable handles also available
Reliable support and a wide range of hardware
Let Essentra make your job easier with our extensive range of hardware solutions to suit your project.
Industry-leading product quality
Approved against industry accreditations and standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, OHSAS 18001, ISO 27001:2013, ISO 50001:2001
Responsive service
Support for your business with 1 billion products in stock, fast dispatch and access to a wealth of industry expertise
Supply-chain security
Lead times reduced with 12 manufacturing facilities, 33 distribution centres and 39 sales and service locations.
The solutions you need
Designing and manufacturing custom solutions for your demanding requirements, as well as a wide range of off-the-shelf products.
Available 3D CAD files
CADs are available for most solutions, please request yours today. If you’re not quite sure which product will work best for your application, our experts can advise you.
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.