Types Of Enclosures

An enclosure is basically a surrounding case designed to provide some protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment as well as to provide some protection to the enclosed equipment against specific environmental conditions.

Available in a range of types, each type specify the abilities of the enclosure in a specific environment.

Enclosures are also available in different materials including PVC enclosures and stainless steel enclosures, but we will talk about this at the end. Below are the different types of enclosures.

• Type 1 Enclosures – Designed for indoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment and against falling dirt.
• Type 2 Enclosures - Designed for indoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt and liquids.
  
  
• Type 3 Enclosures – Designed for both indoor and outdoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, protection against falling dirt, rain, snow, and dust.
• Type 3R Enclosures – Designed for both indoor and outdoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against falling dirt, rain, sleet, and snow.
• Type 35 Enclosures – Designed for both indoor and outdoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, and dust.
• Type 4 Enclosures – Designed for both indoor and outdoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt, dust, rain sleet, snow, and water.
• Type 4X Enclosures - Designed for both indoor and outdoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt, rain, sleet, snow, dust, water, and corrosion.
• Type 5 Enclosures - Designed for indoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt, against dust, fibers, lint, and filings.
• Type 6 Enclosures - Designed for both indoor and outdoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt, water and the entry of water during a temporary submersion.
• Type 6P Enclosures - Designed for both indoor and outdoor application, they provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt, directed water and the entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth.
• Type 12 Enclosures – Designed (without knockouts) for indoor application to provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt, circulating dust, fibers, lint and filings and against dripping and light splashing of liquids.
• Type 13 Enclosures – Designed for indoor application to provide a level of protection to individuals against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, against dropping dirt, dust, fibers, lint, and filings and against seepage of water, oil and non-corrosive coolants.

As mentioned enclosures come in different materials including PVC enclosures and stainless steel enclosures. PVC enclosures were created from the need of a solution to corrosion that stainless steel enclosures develop over time. So before you pick the best choice for your needs, you should take into consideration the environment you will use the enclosure. By considering the temperature, humidity and any chemicals or risks in the environment you will be able to select an enclosure that will fit the needs of the environment the most.