Protecting Sensitive Equipment with Industrial Enclosures
Industrial enclosures are used to protect sensitive equipment indoors and outdoors in nonhazardous locations. You may require an industrial enclosure if you are extending your IT network into warehouses and other facilities where environmental conditions must be considered.
What’s the difference between Type 4 and Type 3R enclosures?
Selecting the right enclosure for your specific application is key to ensuring optimal protection for your equipment. Chatsworth Products (CPI) offers UL Type 4 and Type 3R enclosures, rigorously tested and verified by UL through design reviews and performance evaluations.
Type 4 Enclosures: Maximum Sealing and Watertight Protection
Type 4 enclosures are gasketed and feature clamped doors, ensuring maximum sealing to provide watertight protection. They are ideal for applications where:
- Occasional washdowns occur
- Coolants may be used nearby
- Pressurized streams of water are present
These enclosures are commonly used in environments where equipment is exposed to water but must remain fully protected.
Type 3R Enclosures: Outdoor-Ready and Rain-Tight Protection
Type 3R enclosures are designed for outdoor applications and are rain-tight, protecting against environmental elements like:
- Falling rain, sleet, snow, and external ice formation
- Indoor splashing or dripping water
While these enclosures may have venting or cable entry points that allow small amounts of water to enter, they are specifically engineered to prevent water from impacting the equipment inside.
Why do I need to convert my NEMA enclosure?
At times, depending on the location of the Type 4 enclosure, liquids may find their way into the enclosure.
For example, during its lifetime, an enclosure’s seal may become damaged. If the seal is damaged, water or other liquids may enter the enclosure. Another example is pressurized liquids entering the enclosure through vent openings during stormy conditions or due to proximity to irrigation systems.
In either case, liquids may accumulate inside the sealed enclosure and eventually reach and damage the installed equipment. In these types of applications, steps should be taken to allow liquids to drain. For these applications, a method to drain is added to a tightly sealed enclosure creating a slightly different type of enclosure known as Type 3R.
How to convert NEMA 4 to UL 3R
In this tech tip video, Chatsworth Products (CPI) expert and product marketing manager, Sam Rodriguez, demonstrates how to convert a UL® Type 4 enclosure into a UL Type 3R.
Find the Right Enclosure for Your Needs
Chatsworth Products’ RMR® Industrial Enclosures offer a range of solutions designed to protect your equipment in the most challenging conditions. Engineered to meet the highest standards, these enclosures provide superior protection from dust, water, and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Download the RMR® Industrial Enclosures Brochure and explore the full range of options to ensure your equipment stays protected in any environment.
