Finding the right hardware for an IP enclosure

For specialist panel builders, life is not always simple when the enclosure requires a given IP rating. Generally, it involves gathering a selection of components and using the professional skills of fitting and assembly to ensure compliance of the finished installation.

Meeting the IP level required comes by virtue of all components being to that level individually and each of them fitted to the same level.

A specialist enclosure or cabinet therefore needs to be designed in such a way that when fitted with hardware such as gasket/sealing profile plus hinges and a lock/s and of course any panel instruments, switches, cable entries, etc, then it will be possible for the desired IP degree to be achieved - if it is tested.

So, whether you are looking for the common specifications of IP55 or IP65 or IP66 or for something else, it is important to source hardware of the same rating or otherwise to carefully consider the implications of a different rating. For example, under specifying is an obvious error since the ingress tests will usually find the weakest point in the housing. However, where protection from vertical rain is required then it may be that a feature such as a canopy and in-setting the door can offset the need for an efficient gasket.

Less obviously, over specifying may also be an error since it may limit the "natural breathing" of a housing, leading to a build-up of internal moisture trapped by a normal heating/cooling cycle. For this reason, an IP55 cabinet may be specified but then require a drain or heater to deal with internal condensation.