Housing solutions Seven innovations from the world of enclosures and cabinets

Here we present mainly new models and revised versions of proven switch cabinet and housing series. We also show a completely new housing system, new protective windows for switch housings and special tools for switch cabinet construction.

1. ABB Striebel & John: Facelift for row switch cabinets

The Tri-Line row switch cabinets from ABB Striebel & John have received a facelift. The new Tri-Line-C cabinets are designed to be expanded with Combi-Line-N modules, mounting plates or truss systems, and with three cabinet options and four interior design variants each, they also offer a variety of options for switchgear construction.

The basis of the new Tri-Line-C series cabinets is a proven framework consisting of a back wall, top plate, and door, which cabinet builders and electricians can order as a single item. This simplifies and shortens the ordering process. But it is also possible to configure the Tri-Line-C cabinet for individual or specific requirements. For example, the framework with a back wall can be equipped with a glass door or a front frame instead of a steel door, or the top plate can be chosen with a higher number of flanges or without flanges. In this way, cabinet builders and installers can order all parts separately or as a kit and assemble the cabinet variably according to their needs.

The interior design can also be flexibly designed. For this, ABB Striebel & John offers four variants, including for example an expansion as an installation distributor with meter and distributor fields or as an installation distributor with Combi-Line modules on a WR mounting frame.

Due to the flexible, open on all sides frame construction, a maximum work area is available during installation, so cables and busbars can be easily laid from all sides. In addition, the flange technology from the Twin-Line series can now also be used with the Tri-Line-C cabinets. The flanges with their simple latching technique have already proven themselves in cabinet construction and can be used for both the top and bottom plates.

The facelift of the new Tri-Line-C series cabinets was also visually based on the Twin-Line system. The adjustments include the design of the base, which is now only available in black, as well as the glass doors. The new black lock replacement parts also come from the Twin-Line range, reducing storage for cabinet builders and installers.

The use of the planning and calculation software Strie-Plan also enables effective project planning for Tri-Line-C row switch cabinets. Thanks to the IP54 protection rating, the distributor can also be installed in harsh environments.

The row switch cabinets are available in two heights (12 and 14 modular units), five widths (1 to 5 field widths) and two depths (425 mm and 625 mm). In

2. Bopla: Electronic enclosures in modern design

Bopla Gehäuse Systeme GmbH has introduced a new housing system called Boversa. During development, flexibility and functionality were the main focus. The three-part housing structure consists of the components lower part, upper part, and front frame, which can be combined as desired. In addition to the classic plastic version, customers can also choose a housing base made of die-cast aluminum with molded cooling fins and mounting tabs. The open front frame is also suitable for the integration of keyboards and displays, while the closed variant allows a clear look or individual designs. The housing parts can be combined in different color positions - design and function can thus be flexibly varied in shape, material, and color.

The transparent upper part allows a view inside the housing or onto built-in displays. With it or the translucent upper part, lighting effects and status signals can also be set as design accents. Color accents can also be achieved by combining housing parts in different colors - also available in custom colors upon request. The closed front frame can change its appearance almost infinitely through individual processing. "The absolute free design possibility of the front frame - without affecting the housing protection type - is unique for the user," says Andreas Krömer, head of development at Bopla. This benefits, among others, customers who want to give their product a unique external appearance, but at the same time shy away from the development time and tool investments for a completely custom housing.

Also new is the forward-looking cooling technology that Boversa offers: The point-symmetrical design allows appropriate ribs an optimal airflow in horizontal and vertical mounting position.

The housing can be used for applications in hand, on the table, on the wall or on the mast.

3. Fibox: Flexible protective windows for switch cabinets in five sizes

Fibox has expanded its portfolio of robust Protection Windows for protecting displays, switches and control components from dirt, moisture and unauthorized access. Made of polycarbonate, the PW protective windows consist of a frame with a continuous hinge and a transparent cover and can be quickly and flexibly mounted on various types of control cabinets and control panels. The manufacturer now offers the UL/cUL listed, NEMA-4X and IP66 compliant HMI covers in five sizes. In addition to the two variants in the formats 452 mm × 400mm and 342 mm × 295 mm, the 88 mm deep protective windows are now also available with dimensions of 291 mm × 243 mm, 393 mm × 345 mm and 503 mm × 451 mm.

All five models ensure a high impact resistance of IK09 when closed and are suitable for use in temperature ranges between -40 °C and 80 °C. The large viewing area allows for good observation of the covered switch, display, and control components at all times. Due to the internal height of 85 mm, even key switches are safely protected. The frame and window are backed with a foamed PUR seal. The overlapping construction provides increased strength and tightness.

For mounting, the frame is arranged around the operating elements and fastened with eight screws on the inside. In this process, the frame seals cleanly all around with the underlying housing without further measures. Standardly, the protective windows are equipped with two double-bit locks. If desired, Fibox also supplies the models with locks.

4. Häwa: Experience "live" switch cabinet construction tool

Häwa GmbH, in addition to electric enclosures, switch cabinets and enclosure solutions for the installation of electrical components, also offers high-quality special tools for this area. You can find out about the offer in Häwa's demonstration truck, which comes directly to the customer at the desired time.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly when working on the switch cabinet and switch cabinet housing, Häwa also offers the appropriate quality tool for metal processing - from punching, notching, pressing and cutting tools to tools for busbar processing to hydraulic pumps and extensive tool accessories.

The tool truck has recently been equipped with additional new products that the company introduced last fall. The Multi-Press 500, mobile with workpiece support, is suitable for punching terminal boxes, enclosures, and cabinet doors. A quick tool change ensures optimized work. The punch can also be used independently of location, as it is mobile on rollers. The Powerlec Vario Plus with fan kit 92 and fan kit 125 allows for cutouts for filter fans without a jigsaw. The 2678 cable duct cutter, which cuts halogen-free cable ducts, is also among the new products that can be examined in the demonstration truck.

Companies can book the desired appointment via the contact form on Häwa's homepage. The tool truck not only rolls through Germany, but also comes to customers in Switzerland, Austria, Benelux, France, England and Scandinavia on request.

5. Rittal: Stainless steel housing and new outdoor housing

For environments with particularly high risk of corrosion, Rittal now offers the AX and KX cabinets in new versions made of stainless steel. The smooth material resists even chemicals, salt water or extremely high humidity, and opens up the diversity of the Rittal system. The compact cabinets have a patented system of embossed housing cams. Together with the rails for interior construction, they represent the established 25 mm system grid from the VX25 large cabinet. This makes the AX compact control cabinets prepared for all expansion and retrofitting cases.

System components and accessories can be easily, quickly, and safely installed on rails without drilling - from door position switches or door stops to cable hoses and terminal strips to control cabinet lights. The fixed distance between the rails also allows the use of system accessories such as system chassis, cable catch rails, or mounting rails from the VX25 cabinet system.

With the new design of the AX and KX in stainless steel, grounding with automatic potential equalization has also been simplified. For the KX, for example, the side parts were optimized for the protective conductor connection. To further utilize the depth of the KX terminal boxes, the mounting rail can be installed directly on the rear wall. Also new in the KX stainless steel portfolio are the E-Box small enclosures with a door. With both series AX and KX, rear wall embossings with practical grain also speed up wall mounting.

In the past, when plant builders searched for a double-walled and very wide outdoor cabinet, custom designs were generally the first choice. With the corresponding negative consequences: high costs, long delivery times and a lot of effort. Rittal now provides a solution with the further development of its outdoor cabinets CS Toptec. The manufacturer has transferred the principle of its bayed cabinets to the double-walled outdoor cabinets. These are now available as standard, and thus from stock, in widths of 600 mm and 800 mm, depths of 600 mm and 800 mm, and heights of 1200 mm, 1600 mm, 1800 mm and 2000 mm - optionally with an opening for a cooling unit. Plant builders can thus line up two or more narrow individual cabinets instead of one wide, heavy cabinet, and can easily add to them at any time. This creates more flexibility and facilitates logistics and set-up on the construction site.

Housing for maritime applications

Enclosures for maritime applications must not only be completely sealed, but also corrosion-resistant. Rose Systemtechnik manufactures enclosure solutions that meet the high standards of the Lloyd's Register of Shipping and the DNV certification society. The products are seawater-resistant and insensitive to UV radiation.

The enclosure systems for maritime environments include both stainless steel and aluminium versions. While the stainless steel enclosures are made of V4A steel (CrNiMo steel) and are therefore inherently corrosion-resistant, the aluminium enclosures receive a special surface treatment. In addition to passivation or chromating, options include priming with a 2k primer thick layer, as well as coating with a high-quality polyester powder or top coat and hardener. The coating also covers the exterior joints of the enclosure and the earthing points. For protection against seawater, the screw fittings receive a greasing of the thread.

All enclosure systems from Rose come standard with IP66 protection (according to DIN EN 60529). The protection class can be increased to IP67, IP68, and IP69K through the use of various seals. For example, seals made of PU foam or neoprene as well as silicone round cord seals ensure the absolute tightness of the enclosures. If the available enclosure systems do not fit, the manufacturer also produces special solutions.

OKW Enclosure Systems: Enclosures in new flat design

The Railtec B enclosure family is suitable for easy and quick snap-on mounting on DIN rails according to EN 60715 TH35 and/or for direct wall mounting (with appropriate accessories). The upper parts are made of the flame-retardant plastic PC (UL 94 V-0) in light gray (RAL 7035), the lower parts are made of PPO (UL 94 V-0) in black. The enclosures are fully insulated and touch-proof according to VBG 4 and IEC 529/DIN VDE 0470-1.

The product group now offers even more possibilities in use as an electronic enclosure due to a new, flat version with a closed top and four module widths (2, 4, 6 and 9). In the new variant, there are dimensions of (W×H×D) 35 mm × 89.6 mm × 31.25 mm (two modules), four modules with 70 mm / six modules with 105 mm width and 157.5 mm for the nine-module variant.

The closed upper part allows the integration of a generous operating surface with displays, controls and interfaces. In addition, there are still extensive customer-specific design options: The enclosures can be customized in our in-house service center according to your wishes or the device design. The options range from mechanical processing in the form of, for example, openings for interfaces, display cutouts or cable entries/outputs, to painting, printing and laser marking, to the application of decorative films as well as assembly and installation.

Due to the variety of options and flexible adaptability, the Railtec B can be used universally. The range of applications extends from automation, building and safety technology, heating and air conditioning technology to communication and versatile solutions in measurement technology.