Electronics Protection - November/December 2011 - (Page 10)

Feature Protection Selection: Guidelines for Choosing Remote Monitoring Enclosures Steve Anderson, Vice President for Eastern Region Sales Integra Enclosures Choosing the right enclosure to protect electrical equipment is paramount. Yet when the time comes, many engineers and purchasing agents aren’t afforded a good grasp on the many options available in the enclosure market. This is because enclosures aren’t typically noticed until a problem arises and the equipment has been compromised. The cost of inadequate protection can be tremendous. Not only can damaged equipment represent significant replacement costs, but the inability to monitor important systems for any length of time could be devastating. Whether this means that the monitoring of an oil field is interrupted or that system operators cannot monitor a generator due to equipment failure, it’s easy to see how monitoring disruption exacts real consequences as a result of compromised enclosure protection. Interference Another important step along the way when purchasing new equipment protection is to consider whether the antenna will need to be stored inside your enclosure. Unique to the needs of remote monitoring applications, most electronic equipment in this industry is accompanied by an antenna to transmit data collected to the system operators. The vital centerpiece of a complex electronic system in remote monitoring applications, one of your first considerations should be to determine whether the antenna will be stored inside or on top of the box. If you desire to protect the antenna from extreme weather and conditions by storing it inside the enclosure, the decision on type of enclosure material will be paramount. A non-metallic box will be necessary in this case, since the walls of metallic enclosures interfere with the antenna’s radio wave signal transmission. Protection From a Distance Adding to the confusion of deciding on an enclosure solution, enclosures are used in an endless range of industries, from energy, to water treatment, to petrochemical and more. So when choosing the right protection for equipment in a remote monitoring application, it’s important to be aware of the unique environmental and protection challenges your enclosure must overcome. Perhaps more true in this case than in any other industry, remote monitoring applications need their highly sensitive communications equipment and antenna to withstand extreme environments in isolated places. From desert plains, to Alaskan landscapes, to heavy rain and saltwater environments, a remote monitoring enclosure must be ready for all extremes. Choosing the right enclosure solution for remote monitoring applications can often be reduced to a handful of factors that can guide you in selecting the best equipment protection and eliminate the stress involved with the enclosure purchasing process. In addition, selecting the correct enclosure ensures longer life for the box and for the equipment safely stored inside. Since your next enclosure purchase will likely need to withstand extreme elements and protect sensitive equipment for several years, take your time to research and consider your enclosure options. Considering these important factors will help clarify your enclosure selection, the manufacturer, interference, security, mounting options, material strength and impact resistance, aesthetics, hinges and NEMA rating. In tandem with antenna interference, security should also be an important consideration as you make your enclosure selection. Especially with regards to remote monitoring applications, which are by nature remote and often not quickly accessible, attention from would-be vandals and thieves should be avoided at all costs. Storing an antenna on top of an enclosure can often signal that valuable equipment is stored inside. The more secure option is housing sensitive and expensive equipment, including the antenna, safely inside the enclosure. Security Mounting Options Manufacturer One of the most important questions to ask before selecting an enclosure is, “How easy will it be to install panels in the enclosure exactly where I need them?” A well-designed enclosure will feature plenty of options for mounting back panels, face plates, circuit boards or any other component. In addition, you should select an enclosure that incorporates as many flexible features as possible to allow easy customization for your application. Flexible mounting features may include capabilities for interior customization or T-rails that allow brackets to be mounted in all four corners, accommodating a second or third mounting panel. Additional flexible features include the ability to directly mount a circuit board, antenna or hardware using brackets that mount in the four corners of the box for maximum versatility. Your enclosure should also be equipped with bosses in the back or provide another way of affixing DIN rails, circuit boards or another electrical component to the rear wall of the enclosure. One of the most important ways users can ensure they choose the right enclosure for thier application is by selecting an experienced manufacturer to partner with. A seasoned enclosure manufacturer will be able to assess the application and help select the best equipment. The key is to provide as much information as possible. Where will your enclosure be mounted? What temperature range will it need to withstand? Will it need to weather impact or water? What holes and or modifications will the application require? All of these details will help an expert make an educated recommendation that will provide the optimal protection. 10 Material Strength and Impact Resistance When many in remote monitoring industry think about electrical enclosures, they think of traditional materials such as carbon steel or stainless steel. But in the non-metallic category, enclosures made of fiberglass have become a common choice for engineers. A newer but increasingly popular option is polycarbonate, which is four times stronger than fiberglass. This thermoplastic material is well-equipped to handle extreme, outdoor environments. Added benefits of the polycarbonate enclosures is that they are often the November/December 2011 www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com http://www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electronics Protection - November/December 2011

Raritan Introduces Data Center Rack Controller for Environment and Security Asset Management
Enclosure Design for Extreme Environments
The Power Monitoring Imperative
Protection Selection: Guidelines for Choosing Remote Monitoring Enclosures
Rittal Releases New Hygienic Design Enclosures
Emerson Network Power Introduces Data Center Cooling System
Falcon Electric Adds Lightweight 10-Year Rated Lithium-Ion Batteries to SSG Series UPSs
Crenlo Introduces IBC Kit to its Lineup of Emcor Accessories
Littelfuse Introduces SP1006 TVS Diode Array For ESD Protection in Ultra-Small Form Factors
2012 Electronics Protection Resource Guide
Industry News
Literature
Calendar of Events

Electronics Protection - November/December 2011