NEMA classifications for electrical boxes are used to make it easier to select electrical enclosures for specific applications and environments. While the lowest NEMA 1 rated box is used to prevent accidental, electrical contact with workers or tools, the NEMA 4X is used to protect workers and the public from shock or injury in the worst environments. A NEMA 4X polycarbonate electrical box also protects wiring and components in electrical power and control applications when placed in corrosive environments, submerged in water, or when mounted outdoors. NEMA 4X electrical enclosures are used in outdoor applications because these boxes can handle extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, and sleet. And finally, for industrial applications that feature corrosive atmospheres or processes, fiberglass and polycarbonate electrical boxes are the best choice because they are inherently corrosion-resistant. But additional gaskets and rubber seals found with a NEMA 4X electrical box will increase performance and provide additional environmental sealing, insulation and protection. NEMA 4X Polycarbonate Electrical Box Applications Wash-down or Hose down Areas For commercial or industrial facilities that are exposed to frequent washdowns with either cleaning solutions or water, a NEMA 4X polycarbonate electrical box is the ideal solution. Even under directed jet sprays, the NEMA 4X is gasketed and sealed to provide a watertight (waterproof) electrical enclosure. In colder climates, the NEMA 4X will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the electrical enclosure. Industries that can benefit from the watertight polycarbonate electrical boxes include the food and beverage industry, car washes, industrial facilities, and factories that have a high rate of dust generation such as textiles, paper, and pulp. Outdoor Installations
The NEMA 4X is specifically designed for outdoor installations, including solar panel systems, outdoor living spaces, outdoor power connections and rooftop spaces, landscape lighting, and any receptacle boxes exposed to the weather. Hot and humid outdoor locations on the South and West coasts will benefit from polycarbonate electrical boxes in addition to cold environments where sleet and ice storms are prevalent such as in the northeastern portions of the US. Often, it isn't the direct infiltration of water that causes electrical failures to outdoor installations. The culprit can also be moisture in the form of water vapor that can find its way through the smallest cracks and spaces. The result is corrosive mineral deposits that are left after the moisture has dried but continues to cause damage. Exposure to Corrosive Chemicals Corrosive environments are common in some industries such as industrial chemical facilities and oil and petroleum refineries. Polycarbonate electrical boxes won't rust, degrade, or become pitted like steel. Many other industries and locations may benefit from polycarbonate boxes because the environment has water or even salt present. Corrosion from water, chemicals, or salt can reduce current flow or voltage levels. In control systems, sensors may interpret these slight circuit changes as a system fault, which can result in unpredictable operation. Avoid corrosion in electrical systems by specifying nonmetallic electrical boxes in all areas that are exposed to corroding influences. Polycarbonate electrical boxes eliminate the worry of general corrosion and galvanic corrosion between two dissimilar metals. This includes the corrosion of mounting screws that can weaken the support of your electrical boxes. Contact Allied Moulded Products Inc. for a wide selection of polycarbonate electrical receptacle boxes, electrical enclosures, and electrical junction boxes.
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When it comes to electrical outlets and most other components that are installed within electrical enclosures, it is smart to consider the product grade. Most all architectural building materials and electrical components are available in different grades. These designations are sometimes arbitrary and may be defined simply by price. The more expensive a product is, you can generally assume it is of higher quality.
Even electrical enclosures which are specified by NEMA type will still have different grades of quality construction and workmanship. No matter with the grade, all electrical building components, including electrical enclosures, will have exacting specifications and are graded for a specific application - such as medical grade electrical components. Some systems may use certain 'quality grade' systems for the entire commercial or industrial construction or renovation project. An 'A' grade project would use higher quality and more costly, building materials and workmanship. A 'D' or 'E' grade project would specify building components of a lower quality and price. Continue reading for a brief description of the qualities to be found in the 4 grades of electrical building components as it applies to electrical outlets:
Residential Grade A residential grade electrical enclosure is typically the least expensive cabinet or junction box available. It's not that they are of a lower quality workmanship, but because home electrical voltages are predominantly 120V and 220V, these electrical cabinets feature lighter design and manufacturing specifications. Expect residential grade electrical components to last up to 10 years of service, depending on usage. Commercial Grade When it comes price, commercial grade outlets and electrical enclosures may cost slightly more than residential grade, but they can stand up to the higher demand and even some punishment from customers that may bang a shopping cart now and then. Expect these durable electrical enclosures to last over 50 years under normal use and conditions. Commercial grade electrical components are recommended for high-end homes or for residential power and electrical outlet boxes that will be plugged in constantly. These include appliances, computers, and general area lighting fixtures. Medical or Hospital Grade Medical grade electrical outlet boxes and receptacles installed in electrical boxes are designed to be highly reliable and extremely durable. Fiberglass and polycarbonate electrical enclosures are often used for surface mounted electrical components that need to be more attractive and will not rust during hose down or cleaning. "Hospital-grade receptacles are identified with a green dot on the face of the receptacle and the words “hospital-grade” usually are stamped on the device’s mounting strap." Industrial Grade Industrial grade electrical components and electrical enclosures are often referred to as 'heavy-duty'. These electrical control, lighting and power components can take continuous duty operation for factories that work a 24-hour schedule. Other features of industrial grade electrical enclosures or other components include a thicker, steel construction, the ability to withstand higher temperatures, and some are designated to be used in hazardous locations. For a wide selection of residential, commercial, and industrial grade electrical outlet boxes and electrical enclosures of all sizes, visit us at Allied Moulded Products Inc. Sources https://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/do-we-need-hospital-grade-receptacles#:~:text=The%20NEC%20requires%20listed%20hospital,517.19(B)(2) One sure sign of a shoddy electrical installation is wiring connections that are not enclosed in a correctly sized and securely mounted in an electrical outlet enclosure. Electrical enclosures should never be considered as an option or merely as an electrical accessory for a more attractive installation. When it comes to wiring connections, an electrical or junction enclosure is an essential safeguard against shock, fire, and electrical system damage,
Electrical Enclosures are Safety Components A quality electrician knows the importance of quality electrical components, including electrical enclosures. These components go hand-in-hand with proper electrical wiring practices. Loose wiring connections or strained connections (when wires are cut too short to allow for a tension-free connection) are common causes of circuit failures such as short circuits or loss of power. An electrical outlet enclosure is used to protect the connections for components such as switches, outlets, and other electrical devices from external damage and tampering. It is a safety concern when contractors or electricians take short-cuts and leave wiring connections exposed or outside an electrical enclosure. Here are 3 ways electrical systems are safeguarded when wire connections are kept inside an electrical enclosure. To protection from accidental damage One of the main purposes of an electrical outlet enclosure is to protect the electrical component and the circuit wiring from damage. This could be damage from the impact of a forklift that can damage components or the impact of wet weather that can cause water to infiltrate the wiring. Without an electrical outlet enclosure, wiring systems would be a significant source for fire ignition, electrocution/shock, or sparks and failed systems. This is why The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes require the use of electrical enclosures in specific applications, especially behind walls, in wet or hazardous locations, and whenever bare wire connections are being made. To prevent electrical fires Electrical fires can start in many ways - due to excess heat from overheated wires or connections, ignition by sparks, or from a short-circuit when a live wire accidentally touches another wire or component. Electrical outlet boxes contain all three of these electrical fire hazards when the source is at a wiring connection. Even when other sources are the cause of an electrical mishap, such as a lightening strike or malfunctioning equipment - an electrical outlet enclosure can contain some heat and flames for a length of time sufficient for the source of fire to be extinguished. Will contain sparks from loose connections Over time connections can become loose and cause a short circuit. There is no way to predict this or prevent this from happening, but an electrical outlet enclosure is built to contain the sparks released from a loose connection. This simple act can prevent shock, fire, and failed systems. And you consider industrial environments that may contain combustible dust or airborne fibers, high-quality electrical outlet enclosures are essential. To learn about how polycarbonate and fiberglass enclosures are a safer way to install electrical outlets and components, visit us at Allied Moulded Products to learn more about our full line of non-metallic electrical enclosures, junction boxes, and electrical outlet enclosures. Electrical enclosures are a crucial part of our countries power infrastructure and industrial automation. Not only do electrical enclosures protect the ability to distribute power and machine control, they are also key to keeping workers and the public safe. As energy consumption across the globe continues to grow, so will the need for electrical enclosures.
Here we will examine electrical enclosure market trends for 2019-2020, what factors are driving this market sector, and which types of electrical enclosures are seeing the greatest spike in demand. Electrical Enclosure Market Trends Electrical enclosures are used to house critical electrical components and these cabinets are built to protect employees, reduce the risk of fire, and to effectively dissipate the heat generated by power electronics - which can cause failure of equipment or entire process lines. Research and market statistics generated by Business Wire show that non-metallic electrical enclosures have grown to be the largest segment of the electrical enclosure market, with substantial gains in mining and renewable energy applications. Some leading competitors in this market segment include Allied Moulded Products, Inc., Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, Hubbell Inc. and Schneider Electric SE (France). Globally, the electrical enclosure industry will continue to make substantial gains: "Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 4.4% growth momentum...Germany will add over US$49.2 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years...China exhibits the potential to grow at 8.6% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$858 Million in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders". Industry Growth 2019 - 2025 The electrical enclosures market was valued at USD 5.80 billion in 2019, and is expected to reach USD 9.49 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 8.57% over the forecast period (2020-2025). Owing to the increasing power and industrial infrastructure. The wide range of mechanical, electromechanical, and solid-state devices that need to be safely enclosed and protected continues to drive the electrical enclosure industry. And with new technologies such as wind power, solar power, 5th generation (5G) communications, and smart power grids, there is also a need for non-metallic enclosures constructed with fiberglass or polycarbonate materials that can stand up to environmental abuse. Electrical Enclosure Market Sectors There are two major market sectors that distinguish electrical enclosures - metallic and nonmetallic. The non-metallic electrical enclosure is further segmented into plastic/ polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, fiberglass, and polyester while metallic enclosures are further segmented into stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum. Within each of these two market sectors, there exists a wide range of form factors for electrical enclosures including free-size enclosures, small enclosures, and compact enclosures. Additional market segmentation exists in product type, such as drip-tight enclosures, hazardous environment enclosure, and flame/explosion-proof enclosure. The spike in the food and beverage industry has also been a contributing factor for non-metallic electrical enclosures that safeguard their vital process controls and electrical systems. For a wide selection of polycarbonate or fiberglass electrical enclosures, visit Allied Moulded Inc. to learn more. Sources https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191227005196/en/Global-Electrical-Enclosure-Market-Analysis-Trends-Forecasts https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/electrical-enclosures-market https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-electrical-enclosures-market-forecast-2017-2024-300431486.html https://www.alliedmoulded.com/ Choosing the right electrical enclosures for your specific application may seem overwhelming with so many design specifications, style configurations, and electrical box sizes. The task can be made much simpler if you focus on the following 4 considerations to selecting the right electrical enclosure to house power, process, or telecommunications wiring and components.
4 Electrical Enclosure Considerations 1. Consider the environment Your goal in choosing the right electrical boxes should always start with choosing the right NEMA rated enclosure to fit your work environment. These ratings begin at NEMA 1 for general purpose, indoor-use electrical enclosures. Another common NEMA-rated enclosure is the NEMA 4X for indoor/outdoor use, which is constructed with sealed-gasket doors for protection from water infiltration. If you need heavy-duty construction, the NEMA 12 electrical enclosures are common in industrial settings because they provide a higher degree of protection from rust and a variety of common hazards that are common within these environments. 2. Choosing the right size Avoid making the mistake of selecting an electrical enclosure that is too small to meet your future needs. While you may be size-limited by budget or location, an over-filled electrical box can contribute to heat rise from heat-generating devices which can negatively affect sensitive semiconductor components. Always size your electrical box to include future capacity for more components or terminals. If wall-mounting space is limited, choose a free-standing electrical enclosure that can be located in a remote area and will you give enough room for current and future power and process components. 3. Electrical box material Selecting the right material for your electrical enclosure can be the best way to stretch a tight budget. Polycarbonate electrical boxes are very durable while also being resistant to strong acids while maintaining its dimensional stability. Fiberglass electrical enclosures are quickly becoming preferred over metal enclosures because the material is highly resistant to moisture and chemicals in wet or corrosive environments. Not only are polycarbonate electrical enclosures lightweight, and easy to install and modify on-site, they are also more cost-effective than stainless steel and other metal enclosures. 4. Thermal Management To make sure that your electrical components have a free flow of air to reduce overheating within electrical cabinets, make sure the components have some space around them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes space between wire ducts and terminal devices (like terminal blocks) so electricians can better install, land, and tag all wired connections. Choose an electrical enclosure supplier like Allied Moulded Products that also carry accessories for thermal management including fans, ventilators, and filter assemblies. Thermal management is closely tied to choosing the right manufacturer of electrical enclosures that offer flexibility in terms of depth, height, and width. The best electrical boxes will consider future changes to production or power load. While it is difficult to know exactly how much extra space should be allocated for future capacity, the general rule-of-thumb is to allow 15% of your panel space to be reserved for future additions to electrical power, control, or instrumentation. Sources https://www.alliedmoulded.com/wp-content/uploads/polyline_catalog_2017.pdf https://www.nema.org/Products/Documents/nema-enclosure-types.pdf https://www.alliedmoulded.com/product-category/industrial-enclosures-accessories/enclosure-accessories/ventilators-and-filter-assemblies/ Polycarbonate electrical outlet enclosures benefit many industries because of the mechanical and physical properties of the material. Polycarbonate is a lightweight plastic that has excelled as a better choice over metal, electrical enclosures and conduit.
Polycarbonate plastic is a high-performing material, specifically designed to balance weight, density, electrical and heat resistance, and dimensional stability - meaning this material is lightweight, durable, and less likely to warp or shrink when subject to extremes in humidity, water, or temperature. 1. Industrial Construction and Home Renovations For new construction or when replacing outdated metal enclosures during home renovations, polycarbonate electrical enclosures and PVC conduit have become a preferred choice of material for contractors and electricians. First, they are easy to install, requiring fewer tools and less work for field modification. Using polycarbonate for a new construction project will save you money because these enclosures cost much less than metal junction enclosures. And, because these enclosures are non-metallic, they don't need a grounded connection to the box itself. This is not only a safety improvement but also a time- and cost-saver. 2. Solar Power Industry Solar power applications demand a durable electrical enclosure solution that can withstand temperature extremes and exposure to long hours of UV radiation. Direct sunlight can accelerate the deterioration of metal components, especially those that are also exposed to blowing rain, dust, and dirt. Polycarbonate electrical junction enclosures are a lightweight alternative to metal enclosures for the solar power industry. Also, expect these enclosures to withstand discoloration due to sunlight - making them the perfect choice for residential and commercial solar power installations. 3. Car Washes and Self-Serve Bays You will find car washes using polycarbonate electrical enclosures at many points in the car wash process to house the electrical wires and switches that connect the motorized tracks, water pumps, and air blowers. These enclosuresmust withstand the possibility of being exposed to hose-directed or pressurized water flows. NEMA 4X polycarbonate electrical enclosures are a durable solution for this outdoor environment that is waterproof and weatherproof. 4. Water Parks and Marinas General contractors prefer NEMA 6P polycarbonate enclosures that are waterproof for areas that have frequent exposure to dampness, moisture, or flooding. These NEMA-rated electrical enclosures are submersible under water and will keep electrical equipment dry in the most demanding of wet locations. Polycarbonate enclosures can be constructed to withstand water infiltration, but the material itself is able to handle saltwater without deterioration or failure. If you're constructing a boat dock that will feature lighting and power receptacles, then you should consider polycarbonate electrical enclosures. 5. Wastewater and Water Treatment Plants Not only are these environments wet, they will often have the flow and storage of corrosive liquids or extremely strong, industrial chemicals within these facilities. The bottom line is when wastewater plants can protect their pipes and electrical enclosures from these highly corrosive elements, they operate at a higher level and with less downtime. Polycarbonate electrical enclosures are a cost-effective solution in a very demanding environment where metal has proven to be unreliable. Choose polycarbonate which is highly resistant to chemicals, microorganisms, and UV light. For all your polycarbonate electrical enclosures, junction enclosures, and electrical enclosure needs, visit us at Allied Moulded Products, a trusted source for the electrical industry. Sources https://www.alliedmoulded.com/new-product-release-polyline-amp443-series-expansion/ https://www.alliedmoulded.com/ When choosing a NEMA-rated, electrical enclosure for your power or control process applications, you will need to consider which of these three materials are best for your project - plastic (polycarbonate), metal, or fiberglass.
For commercial, industrial, and outdoor applications, free-standing, fiberglass electrical enclosures have significant benefits over metal boxes. Most significant is the material's resistance to corrosion. What are Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures? Fiberglass electrical enclosures are manufactured by heating fiberglass and a proprietary mixture of polyester resins and additives at a high temperature. The box is then formed using a mold and applying high pressure. Typically, fiberglass boxes are considered an engineered product because they are chemically and mechanically processed to handle dangerous levels of chemicals and electrical current. Watch this video of Allied Moulded Products manufacturing fiberglass, electrical boxes to learn more. There are some applications where a metal, electrical enclosure does not perform well, but fiberglass excels. This includes extreme temperatures that can melt metal and highly corrosive environments that cause metal deterioration. Also, consider natural environments that are wet (such as marine or mining processes), outdoor electrical power installations, or industries that must endure hose down procedures. Rainwater, saltwater, and moisture can start the process of rust or corrosion on the inside and bottom of metal boxes. Why electricians prefer fiberglass? When an engineer or electrician requires a weather-proof electrical enclosure that can withstand rain, sleet, and snow, fiberglass is the preferred choice. Not only will your electrical wiring and components be kept dry, the electrical installation will also benefit from these additional properties of fiberglass enclosures:
Market Sectors That Prefer Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures Industry sectors that require electrical boxes and control system enclosures prefer lightweight, fiberglass over metal. These electrical enclosures have the added benefit of being soundproof, fire-resistant, and since the installation is so simple, you save time and money on labor and materials.
Sources https://www.alliedmoulded.com/product-category/industrial-enclosures-accessories/fiberglass-enclosures/empire-series-freestanding/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyjPWbLwgLM https://www.alliedmoulded.com/ Both the National Electric Code (NEC) and building codes warn against overfilling electrical outlet boxes with too many components, wires, and connectors. For this reason, selecting the right size junction box is important to prevent a box that crammed - which can lead to the wires overheating or two wires touching and short-circuiting. To prevent a shock hazard, fire risk, or loss of power, consider these 3 space requirements when sizing an electrical outlet box - volume, depth, and setback.
3 Tips for Sizing Electrical Boxes Tip 1. Determine the required Volume The required volume of an electrical box must provide enough room for air circulation (or free space) along with plenty of room for devices, conductors, and fittings. The requirements for Box fill calculations can be found in NEC Article 314, and applies to junction boxes, pull boxes, and device boxes. When choosing an electrical box, consider the box volume in cubic inches which is the amount of space or volume inside the box and any extensions of the box such as an extension ring or domed cover. Nonmetallic electrical boxes made out of fiberglass or polycarbonate materials will typically have the box's volume legibly marked by the manufacturer. The total volume is an indication of the number and size of wires and wiring devices that can be contained in the box. An electrical box must have a cubic-inch capacity to house all the fittings, wires, devices, and clamps that will be installed inside the box. Tip 2. Choosing a box Depth Non-metallic electrical boxes are available in various depths with the most common outlet and device boxes being 2", 3", 4" all the way up to 10" deep with a progressive increase of 2-inches. But, you can also find metal, square electrical boxes with depths of 1-1/4 to 2-1/8 inches. So how do you know how deep your electrical box should be? The depth of your electrical box will tie back to your box fill calculations. If are installing 4"x4" outlet boxes but need more space to meet code requirements, then choose a deeper box to prevent over-crowded and avoid violating the local building electrical codes. A deeper electrical box is also used when the installed components are too large for a standard size box. Tip 3. Consider the amount of Setback And finally, when considering an electrical box installation make sure you take note of how much setback will be required to ensure that access to components within the box or the flush-type cover or faceplate will be flush with the finished wall or floor after construction is done. You may have to consider plaster rings or extension rings to make sure electrical panels, receptacles, or other devices are not be recessed. Shop now at Allied Moulded Products, a major manufacturer and distributor of electrical enclosures, electrical boxes, and all the accessories you need to meet your required box volume, depth, and setback. We specialize in non-metallic electrical boxes with a large inventory of sizes from small junction boxes to large free-standing cabinets. Sources https://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/features/calculations/box-fill-calculations/ https://www.alliedmoulded.com/ You may think that this is often a much bigger job than that of putting in a light-weight switch but rest assured! Where there is a will, there is away!
WHAT you'll NEED: 220 Volt Outlet Electrical line tester, Electrical Outlet Boxes, Screwdriver, Wire cutters, Wire strippers, Pliers, and Utility knife. STEP 1: To get started, check the voltage on your outlet. Confirm that it's a 220-volt outlet. It’s vital that the outlet you put matches the plug configuration of your dryer. Next, you would like to seek out the wiring that's to be wont to connect the dryer outlet. Confirm the facility IS Turned Off. You’ll check this line at the breaker. Using the electrical line tester recommended, use it carefully and touch one probe to the black wire of the road and therefore the other to the red wire. If any lights come on, the facility remains on. Confirm that the facility IS OFF. When no lights come on, you'll be able to connect the outlet. STEP 2: If there's the necessity, you'll crop about 3 inches of the outer sheathing on the cable, with the utility knife. Basically, you would like to chop to reveal the four wires to attach to the outlet. The colors of the wires are as follows: black (hot), red (hot), white (neutral), bare/green (ground). Don’t cut too deeply into the sheathing because you would possibly damage the wires inside. Peel the sheathing back and cut it off. STEP 3: Use the wire strippers to strip off about 1 inch of insulation from each of the four wires. If the bottom wire has no insulation, then you'll not get to strip it. STEP 4: Next, you've got to run the wire through the opening within the outlet plate. Line up and mount the plate on the wall using the screws within the kit. All dryer outlets are alleged to have their own electrical plate so you are doing not got to install an Electrical Outlet Box for the wiring. STEP 5: You're almost done! Now that you simply have the outlet mounted to the wall, you would like to connect the black and red wires to the gold- or brass-colored screws (using the included screw and screwdriver). Attach the white (neutral) wire to the silver screw and therefore the green/bare wire to the green screw for the bottom wire. Tighten each screw to a cozy fit. Then, install the duvet plate over the outlet, using an equivalent screw and screwdriver. STEP 6: Turn the facility back on at the most breaker. Using the voltage line tester, you would like to insert one probe into the outlet where the black wire is connected and therefore the other probe where the red wire is connected. The sunshine will now illuminate and show that power is flowing to the outlet. Plug the dryer cord into the outlet. You're done! Now get your clothes within the dryer! For more info :- Electrical Enclosures Visit Us Social Media Update’s :- https://www.youtube.com/user/AlliedMoulded https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-moulded-products-inc/ https://www.facebook.com/alliedmoulded/ https://www.instagram.com/alliedmouldedproducts/ |