What Is the Purpose of a Commercial Enclosure?

Before buying an enclosure for your building, you should know the purpose, including aesthetics, cost, and materials. The following article will give you insight into this question. You can also read about the rating system and the material used for your building. The final decision will come down to security and aesthetics. Consider the following points.

Considerations

The design of a building enclosure system should consider several factors, from cost and function to aesthetics and buildability. A commercial enclosures Columbia SC can range from a small wooden box to a large structure, and materials and designs will depend on these factors. Cedar is a popular choice for building enclosures, as it is a highly flexible building material, easy to maintain, and relatively inexpensive. 

Depending on the climate and type of operation, specific enclosures will use multiple lines of defense against imposed phenomena. The level of redundancy will vary, from fully redundant to using individual materials to address different aspects of a charged phenomenon. A non-redundant assembly will be an ideal barrier.

Ratings

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right type of electrical enclosure for your application. First, select NEMA or IP standards set by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). This allows manufacturers to identify the most effective enclosures for various environments and types of equipment. In addition, choose a fabricator with experience with NEMA/IP enclosures.

The most important consideration is whether the enclosure is made of corrosion-resistant material. You need to choose an appropriate finish for outdoor and indoor applications. For indoor applications, carbon steel is a common material. You can decide to paint or pre-galvanized the enclosure to suit your needs. However, outdoor enclosures must be hot-dipped galvanized or electrodeposited zinc coated. NEMA 4X enclosures are a good option if you want protection from extreme water ingress. Different styles of NEMA Type 12 enclosures also provide different options in construction and mounting methods.

Materials

When designing a building enclosure, there are several things to consider. First, you should decide how many control functions the enclosure should be prepared to handle. This can be confusing because some types of enclosures address multiple control functions. In other cases, you can use one material to manage various parts. For example, you can use an air barrier membrane to reduce air movement through an air-permeable insulator without detracting from the thermal resistance of the assembly. High-performance building enclosures also intelligently arrange multiple materials to address various control functions, providing high resistance levels to imposed phenomena.

The next consideration is the material. Fiberglass is a lightweight, inexpensive option with good flame-retardant properties and is easy to work with. Another option is aluminum. While they can be expensive, aluminum and stainless steel are strong and durable. In addition, all three materials can be easily customized to meet your exact specifications. Metal is also the least expensive option, but it can be challenging to work with, so ask your enclosure builder for advice before buying material.

Security

A commercial enclosure has the potential to protect valuable equipment. However, this equipment may have a significant monetary value, and severe consequences can be unauthorized operation. Enclosures made of non-metallic materials can be easy targets for vandals and thieves. Some are equipped with quarter-turn latches, cam locks, and hidden hinges, while others are protected by security key access. 

Whether your enclosure is an outdoor or indoor unit, you need to ensure its security. Enclosures often contain electronic components and communication cabling infrastructure, making them easy targets. As a result, they may be vulnerable to physical or cyber-attacks. Therefore, it is vital to use an enclosure with the appropriate security measures to protect you and your business from both physical and cyber threats. 

Cost

Whether you’re installing an outdoor shower or a fenced-in garden, there are several ways to determine the cost of a commercial enclosure. Commercial-Pak enclosures, for example, are typically 14″ or 20″ tall and come in three, four, five, six, and seven-foot lengths. They’re packaged in either a baseboard-like carton or two-piece design for ease of transportation. These enclosures typically last five to twelve years in most climates and can be purchased online from most home improvement stores.

The materials used in the enclosure also influence the price. For example, a large project will require more material and labor than a small one, and larger sections will be more expensive. In addition, you may want to consider adding lighting to your enclosure, which will increase the overall cost. Also, remember that adding electrical outlets and a ceiling fan will increase the price. Choosing suitable materials can help you save money, but it’s crucial to think about the type of enclosure you want before shopping.

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