The electric enclosures are the cabinets that can be used for mounting the knobs, displays, and switches, among other electronic equipment. The built, seal, and configuration of the panel ensures that contents are protected continuously against the external environmental factors, and the handlers can quickly and conveniently handle and use controls without fearing electrical shocks.
However, the electrical enclosures and their upkeep/maintenance may not always be on the priority list of the engineers and floor managers, which leads to sudden and long term accrued faults and errors, causing downtimes and sometimes even accidents. To know whether your electrical enclosure is working correctly or not, one needs to look at the factors and aspects given below.
Cooling
For the internal environment of an electrical enclosure, a temperature of around 25°C is appropriate. There is no need for necessary cooling as it adds to the cost. Cooling can also be a cause of condensation, which can be detrimental to the life of the internal components and can be a cause of short-circuiting. Hence, it is crucial to monitor the cooling inside the enclosure from time to time.
Overloading
Do the circuit breakers of the enclosures trip often? Some panels may suffer from overloading and may trip time and again. If this is the case, you can check the connections and ensure that the enclosure circuits are only carrying enough load, which is not beyond their capacity. Sometimes the life of circuit breakers would be over. In all instances, the real problem should be identified and solved.
Malfunctions
Malfunctions and breakdowns, if occurring more than often, show that your panel needs maintenance scheduled right away. The parts may be damaged or may have worn out. In other cases, dirt, dust, and grime may cause issues with the circuits and lead to breakdowns and bottlenecks. Preventive maintenance finds out the various issues with the enclosure and fixes them before they turn to be a significant issue. In all instances, it is vital to check the conditions of the enclosures and panels regularly. Other issues related to wiring or overstuffing of the panels with electrical components are also fixed.
Incapacities
Electrical enclosures have their rating that is provided by standard agencies. The rating means that the enclosure can withstand specific hazards while it will fail to offer protection from others. For instance, an enclosure rated one by NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturer Association) will protect light and dust to some degree but are not dust-tight. Enclosures with NEMA rating of 4 are watertight. If the enclosure is not safeguarding against a particular hazard, it means that a wrong choice has been made. It is, therefore, essential to consult a leading enclosure manufacturer and supplier to procure the right and best panel for your facility.
Dimming lights
If the lights dim frequently, it shows that there is some electrical trouble, and it may be due to the panel as well. When this happens, the circuits, state of appliances, wiring, and other aspects of the enclosures need to be checked. Apart from these factors, the occurrence of corrosion and rust may also relate to some problems with the enclosure. Electrical enclosures prove to be the heart of the electrical supply of a facility, and it is highly essential to ensure that they remain in a good and safe state of configurations and functionalities.
