Steel NEMA/IP Rated Enclosures

Steel Enclosure

Secure and sturdy, a steel sheet-metal enclosure is ideal for a wide variety of applications ranging from junction boxes and electrical panels to housing for industrial controls. Its main appeal is a reputation for toughness. In addition, the metal walls provide a measure of EMI/RF protection.

Bud Industries offers the electronics industry a wide range of NEMA and IP enclosures formed from sheet metal steel that meet exacting NEMA standards including NEMA 1, NEMA 3R, and NEMA 4. This selection also includes IP65 enclosures, IP67 enclosures, and IP66 enclosures which protect against washdown and rain. Because seams must be continuously welded to achieve a high NEMA/IP rating, buyers should source steel enclosures from suppliers with a reputation for quality manufacturing.

A good example of an IP65 steel enclosure is the Bud SN Series enclosure. Formed of 14 gauge steel, it has a gasketed hinged door that clamps to the body for a water-tight seal. A powder coat finish provides corrosion-protection (NEMA 4x). This series makes an ideal industrial controls cabinet.

The SN Series of NEMA sheet-metal boxes meet NEMA 1, 2, 4, 4X, 12, 13, and IP65 ratings. Made of durable 14-gauge steel, they can be mounted without the need to remove the cover and expose internal components.

The Bud SNB Series steel enclosure box is an example of an IP66 metal enclosure. It has a hinged door that closes with a quarter-turn latch for a waterproof seal. Like the SN Series, it includes an internal metal panel for mounting components.

What Are Stainless Steel Enclosures?

The SNB enclosure is also available in a stainless-steel version. Stainless-steel can withstand outdoor conditions including rain, snow, and locations near salt water.
Because of their cost, stainless-steel enclosures are used only when enclosures made of other materials do not meet the application requirements. However, Bud’s SNB-SS (stainless steel) sheet metal box is priced lower than many competitors.

A powder coating enables a carbon steel electrical enclosure to meet the same protection ratings as a stainless steel electrical enclosure. A powder coat is applied with high heat and cures to a tough finish that is excellent at preventing corrosion. Nevertheless, but if the enclosure will be used in a washdown or outdoor location where the coating could be badly scratched, then a stainless steel box may be a more durable choice.

Another consideration is modifications. Stainless steel usually requires special tooling to make cutouts. The easiest way to get modifications is to order them from the enclosure supplier. Bud has the correct tooling and experience for machining all enclosure materials.

Learn more about the benefits of using stainless steel electrical enclosures.