Dealing with high packing densities in enclosures for switchgears

High packing densities in enclosures and very short project times are just two of the challenges that switchgear manufacturers have to face today.

From a commercial point of view, the interior of the enclosure must be fitted out as quickly as possible, while, at the same time, as many components as possible must be fitted into the enclosure.

In order to meet these requirements, users need an enclosure system that offers a great deal of space and freedom for interior installation.

In any electrical engineering company where enclosures are used  it’s understood that once the enclosure has been selected the next step is installing the necessary components (power distribution systems, switchgear, automation components, clamps etc) and wiring them up.

All these components need to be arranged logically to make the switchgear or automation solution easy to follow. At the same time, the relevant standards and the component manufacturers’ installation instructions have to be taken into account. But the time pressures are considerable; the interior fit-out must be completed as quickly as possible, and for switchgear manufacturers in particular, both time and cost pressures can be very high in many projects.

A lot of space on two levels

The TS 8 modular enclosure system from Rittal offers many well thought-out solutions that are not available elsewhere. The central element is the frame section of the TS 8 with its uniform 25-mm pitch pattern. Equipment can be installed very flexibly and “wasted space” due to the limitations of the mounting options is practically non-existent. In addition to the frame section, two mounting levels are available that are used for installation. By using the external mounting level, up to 15 per cent more space is available in the enclosure than with a single-level alternative.

Taking full advantage of the gaps

The space between the bayed enclosures can also be effectively employed. A mounting plate infill can be inserted between two TS 8 bayed enclosures, creating a continuous mounting plate across both that can be freely populated. Or, the intermediate space can be optimally used for a cable duct. That allows more room for other components on the mounting plate which solves the problem of increasing packing densities in the enclosure.

Well thought-out installation concepts save time

Rapid installation pays off in two ways. Apart from the fact that a system can be completed more quickly, fewer staff are also needed, which therefore lowers costs.

Many systems require two people to install them (for example, to mount the side panel of the enclosure). But with the TS 8, the side panel can first be suspended from the enclosure. It then remains in position without having to be held by a second person before it is screwed tight. Other TS 8 assembly steps (for example, changing the door hinges from one side to the other)

are follow the same principle meaning it can be installed by one individual.

Meanwhile, dispensing with tools will also speed up installation. For example, one feature of the TS 8 is the Flex-Block base, the panels of which can be simply clipped on. The entire base has been assembled in less than a minute during installation workshops at Rittal.

With such well thought-out solutions, Rittal is supporting enclosure manufacturers in building space-saving switchgear that is quick to assemble.

In Summary:  The TS 8 Assembly Benefits

Two mounting levels lower the use of space by 15 per cent

Optimum use of space between bayed enclosures by means of mounting plates and cable ducts

Side panels can be assembled quickly and by just one individual

The base system can be installed without using any tools​