Enclosures Product Research (February 2007)

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding Enclosures/Consoles.

By Control Engineering Staff February 5, 2007

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding Enclosures/Consoles.

Executive Summary

Among those specifying, recommending, and/or buying enclosures/consoles, 70% do so for in-plant requirements and 49% buy for OEM needs.

Supervisory control and data acquisition is the most prominent application for enclosures/consoles. Machine control, CNC equipment is applicable at 40% of respondents’ locations.

The types of protection needed for enclosures/consoles vary. One common type of protection listed was dust-proof which was either at or near the top of each type of enclosure/console listed.

Cooling fans are the predominant cooling system used for enclosure/console applications. Air conditioners were used about half the time.

Plant-floor environments were the most common area where enclosures/consoles are needed. Enclosures/consoles were needed about 41% of the time in hazardous environments. • NEMA was the most common level of protection required for both faceplate and cabinet type enclosures/consoles. Very few respondents were very familiar with both UL508A and RoHS requirements for enclosures/consoles.

Wall mounts is the most commonly needed mount for enclosures with 82% of respondents mentioning this requirement. 83% of respondents use enclosures with their computer, HMI, and printer applications. 76% use enclosures with fan and filter kits.

Cost, ease of use, and availability from stock are the most important factors when deciding which supplier to use for enclosures/consoles.

Carbon steel and stainless steel are the two most common types of enclosures/consoles purchased. Fabricated metal is the overwhelming choice of enclosure/console specified.

There is very little variation in the needs of respondents when comparing customized to “off-the-shelf” enclosures/consoles over a 10-year period.

Hoffman is the most purchased brand of enclosure/console over the last 12 months. Most respondents purchase enclosures/consoles through distribution channels.

134 was the average number of enclosures/consoles each survey participant purchased during the past 12 months. Average spending per respondent on enclosures/consoles in the past year was $67,744.

One-third of respondent’s report their purchases of enclosures/consoles will grow in the next 12 months with 58% stating their purchases will remain the same. Only 8% expect a decline.

Enclosures Product Research 2007