Enclosure operator stations, handhelds, PCs

Various enclosures offer protection for lights and pushbuttons at operation stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs) for monitoring and controlling processes, and personal computers to be used in industrial settings.

By Control Engineering Staff April 6, 2006

Operator stations by c3controls can fit non-fused disconnect switches; conduit hubs may be purchased separately or installed, or a conduit hole only may be specified.

Various enclosures offer protection for lights and pushbuttons at operation stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs) for monitoring and controlling processes, and personal computers to be used in industrial settings. Related enclosure products were introduced recently from c3controls , ” e-merge data solutions ,” and PC Enclosures Inc.

Operator stations by c3controls are available factory assembled or separate for field assembly, horizontally or vertically. Polyester, die cast, stainless steel, carbon steel, and polycarbonate enclosures are offered; most are rated NEMA Type 4/4X for watertight corrosion-resistance. Standard hardware is stainless steel, and watertight hubs are available in galvanized, aluminum, and PVC to match the conduit system used. Standard operator stations fit 30 or 22 mm pilot devices, pushbuttons, and selector switches; others can be designed to fit 16 and 13 mm lights. They are certified to UL and CSA standards and are CE marked for global applications.

OtterBox helps “e-merge” protect meter-reading equipment . With rugged terrain and uncompromising nature of meter reading, “e-merge data solutions” required a case that would protect and provide full personal data assistant (PDA) functionality. Since 2002, e-merge has worked with OtterBox to supply protective, waterproof, interactive cases for wireless handheld meter-reading equipment; most-recent offering is OtterBox 1900. While the partnership serves energy, utility, and field force industries, OtterBox enclosures can ruggedize other commercially available handheld technologies, keeping devices safe with access to charge functions, memory slots, cables, and more.

The company “e-merge” works with OtterBox to supply protective, waterproof, interactive cases for wireless handheld meter-reading equipment.

PC Enclosures Inc . says its computer enclosures extend the life of workstations in harsh factory-type environments, cost-effectively reducing costly downtime. The enclosure design has a positive airflow system without gaskets to protect computer equipment from water, dust, oil, etc. Cables enter through the enclosure bottom through a rubber grommet, keeping water, dust, and other harmful elements out. A durable, clear plastic top (which may be replaced at a very low cost) provides full view of all computer workstation components. The top fits over the unit base, making it nearly impossible for damaging elements to reach computer hardware. It’s available in powder-coated sheet metal or stainless steel for food-grade type environment and may be placed on available pedestal stand or tabletop. A wall-mounted bracket option also is available. PC Enclosures Inc. was among National Industrial Automation Show exhibitors during National Manufacturing Week in March.

—Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering, MHoske@cfemedia.com