Question 1

Are your enclosures IP rated (IEC 60529)?

Accepted Answer

To rate and grade the resistance of enclosures of electric and electronic devices against the entry of liquids and dust, IEC 60529 was developed. It also rates how simple it is for people to get to any potentially dangerous components inside the enclosure. For electrical or technical equipment, enclosures with high IP ratings are necessary. Equipment’s performance may be impacted if liquid, moisture, or solid particles enter it.
As shown in the table below, all other series are IP68 except for the AS series, which is IP66.

Series IP66 IP68 EN ü ES ü EN ü ES ü EN ü AS ü

Question 2

How to choose enclosures?

Accepted Answer

The proper plastic enclosure design is crucial when starting a new project after developing a product, not only for an excellent visual attribute but also for practical usability for the end-user. From plain boxes to intricate enclosures, there are many different types. The device’s size, shape, and intended use are just a few considerations when selecting an enclosure. The enclosure choice impacts the affordability, durability, and ease of assembly.

Choose a style (Terminal block: TB / Screw box cover: ES, ET, AS / Hinged: EN, MP)
Choose the desired size.
Choose the enclosure’s material.
Choose whether you want an opaque or transparent cover.
Choose the optional extras, such as the venting device, cable head, center door, base plate, and bracket.
Planning machining requirements is the last step.

Question 3

Why don’t ES, ET and TB series come with mounting brackets?

Accepted Answer

Our ES, ET, and TB series products are effortless to repair. The enclosure can be fixed without the use of a bracket. No bracket is attached because the ES, ET, and TB series can be fixed directly with screws. However, if you still want the brackets, you can buy them separately. The following are the usage instructions:

Question 4

What is the flow of machining requirements?

Accepted Answer

One of the most crucial stages of product development is enclosure design. Enclosures are the product’s exterior and the part we usually contact. They must be efficient while also being appealing and straightforward to use. Electronics of all kinds are frequently enclosed in plastic enclosures to keep them together, protect them from dust and dirt, and prevent impact damage. They could cover industrial, commercial, or consumer goods. Material selection is based on usage.

Provide the 2D drawing of the model to the customer to design the shapes, sizes, and locations of holes; if the .dwg cannot be opened, then the E-tan will assist in planning.
Confirm the drawing on the customer‘s side.
Then the type of material and color is decided.
Arrange the machine for processing.

Question 5

Can I choose the color of the enclosure?

Accepted Answer

The standard colors are light gray (RAL 7035) and transparency. If you need to custom color, the order quantity for the enclosures must meet the minimum quantity required for producing raw materials.

Question 6

I can‘t find a suitable size. Can I get custom enclosures?

Accepted Answer

The available off-the-shelf enclosure options may not always meet the specific requirements of your application. Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary resources to produce custom electronic enclosures, or the expenses greatly outweigh the advantages.
Since no customization is available, please find the closest size for all E-tan enclosures. However, there are some points that can be customized, such as machining (custom holes on enclosures), enclosure color (requires a certain number, there are MOQ restrictions), and enclosure printing (under planning).

Question 7

What is IP Code?

Accepted Answer

An international standard (IEC 60529) known as the “Protection Rating” (IP rating) rates the sealing effectiveness in electrical enclosures against the entry of objects, water, dust, or accidental contact.
The IP (Ingress Protection) letters are always followed by two digits and an optional letter in the IP code.

First digit: Solids protection

The first digit after the IP denotes the degree of defense provided by enclosed equipment against the entry of solid foreign objects and human access to potentially dangerous components like electrical conductors.

Level Diameter of Invasion-proof Sphere Description 0 n/a No protection from objects 1 >50mm Objects with a diameter greater than 50 mm cannot be invaded, and any large surface of the body can be avoided. 2 >12.5mm No intrusion of objects with a diameter greater than 12.5mm, approximately finger level. 3 >2.5mm Objects with a diameter greater than 2.5mm cannot be invaded and most tools can be prevented from entering. 4 >1mm The diameter of the object larger than 1mm cannot be invaded, and most of the wires and small tools are isolated. 5 Dustproof Does not completely prevent dust from entering but allows a certain level of dust to enter. 6 Completely Dustproof Completely prevents dust from entering.

Second digit: Liquids protection

The second digit indicates the equipment protection level inside the enclosure against water ingress in the code rating after IP.

Level Protective Testing Conditions 0 No protection N/A N/A 1 Drip Vertical drip should have no negative effect Test time : 10 minutes
Equivalent rainfall : 1 mm/min 2 Tilt 15° Drip 2.5 min/direction, four directions in total Test time: 10 minutes
Equivalent rainfall: 3 mm/min 3 Spray Pressurized spray with nozzle over the exterior of the equipment within ±60 degrees. Test time: 10 minutes
Water volume: 10 L/min
Water pressure: 50 ~ 150kPa 4 Splash Nozzle pressurized spray at any angle on the equipment should have no negative effect Test time: 10 minutes
Water volume: 10 L/min
Water pressure: 50 ~ 150kPa 5 Water spray The water jet from the 6.3 mm nozzle should have no negative effect at any angle on the equipment. Test time: > 3 minutes
Water volume: 12.5 L/min
Water pressure: 30kPa at a distance of 3m 6 High-pressure water jets Pressurized water jets from 12.5mm nozzle should have no negative effect on the equipment at any angle. Test time: >3 minutes
Water volume: 100 L/min
Water pressure：100kPa at a distance of 3m 7 Immersion in water The equipment enclosure will not be damaged by immersion in water (up to 1m) under specified conditions, including water pressure and time

Test time：30min
When the height of the equipment 850mm, the highest point of the equipment casing should be submerged 0.15m below the water surface.

8 ≦1m The equipment may be suitable for prolonged immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. This usually means that the equipment is sealed. Bilateral agreement, but more stringent than IPX7

Question 8

Can plastics be exposed to sunlight?

Accepted Answer

E-tan plastic enclosures can be used outdoors without cracking or powdering, but they will fade. PC fades the least quickly (⊿ E5.8 ~ ⊿ E9.07 @1000H), while ABS fades the fastest. If fading is essential to you, pick a PC.

Question 9

Are the properties of the plastics sharing the same names all the same?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous types of plastic in addition to a wide range of colors and properties. We must carefully compare the physical properties table when choosing raw materials to find the one that meets our requirements. For instance, the manufacturing method, formulation, and ingredient proportions all significantly impact the properties of the plastic material. Don&rsquo;t assume that all plastic materials bearing a given name are bad just because you&rsquo;ve previously used one plastic product with subpar physical qualities.

Question 10

Comparison of raw materials

Accepted Answer

ABS - ABS (full form Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a popular thermoplastic polymer frequently used to create plastic enclosures. The reason ABS is used in plastic enclosures is because of its toughness and strength.
PC - Polycarbonate is strong, stable, weatherproof, and transparent. It is as clear as glass.
PC/ABS- A combination of ABS and PC.

ABS PC/ABS PC Temperature Range -40 ~ 60℃ (-40 ~160°F) -40 ~ 85℃ (-40 ~185°F) -40 ~ 125℃ (-40 ~257°F Flammability (UL94) HB 5VB V-0 UV resistance Average Average Average

Question 11

How many plastic materials are there for the plastic enclosures?

Accepted Answer

Sensitive electronic and electrical components are housed and safeguarded in plastic enclosures for various applications. For indoor or outdoor applications that demand non-metallic enclosures, high-quality and long-lasting plastic housings are molded from impact - and flame-resistant polycarbonate (PC) or flame-retardant ABS.
We use various types, colors, textures, thicknesses, and grades of materials because every custom plastic enclosure is unique in its application. Typical components for plastic enclosures include:

ABS: UL 94-HB
Polycarbonate: UL 94 V-0

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