CONTROL CABINET GUIDE
How to Choose the Right Cabinet
choose the right enclosure for your application
Learn how to choose equipment enclosures based on material, IP rating, size, environmental requirements, and climate control needs.
Where Will the Cabinet be Used?
The environment is crucial for the choice of materials and level of protection
Industry
Harsh environments with dust, vibrations, and temperature variations.
Foodtech
Hygienic environments with requirements for cleaning and corrosion resistance.
Outside
Requires a high degree of protection and resistance to weather and wind.
Automation and Mechanical Engineering
Requires a high degree of protection and resistance to weather and wind.
Choose the Right Protection Level
The IP rating shows how well the cabinet protects against dust and water.
| Environment | Recommended IP |
|---|---|
| Indoor | IP54 – IP55 |
| Industry | IP65 |
| Outside | IP65 – IP66 |
| Wash zone / high pressure | IP66 – IP69K |
| Food industry | IP69K |
What Material is Best Suited?
Material selection affects durability, weight, corrosion resistance, and price.
Steel Plate
- Cost effective
- Robust and durable
- Wide Range
Sheet metal equipment cabinet
Stainless Steel (AISI 304/316)
- Corrosion-resistant
- Hygienic
- Wide Range
Stainless steel instrument cabinets
Plastic
- Lightweight and insulating
- High chemical resistance
- Cost Effective
See plastic caps
Aluminium
- Low weight
- Good EMC properties
- Corrosion-resistant
Aluminum enclosures
How Big of an Enclosure do you Need?
Consider three important factors to ensure the right size
Component Surface
Enough space for all equipment with good access.
Cable Space
Space with pull and bend radius on cable tray.
Reserve Space
Recommended 20-30% for future expansion.
Does the Cabinet Need Cooling?
Proper air conditioning ensures stable operation and a longer lifespan.
No Cooling
For applications with low heat generation.
Filter Fan
Efficient and cost-effective ventilation,
Cooling Units
Active cooling for high ambient temperatures.
Heat Exchangers
Cooling without electrical components
Recommended Series
Consider three important factors to ensure the right size
Comparison Table - Materials and IP Rating
| Material | IP Rating | Advantages | Limitations | Typical industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Plate | IP55–IP65 | Robust and cost-effective | Risk of corrosion | Industry, building |
| Stainless Steel | IP65–IP69K | Hygienic and corrosion-resistant | Higher cost | Food, pharmaceutical, offshore |
| Aluminium | IP65 | Low weight and good EMC shielding | Lower mechanical strength | Offshore, energy |
| Plastic | IP65–IP69K | Lightweight, insulating, and affordable | Limited durability | Building, telecom |
Do you need help choosing the right cabinet?
We help you choose the right enclosure based on size, material, IP rating, environmental requirements, and installation.
