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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & DESIGN Enclosures, Cabinets & Fans Cost-effective water proofing Why buy a sarcophagus when all you really need is a plain box? Gel filling offers an alternative to bespoke design when you’re looking for long-lasting performance in tough, wet conditions Anyone who has had the responsibility of specifying enclosures for use in hostile environments or buying purpose built IP68 underwater enclosures to fulfil their specific requirements will know that it can be a very expensive and time consuming exercise. A whole host of specialist companies will tell you that they have designed and developed their particular range of products and that they have supplied enclosures for permanent submersion in up to 30 - 50 plus metres of water and can therefore provide you with a satisfactory solution to your enclosure problems. Sure they can – at a premium price. And then there are the ‘must have’ accessories. The specialist intricate gaskets and the matching cable glands and grommets, without which the entire enclosure is rendered useless. But now there are cheaper options, in the form of gel filling systems. We found solutions from both GH Lucas and Spelsberg in the UK. Already in wide use throughout Europe, the GH Lucas solution consists of an incredibly fast, crosslinking bi-component formula that is presented in two options. On the one hand, you can have the two components correctly proportioned into pouches, that are separated by a divider. Or alternatively, the product is offered in a two-bottle pack, together with a measuring vessel and mixing spoon to offer the user a no waste, quick, clean and efficient method of mixing and pouring. Simply pour the liquid into your standard enclosure and within 10 minutes of pouring, the mixture will be completely cross-linked and ready for use. The cross-linked material is characterised by strong binding forces that will not flow on exposure to heat, as the links between the molecular chains holds the chains together. Beyond a certain temperature, called the crystalline melting temperature, the crystals disappear and the material becomes soft and malleable. Wide ranging applications GH Lucas can demonstrate a host of successful uses for its gel-system solution, including enclosures for underground street lighting controls, mounted in sewer systems, in harbours with cameras inside to monitor fish stocks, on ROVs, in pits and water treatment plants, on pumping systems, on reservoirs, on rivers and on flood plain areas, transport systems, roadside monitoring equipment and other places where electrical equipment and other apparatus needs to be protected from condensation and water ingress, and with the possibility of being totally submerged underwater. In fact, according to the company, the deeper the gel-filled application is submerged, the more the natural water pressure increases the effectiveness of ingress protection, which is quite the opposite with traditional resin fill devices, as increased water pressure has been known to crack the resin in-fill at greater submerged depths. Further, the system is chemically inert and non-toxic, and therefore totally safe. For its part, Spelsberg ELS UK has launched its new Abox GT range of extreme environment electrical enclosures which can also make use of an extremely durable and easy to use gel-fill system to protect electrical connections, even after prolonged exposure to water, soil, sand or grit. The IP68-rated enclosure system will even withstand extended periods of total immersion. Abox GT enclosures are ideal for any application where electrical connections must be protected from the wet. Typical uses are in flood prone areas, washing installations, tunnels, docks and agricultural or horticultural applications. Spelsberg uses a semi-setting gel compound to protect the contents of the box after assembly. As with the GH Lucas solution, the gel is a two-part mixture designed for easy mixing and installation in the toughest site conditions. A handy mixer bag included with every box can be used to prepare and insert exactly the right amount of gel. Once cured, the gel-filled enclosures are shock and fracture-proof, UV-resistant and exhibit low flammability. Unlike foam based systems where the foam is extremely difficult to remove after it has been inserted, the clear Spelsberg Abox GT gel can easily be removed without damaging the enclosure or the connections allowing for simple rewiring or reuse. The Abox GT range is available in four sizes from 80x80x52mm to 140x140x79mm. The enclosures will handle cable cross sections from 1.5 to 10mm 2 . In tests, they withstand immersion in water to a depth of 15m for 168 hours. The new enclosures join the largest range of plastic enclosures available ex-stock in the UK from the company's Telford headquarters; centrally located to provide immediate access to technical support and next day delivery on all standard items. MORE INFORMATION: GH Lucas: enter D265 on the enquiry card Spelsberg ELS UK: enter D266 on the enquiry card Or visit www.industrialtechnology.co.uk 26 INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • May 2008
AZ_TopPult_a4_4c_engl.indd 1 12.11.2007 10:28:36 The aesthetics of functionality. New Rittal TopConsole. Compatible with TS 8 accessories The new Rittal TopConsole enclosure system adds a touch of style to machine control. After all, it is not only the sleek design which enables it to blend seamlessly into every conceivable work environment, but also the infi nite confi guration possibilities with system accessories of the TS 8 and CM enclosure series or the Rittal Industrial Workstation. Assembled or converted in a matter of minutes, the new Rittal TopConsole leaves no wishes unfulfi lled with regard to ergonomics and functionality. Rittal. Switch to perfection. Rittal Limited, Braithwell Way, Hellaby Industrial Estate, Hellaby, Rotherham, S Yorks S66 8QY Tel.: (01709) 704000 Fax: (01709) 701217 Internet: http://www.rittal.co.uk eMail: information@rittal.co.uk More details: Write in 270 on the free information card 27
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