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An electrical enclosure may look like nothing more than a box that sometimes resembles a locker of the sort, but it has a crucial function. It houses electrical or electronic equipment to mount switches and a host of knobs and displays.
That same unpretentious box also ensures equipment users and the general public are safe from electrical shock, and that everything kept inside it is protected from the elements. This doesn’t explain, however, why Enclosure Design freelancers are needed to make them. Until you open the box and get a view of the complexity of its content, that is.
The job of a freelance Enclosure Designer is to determine the various aspects that make a reliable enclosure, from the choice of material to the design standards. In the United States, an electrical enclosure must be built according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards.
These cover a wide range of factors, including submersion and corrosion resistance. Yes, there’s such a thing as submersion of a box that is linked to anything electrical or electronic. Without proper design considerations, sparks can fly, literally.
This puts emphasis on the need for reliable Enclosure Design services carried out by professionals. Because for something that looks simple and straightforward, major decisions have to be made during the design phase.
Enclosure Design freelancers must:
Define the geographical market where the enclosure will be installed, used or sold. Designers must adhere to the rules of the EU, US, Canada, and other markets.
Define where the enclosure will be used. An enclosure used on board ships is different from those used on land due to environmental factors, which influence the design and the choice of material to be used.
Outline how a design is verified. Part of the job of a freelance Enclosure Designer is to create tests and checks that will be carried out to define and refine a prototype and right through to the pre-production stage. Potential problems are best discovered while an enclosure is still being built, rather than after.
Perform risk assessment. Where electricity is involved, risk analysis is a must. This is also essential when applying for a certification.
Choose the best material to use right through to finishing. An electrical enclosure can be made of carbon steel or stainless steel, powder coated or left bare. Carbon steel is best for indoor applications. Stainless steel is at risk of surface corrosion when it comes in contact with carbon steel or other metals susceptible to corrosion.
With plenty of factors to consider, it is best to hire Enclosure Design freelancers to work on the electrical enclosure that you need.
Cad Crowd can help.
We have a team of enclosure designers that are highly qualified and have been pre-vetted to ensure that you are matched with someone skilled and knowledgeable in the field. Tell us about your project specifications, and we will choose a designer on your behalf.
You also have the option to directly hire a professional who is well-versed in Enclosure Design services. Simply check out a member’s profile and click Contact to get started.