Rittal’s tips for configuring enclosures Interior installation — quick and with plenty of space

High packing densities in the enclosure and very short project times – these are just two of the challenges that switchgear manufacturers have to face today. In day-to-day business, it is important that the interior installation of the enclosure proceeds quickly, and that as many components as possible can be fitted into the enclosure at the same time.

The situation is well known in every electrical engineering company where enclosures are used: The enclosure has been selected and is waiting in the workshop. Now it just comes down to accommodating the necessary components – power distribution systems, switchgear, automation components, clamps and many other parts – in the enclosure and wiring them up. The various components need to be arranged logically to make the switchgear or automation solution easy to follow. At the same time, the relevant standards and the component manufacturers’ installation instructions all have to be taken into account. Apart from these general conditions, there are two other important requirements: The space-saving components must be placed in the enclosure, and interior installation carried out as rapidly as possible. Then for switchgear manufacturers, the pressures of time and cost are very high in many projects.

A lot of space on two levels

In order to meet the requirements described above, users need an enclosure system that offers a great deal of space and freedom for interior installation. The TS 8 modular enclosure system from Rittal offers many well thought-out solutions that cannot be found elsewhere. The central element is the frame section of the TS 8 with its uniform 25-mm pitch pattern. Equipment can be installed very flexibly and “wasted space” due to the limitations of the mounting options is practically non-existent. In addition to the frame section, two mounting levels are available that are used for installation. By using the external mounting level, up to 15 percent more space is available in the enclosure than with a single-level alternative.

Taking full advantage of the gaps

The space between the bayed enclosures can also be rationally employed. This means that the user can insert a mounting plate infill between two TS 8 bayed enclosures and so obtain a continuous mounting plate over both enclosures that can be freely populated. Alternatively, the intermediate space can be optimally used for a cable duct. That means more room for other components on the mounting plate, so counteracting the problem of increasing packing densities in the enclosure.

Well thought-out installation concepts save time

Rapid installation pays off in two ways: Apart from the fact that a system can be completed more quickly, fewer staff are needed, which has a positive effect on the costs. In many systems, a second employee must help out (for example, to mount the side panel of the enclosure). This task is solved in a very sophisticated way with the TS 8. The side panel can first be suspended from the enclosure; it then remains in position without having to be held. The member of staff can then comfortably screw the side panel tight. Other TS 8 assembly steps (for example, changing the door hinges from one side to the other) are performed following the same principle.

A speed advantage can also be achieved if installation stages are performed without tools. For example, one feature of the TS 8 is the Flex-Block base, the panels of which can be simply clipped on without tools. The entire base has been assembled in less than a minute during installation workshops at Rittal.

With such well thought-out solutions, Rittal is supporting enclosure manufacturers in building space-saving switchgear that is quick to assemble.

The assembly benefits of the TS 8 at a glance:

• Two mounting levels for maximum space utilisation, saving an extra 15% of space

• Optimum use of space between bayed enclosures by means of mounting plates and cable ducts

• Side panels can be assembled quickly, by just one individual

• The base system can be installed without using any tools