Cost-efficient Enclosures.

Efficiency is a top priority in panel building and switch-gear design and savings can be made by increasing productivity. Using an engineering solution to draw up electrical plans and documentation, in an essentially automated process, customers can benefit from a fully integrated data workflow.
There is also a need for enclosures that are based on a uniform system platform to suit various applications. It is advantageous when switchgear projects (across all industry sectors with very different requirements) can be implemented with one single enclosure system platform.

Rittal has “docked” their SE 8 enclosure system to its’ existing TS 8 platform, which now offers the same configuration options as traditional baying systems. Users are no longer forced to fall back on an enclosure system different from baying suites when preferring to use free-standing enclosures as stand-alone solutions. Rittal’s SE 8 enclosures use the same accessories for standalone applications as with the TS 8 bayed enclosures.

Another advantage is the expertise available from system manufacturers relating to the planning and installation of the TS 8 system can be directly transferred to the new enclosures. Since the SE 8 and TS 8’s modular systems for interior installation are identical, planning can be started immediately. Decisions an be made at a later stage whether a free-standing or a bayed enclosure is needed.
Rittal’s SE 8 is a one piece monobloc, consisting of two side panels and a roof, all made from one piece of sheet steel. This makes handling easier, as there is no need to mount the side panels. The rear panel can be unscrewed for easy access to the enclosure. Cable entry solutions can be employed on the integrated base frame, as in the TS 8 bayed system. Doors and base/plinth of the SE 8 have also been adopted from the TS 8 programme.

These design options are interesting for switchgear and control system manufacturers. For instance, the SE 8 free-standing system enclosure now features automatic potential equalisation of the enclosure body with the rear panel and gland plates. Special contact elements, pushed into the surface coating during the assembly procedure, provide a secure and conductive electrical connection. This solution significantly reduces costs and assembly times.

Rittal’s SE 8 offers better possibilities for interior installation than its predecessor (the ES 5000) as expansion on two mounting levels is possible. This increases flexibility and provides additional space. The SE 8 offers major potential savings because larger enclosure widths of up to 1800 mm are possible. Free-standing enclosures do not have to use two bayed enclosures.

Both Rittal’s TS 8 and the SE 8 share the same climate control platform, from fan and filter unit to chiller, allowing simpler ordering and assembly due to cross-platform common mounting dimensions and output categories. The TS 8 modular climate control concept can be used without any limitations.
Economical alternatives with the same technology are possible when there is certainty that a particular unit is not going to be expanded and that a free-standing enclosure is sufficient. Rittal’s SE 8, using the same technology, is a reasonably priced alternative to a baying system.