US20020046853A1 - Waterproof enclosure for electrical devices - Google Patents
Waterproof enclosure for electrical devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020046853A1 US20020046853A1 US09/471,045 US47104599A US2002046853A1 US 20020046853 A1 US20020046853 A1 US 20020046853A1 US 47104599 A US47104599 A US 47104599A US 2002046853 A1 US2002046853 A1 US 2002046853A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hood
- extending
- cap
- roof assembly
- enclosure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
- H01F27/02—Casings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/28—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20009—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating using a gaseous coolant in electronic enclosures
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to enclosures for electrical components and, more particularly, to a waterproof enclosure for electrical devices.
- Enclosures are used in electrical power distribution systems to house various electrical components. These enclosures protect the electrical distribution equipment mounted therein from damage. Such applications include electrical switchboards, switchgear, and motor control centers. The degree of protection provided by the enclosure is dictated by the area in which the enclosure is to be located.
- the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) defines different types of enclosures by the location of the enclosure and the various elements that the enclusure must be able to withstand. For example, NEMA Type 3 enclusres are for outdoor use, and NEMA Type 3R must provide a degree of protection agains falling rain, sleet, and external ice formation. Enclosures may also be designed to meet waterproof ratings as listed in Underwriters Laboratories standard 891 section 35 and ANSI/IEEE standard C37.20.3-1987 Section 5.2.9.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 A typical outdoor enclusure (e.g., NEMA Type 3R) is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the switchboard type enclosure 10 includes a front frame 12 and a roof assembly 14 attached to a switchboard section 16 .
- Switchboard section 16 is an indoor type enclosure (e.g., NEMA Type 1 or 2), which includes a metal cover secured to a frame 18 and forming side covers 20 and back cover 22 .
- Mounted within switchboard section 16 are a plurality of electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fusible switches, motor controllers, or other electrical components (not shown).
- Front frame 12 is attached to the perimeter of the switchboard section 16 .
- Front frame 12 includes walls 24 extending forward from side covers 20 , and a door 26 .
- Walls 24 and door 26 protect the electrical components within switchboard section 16 from the elements, while door 26 allows personnel to access these electrical devices.
- a handle 28 with provisions for a padlock prevent unauthorized access to the electrical devices.
- Roof assembly 14 includes a sloped hood 30 that extends across the width of switchboard section 16 from side 20 to side 20 .
- Hood 30 extends a distance (shown here as five inches) past the back cover 22 of switchboard section 16 and past the front of door 26 .
- Front and rear edges of hood 30 include flanges 32 , 34 that extend downwardly.
- Secured between flange 32 and front frame 12 and between flange 34 and rear frame 16 are a pair of screen vents 36 , which both extend across the width of hood 30 .
- the screen vents 36 are formed of wire or foam filters to keep out water, debris, and insects.
- a pair of caps 38 are disposed along the edges of hood 30 adjacent sides 20 , 24 .
- hood 30 includes mounting flanges 50 which extend along sides of hood 30 .
- Flanges 50 of hood are secured to lifting brackets 52 .
- Lifting brackets 52 are secured to the frame 18 of switchboard section 16 and extend along the entire length of hood 30 .
- Lifting brackets 52 provide a lifting point on enclosure 10 if it is necessary to move enclosure 10 .
- caps 38 are secured to flanges 50 .
- An optional center lifting bracket 54 and center cap 56 are shown for use with switchboard sections 16 having a portion of the frame 18 extending through the center of the switchboard section 16 .
- the enclosure 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 uses front and rear overhangs, formed by the extension of roof assembly 14 past back cover 22 and front of door 26 , to vent heat from the electrical devices mounted within the enclosure.
- the rear overhang increases the area the customer must allocate to the equipment by adding, for example, five inches of depth betwen the back cover 22 of the equipment and any any object next to which one would place it.
- a roof assembly forms the top of an enclosure for electrical devices.
- the roof assembly includes a hood formed from a sheet of waterproof material.
- the hood extends across a portion of the top of the enclosure.
- a cap extends above a portion of the hood, and a channel extends between the cap and the hood. The channel allows the passage of air into and out of the enclosure.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of an enclosure of the prior art
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the roof assembly of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an enclosure of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of detail “A” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of detail “B” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a front view of section “D-D” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 8 is a front view of section “C-C” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an side cap of the enclosure of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a center cap of the enclosure of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a waterproof enclosure of the present invention, generally shown at 100 .
- the enclosure 100 is shaped substantially as a rectangular prism having four sides 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , a top 110 , and a bottom 112 .
- the enclosure 100 includes a front frame 114 , a base plate 116 , and a roof assembly 118 attached to a component mounting section 120 .
- Front frame 114 extends from the front of component mounting section 120 , and includes doors 122 for protecting electrical components (not shown) mounted within the component mounting section 120 .
- Front frame 114 and component mounting section 120 are secured to substantially rectangular base plate 116 , which forms the bottom 112 of enclosure 100 .
- Roof assembly 118 is attached to the top of front frame 114 and component mounting section 120 for preventing the ingress moisture into front frame 114 and component mounting section 120 .
- Roof assembly 118 includes ventilation channels 124 , 126 , 128 , 130 disposed along the length of caps 132 , 134 , 136 to increase air flow through the enclosure 100 for cooling the electrical components mounted therein, as is described in further detail hereinafter.
- Component mounting section 120 includes an internal frame 138 with side panels 140 and a back panel 142 attached to the frame 138 .
- Back panel 142 is a substantially rectangular plate extending the entire height and width of the enclosure 100 to form the back side 108 of the enclosure 100 .
- Side panels 140 are substantially rectangular plates that extend perpendicularly from the side edges of back panel 142 to form a portion of sides 102 , 106 of the enclosure 100 .
- Mounted within component mounting section 120 are a plurality of electrical devices (not shown) such as circuit breakers, fusible switches, motor controllers, or other electrical devices.
- Component mounting section 120 may comprise, for example, a switchboard, switchgear, or motor control mounting cabinet.
- Front frame 114 includes walls 144 which extend forward from, and substantially parallel to, side panels 140 of the component mounting section 120 .
- Walls 144 and side plates 140 form sides 102 , 106 of the enclosure 100 .
- Doors 122 are hingedly attached to walls 144 , and form the front side 104 of the enclosure 100 .
- An internal frame 146 provides support to walls 144 and doors 122 .
- Walls 144 and doors 122 protect the electrical components mounted within the component mounting section 120 from the elements, while doors 122 allow personnel to access these electrical devices.
- a handle 148 with provisions for a padlock prevent unauthorized access to the electrical devices.
- Roof assembly 118 forms the top 110 of enclosure 100 .
- Roof assembly 118 includes side caps 132 , 136 and center cap 134 that extend substantially parallel to sides 102 , 106 along top 110 .
- Roof assembly 118 further includes hoods 150 , 152 .
- Hood 150 extends between caps 132 and 134 , along the length of these caps.
- hood 152 extends between caps 134 and 136 , and along the length of these caps.
- Hoods 150 and 152 may be sloped from front 104 to the back 108 of the enclosure 100 to allow any moisture which may collect on hoods 150 and 152 to drain off of the enclosure 100 .
- Caps 132 , 134 , 136 , and hoods 150 , 152 are constructed of a waterproof material such as steel or plastic.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 show side views of detail “A” and detail “B” in FIG. 4. While hood 152 and side cap 136 are shown, this arrangement is typical for hood 150 and caps 132 , 134 as well.
- Hood 152 includes front and back flanges 154 , 156 that extend downward from a top surface 158 . Flanges 154 , 156 are connected to end portions 160 , 162 of cap 136 by bolts 164 or similiar means. As shown in FIG. 5, cap 136 and hood 152 extend a distance “x” (e.g. five inches) past the front side 104 of enclosure 100 .
- x e.g. five inches
- this overhang provides a ventillation duct between the hood 152 and the front frame 114 for allowing air to flow into the enclosure 100 .
- a screen vent 166 formed of wire or foam filters, is disposed between the front flange 154 and the front frame 114 to keep out water, debris, and insects. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that back flange 156 of hood 152 is secured against the back panel 142 , with end portion 162 of cap 136 secured against back flange 156 using bolts 164 or similar means.
- FIG. 7 a front view of section “D-D” of the enclosure 100 of FIG. 4 is shown. While hood 152 and side cap 136 are shown, this arrangement is typical for hood 150 and side cap 132 as well.
- Hood 152 includes a side flange 200 extending along the side edge of top surface 158 and substantially perpendicular thereto.
- a lip 202 extends perpendicularly from a free edge of side flange 200 .
- Side cap 136 includes a side surface 204 , which extends parallel to, and in intamate contact with, frame 146 of front frame 114 .
- Side cap 136 also includes a top surface 206 , extending perpendicularly from side surface 204 , and a flange 208 , which extends from top surface 206 in a direction substantially parallel to side surface 204 .
- a lip 210 extends perpendicularly from a free edge of flange 208 .
- Channel 130 is formed between lip 210 and top surface 158 , lip 210 and lip 202 , and lip 202 and top surface 206 .
- Channel 130 extends along the entire length of side cap 136 , from back side 108 of enclosure 100 to front side 104 of enclosure 100 (see FIG. 1).
- Channel 130 allows the exhaust of warm air from the enclosure 100 .
- the ingress of moisture is prevented by the tortuous path created for the air flow, with lips 202 and 210 preventing drops of water bouncing off of hood 152 from entering enclosure 100 .
- a lifting lug 212 is secured to frame 138 of component mounting portion 120 (see FIG. 1) by welding or similar process.
- Lifting lug 212 includes a u-shaped bracket 214 with a bolt 216 extending from one side of the u-shaped bracket 214 to the other.
- Lifting lug 212 provides a lifting point on enclosure 100 if it is necessary to move enclosure 100 .
- Lifting lug 212 also includes an L-shaped extension 218 depending from the bottom of the u-shaped bracket 214 and extending upward therefrom to contact side flange 200 of hood 152 .
- Side flange 200 of hood 152 is secured to L-shaped extension 218 by bolts or similar means.
- Hoods 150 and 152 each include a side flange 250 extending along the side edge of top surface 158 and substantially perpendicular thereto.
- a lip 252 extends perpendicularly from a free edge of side flange 250 .
- Center cap 134 includes a top portion 254 with eaves 256 extending at an angle (e.g. 45 degrees) downward from side edges of top portion 254 .
- a lip 258 extends downward from the free edge of each eave 256 .
- Channels 126 , 128 are formed on either side of cap 254 between lip 258 and top surface 158 , lip 252 and eave 256 .
- Channels 126 , 128 extend along the entire length of center cap 134 , from back side 108 of enclosure 100 to front side 104 of enclosure 100 (see FIG. 1).
- Channels 126 , 128 allow the exhaust of warm air from the enclosure 100 . The ingress of moisture is prevented by the tortuous path created for the air flow. If any drops of water should collect on the underside of center cap 134 , the downward angle of the eaves 256 will drain this water back onto the hoods 150 , 152 . The slope of hood 152 will cause this water to drain off of the enclosure 100 .
- a pair of lifting lugs 212 are secured to frame of component mounting portion by welding or similar process.
- Side flanges 250 of hoods 150 , 152 are secured to L-shaped extensions 218 of lifting lugs 212 by bolts or similar means.
- FIG. 9 an exploded perspective view of side cap 136 is shown. While hood 152 and side cap 136 are shown, this arrangement is typical for hood 150 and side cap 132 as well. Holes 300 in end portion 160 of cap 136 align with holes 302 in front flange 154 of hood 152 , for accepting bolts 164 (FIG. 5) to secure cap 136 to hood 152 . Holes 304 in lip 202 of hood 152 accept screws 306 for securing a screen vent 308 , formed of wire or foam filters, thereto. Screen vent 308 helps to keep water, debris, and insects from entering the channel formed between cap 136 and hood 152 .
- a pair of lifting lugs 212 are secured to frame 138 of component mounting portion 120 and to side flange 200 of hood 152 . As can be seen, lifting lugs 212 extend along only a small portion of side 106 . Therefore, lifting lugs 212 obstruct only a small portion of the channel formed between cap 136 and hood 152 .
- FIG. 10 an exploded perspective view of center cap 134 is shown. Holes 350 in end portion 160 of cap 134 align with holes 352 in front flanges 154 of hoods 150 , 152 , for accepting bolts 164 (FIG. 5) to secure cap 134 to hoods 150 , 152 . Holes 354 in lips 252 of hoods 150 , 152 accept screws 356 for securing a screen vents 358 , formed of wire of foam filters, thereto. Screen vents 358 helps to keep water, debris, and insects from entering the channels formed between center cap 134 and hoods 150 , 152 .
- Lifting lugs 212 are secured to frame 138 of component mounting portion 120 and to side flanges 250 of hoods 150 , 152 . Lifting lugs 212 extend along only a small portion of the space between hoods 150 , 152 . Therefore, lifting lugs 212 obstruct only a small portion of the channels formed between hoods 150 , 152 and cap 134 .
- the waterproof enclosure of the present invention by removing the need for a rear overhang, reduces space requirements from those required for prior art enclosures.
- the waterproof enclosure described herein uses ventilation channels disposed along the length of caps to increase air flow through the enclosure for cooling the electrical components mounted therein. With the ventilation channels described herein, a chimney effect is created, allowing heated air rising off the equipment to exit through the channels. These channels have been shown to provide improved ventilation over the prior art design. This design has also been shown to meet waterproof ratings listed in Underwriters Laboratories standard 891 section 35 and ANSI/IEEE standard C37.20.3-1987 Section 5.2.9.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
- Patch Boards (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates generally to enclosures for electrical components and, more particularly, to a waterproof enclosure for electrical devices.
- Enclosures are used in electrical power distribution systems to house various electrical components. These enclosures protect the electrical distribution equipment mounted therein from damage. Such applications include electrical switchboards, switchgear, and motor control centers. The degree of protection provided by the enclosure is dictated by the area in which the enclosure is to be located. The National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) defines different types of enclosures by the location of the enclosure and the various elements that the enclusure must be able to withstand. For example, NEMA Type 3 enclusres are for outdoor use, and NEMA Type 3R must provide a degree of protection agains falling rain, sleet, and external ice formation. Enclosures may also be designed to meet waterproof ratings as listed in Underwriters Laboratories standard 891 section 35 and ANSI/IEEE standard C37.20.3-1987 Section 5.2.9.
- A typical outdoor enclusure (e.g., NEMA Type 3R) is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
switchboard type enclosure 10 includes a front frame 12 and aroof assembly 14 attached to aswitchboard section 16.Switchboard section 16 is an indoor type enclosure (e.g., NEMA Type 1 or 2), which includes a metal cover secured to aframe 18 and forming side covers 20 andback cover 22. Mounted withinswitchboard section 16 are a plurality of electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fusible switches, motor controllers, or other electrical components (not shown). Front frame 12 is attached to the perimeter of theswitchboard section 16. Front frame 12 includeswalls 24 extending forward fromside covers 20, and adoor 26.Walls 24 anddoor 26 protect the electrical components withinswitchboard section 16 from the elements, whiledoor 26 allows personnel to access these electrical devices. Ahandle 28 with provisions for a padlock prevent unauthorized access to the electrical devices.Roof assembly 14 includes asloped hood 30 that extends across the width ofswitchboard section 16 fromside 20 toside 20. Hood 30 extends a distance (shown here as five inches) past theback cover 22 ofswitchboard section 16 and past the front ofdoor 26. Front and rear edges ofhood 30 includeflanges flange 32 and front frame 12 and betweenflange 34 andrear frame 16 are a pair ofscreen vents 36, which both extend across the width ofhood 30. Typically, thescreen vents 36 are formed of wire or foam filters to keep out water, debris, and insects. A pair ofcaps 38 are disposed along the edges ofhood 30adjacent sides - An exploded view of
roof assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3,hood 30 includes mountingflanges 50 which extend along sides ofhood 30.Flanges 50 of hood are secured to liftingbrackets 52.Lifting brackets 52 are secured to theframe 18 ofswitchboard section 16 and extend along the entire length ofhood 30.Lifting brackets 52 provide a lifting point onenclosure 10 if it is necessary to moveenclosure 10. Onceenclosure 10 is in position,caps 38 are secured toflanges 50. An optionalcenter lifting bracket 54 andcenter cap 56 are shown for use withswitchboard sections 16 having a portion of theframe 18 extending through the center of theswitchboard section 16. - The
enclosure 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 uses front and rear overhangs, formed by the extension ofroof assembly 14past back cover 22 and front ofdoor 26, to vent heat from the electrical devices mounted within the enclosure. However, the rear overhang increases the area the customer must allocate to the equipment by adding, for example, five inches of depth betwen theback cover 22 of the equipment and any any object next to which one would place it. - In applications of the
enclosure 10 of FIGS. 1-3, if a rear overhang cannot be used, the entire roof assembly must be shifted so that theflange 34 on the rear ofhood 30 is flush with theback cover 22. However, this modification eliminates the convective flow of air through theenclosure 10. Indeed, inenclosures 10 where such a modification is made, the ampere rating of the enclosure must be reduced. In addition, this modification increases the amount of overhang on the front of theenclosure 10. - It is therefore desirable to provide an enclosure for electrical components having reduced space requirements through removal of the rear overhang, while providing sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating of the internal electrical components, and while meeting waterproof ratings listed in Underwriters Laboratories standard 891 section 35 and ANSI/IEEE standard C37.20.3-1987 Section 5.2.9.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a roof assembly forms the top of an enclosure for electrical devices. The roof assembly includes a hood formed from a sheet of waterproof material. The hood extends across a portion of the top of the enclosure. A cap extends above a portion of the hood, and a channel extends between the cap and the hood. The channel allows the passage of air into and out of the enclosure.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of an enclosure of the prior art;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the roof assembly of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an enclosure of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of detail “A” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of detail “B” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a front view of section “D-D” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 8 is a front view of section “C-C” of the enclosure of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an side cap of the enclosure of FIG. 4; and
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a center cap of the enclosure of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a waterproof enclosure of the present invention, generally shown at100. The
enclosure 100 is shaped substantially as a rectangular prism having foursides bottom 112. Theenclosure 100 includes afront frame 114, abase plate 116, and a roof assembly 118 attached to acomponent mounting section 120.Front frame 114 extends from the front ofcomponent mounting section 120, and includesdoors 122 for protecting electrical components (not shown) mounted within thecomponent mounting section 120.Front frame 114 andcomponent mounting section 120 are secured to substantiallyrectangular base plate 116, which forms thebottom 112 ofenclosure 100. Roof assembly 118 is attached to the top offront frame 114 andcomponent mounting section 120 for preventing the ingress moisture intofront frame 114 andcomponent mounting section 120. Roof assembly 118 includesventilation channels caps enclosure 100 for cooling the electrical components mounted therein, as is described in further detail hereinafter. -
Component mounting section 120 includes an internal frame 138 withside panels 140 and aback panel 142 attached to the frame 138.Back panel 142 is a substantially rectangular plate extending the entire height and width of theenclosure 100 to form theback side 108 of theenclosure 100.Side panels 140 are substantially rectangular plates that extend perpendicularly from the side edges ofback panel 142 to form a portion ofsides enclosure 100. Mounted withincomponent mounting section 120 are a plurality of electrical devices (not shown) such as circuit breakers, fusible switches, motor controllers, or other electrical devices. The electrical devices are electrically connected to an electrical distribution circuit (not shown), a portion of which passes intoenclosure 100 via holes (not shown) in theback panel 142 orbase plate 116.Component mounting section 120 may comprise, for example, a switchboard, switchgear, or motor control mounting cabinet. -
Front frame 114 includeswalls 144 which extend forward from, and substantially parallel to,side panels 140 of thecomponent mounting section 120.Walls 144 andside plates 140 form sides 102, 106 of theenclosure 100.Doors 122 are hingedly attached towalls 144, and form thefront side 104 of theenclosure 100. Aninternal frame 146 provides support towalls 144 anddoors 122.Walls 144 anddoors 122 protect the electrical components mounted within thecomponent mounting section 120 from the elements, whiledoors 122 allow personnel to access these electrical devices. Ahandle 148 with provisions for a padlock prevent unauthorized access to the electrical devices. - Roof assembly118 forms the top 110 of
enclosure 100. Roof assembly 118 includes side caps 132, 136 and center cap 134 that extend substantially parallel tosides hoods Hood 150 extends betweencaps 132 and 134, along the length of these caps. Similarly,hood 152 extends betweencaps 134 and 136, and along the length of these caps.Hoods front 104 to the back 108 of theenclosure 100 to allow any moisture which may collect onhoods enclosure 100. -
Caps hoods - FIGS. 5 and 6 show side views of detail “A” and detail “B” in FIG. 4. While
hood 152 andside cap 136 are shown, this arrangement is typical forhood 150 and caps 132, 134 as well.Hood 152 includes front andback flanges 154, 156 that extend downward from atop surface 158.Flanges 154, 156 are connected to endportions cap 136 bybolts 164 or similiar means. As shown in FIG. 5,cap 136 andhood 152 extend a distance “x” (e.g. five inches) past thefront side 104 ofenclosure 100. As in the prior art, this overhang provides a ventillation duct between thehood 152 and thefront frame 114 for allowing air to flow into theenclosure 100. A screen vent 166, formed of wire or foam filters, is disposed between thefront flange 154 and thefront frame 114 to keep out water, debris, and insects. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that back flange 156 ofhood 152 is secured against theback panel 142, withend portion 162 ofcap 136 secured against back flange 156 usingbolts 164 or similar means. With the exception of the thickness of flange 156,end portion 160, andbolts 164, which protrude a distance (e.g., ½ inch) fromback panel 142, there is no overhang in the back ofenclosure 100. - Referring now to FIG. 7, a front view of section “D-D” of the
enclosure 100 of FIG. 4 is shown. Whilehood 152 andside cap 136 are shown, this arrangement is typical forhood 150 andside cap 132 as well.Hood 152 includes aside flange 200 extending along the side edge oftop surface 158 and substantially perpendicular thereto. Alip 202 extends perpendicularly from a free edge ofside flange 200.Side cap 136 includes aside surface 204, which extends parallel to, and in intamate contact with,frame 146 offront frame 114.Side cap 136 also includes atop surface 206, extending perpendicularly fromside surface 204, and aflange 208, which extends fromtop surface 206 in a direction substantially parallel toside surface 204. Alip 210 extends perpendicularly from a free edge offlange 208.Channel 130 is formed betweenlip 210 andtop surface 158,lip 210 andlip 202, andlip 202 andtop surface 206.Channel 130 extends along the entire length ofside cap 136, from backside 108 ofenclosure 100 tofront side 104 of enclosure 100 (see FIG. 1).Channel 130 allows the exhaust of warm air from theenclosure 100. The ingress of moisture is prevented by the tortuous path created for the air flow, withlips hood 152 from enteringenclosure 100. - A lifting
lug 212 is secured to frame 138 of component mounting portion 120 (see FIG. 1) by welding or similar process. Liftinglug 212 includes au-shaped bracket 214 with abolt 216 extending from one side of theu-shaped bracket 214 to the other. Liftinglug 212 provides a lifting point onenclosure 100 if it is necessary to moveenclosure 100. Liftinglug 212 also includes an L-shapedextension 218 depending from the bottom of theu-shaped bracket 214 and extending upward therefrom to contactside flange 200 ofhood 152.Side flange 200 ofhood 152 is secured to L-shapedextension 218 by bolts or similar means. - Referring to FIG. 8, a front view of section “C-C” of the
enclosure 100 of FIG. 4 is shown.Hoods side flange 250 extending along the side edge oftop surface 158 and substantially perpendicular thereto. Alip 252 extends perpendicularly from a free edge ofside flange 250. Center cap 134 includes atop portion 254 witheaves 256 extending at an angle (e.g. 45 degrees) downward from side edges oftop portion 254. A lip 258 extends downward from the free edge of eacheave 256.Channels cap 254 between lip 258 andtop surface 158,lip 252 andeave 256.Channels side 108 ofenclosure 100 tofront side 104 of enclosure 100 (see FIG. 1).Channels enclosure 100. The ingress of moisture is prevented by the tortuous path created for the air flow. If any drops of water should collect on the underside of center cap 134, the downward angle of theeaves 256 will drain this water back onto thehoods hood 152 will cause this water to drain off of theenclosure 100. - A pair of lifting
lugs 212 are secured to frame of component mounting portion by welding or similar process.Side flanges 250 ofhoods extensions 218 of liftinglugs 212 by bolts or similar means. - Referring to FIG. 9, an exploded perspective view of
side cap 136 is shown. Whilehood 152 andside cap 136 are shown, this arrangement is typical forhood 150 andside cap 132 as well.Holes 300 inend portion 160 ofcap 136 align withholes 302 infront flange 154 ofhood 152, for accepting bolts 164 (FIG. 5) to securecap 136 tohood 152.Holes 304 inlip 202 ofhood 152 acceptscrews 306 for securing a screen vent 308, formed of wire or foam filters, thereto. Screen vent 308 helps to keep water, debris, and insects from entering the channel formed betweencap 136 andhood 152. A pair of liftinglugs 212 are secured to frame 138 ofcomponent mounting portion 120 and toside flange 200 ofhood 152. As can be seen, liftinglugs 212 extend along only a small portion ofside 106. Therefore, liftinglugs 212 obstruct only a small portion of the channel formed betweencap 136 andhood 152. - Referring to FIG. 10, an exploded perspective view of center cap134 is shown.
Holes 350 inend portion 160 of cap 134 align withholes 352 infront flanges 154 ofhoods hoods Holes 354 inlips 252 ofhoods screws 356 for securing a screen vents 358, formed of wire of foam filters, thereto. Screen vents 358 helps to keep water, debris, and insects from entering the channels formed between center cap 134 andhoods component mounting portion 120 and toside flanges 250 ofhoods hoods lugs 212 obstruct only a small portion of the channels formed betweenhoods - The waterproof enclosure of the present invention, by removing the need for a rear overhang, reduces space requirements from those required for prior art enclosures. The waterproof enclosure described herein uses ventilation channels disposed along the length of caps to increase air flow through the enclosure for cooling the electrical components mounted therein. With the ventilation channels described herein, a chimney effect is created, allowing heated air rising off the equipment to exit through the channels. These channels have been shown to provide improved ventilation over the prior art design. This design has also been shown to meet waterproof ratings listed in Underwriters Laboratories standard 891 section 35 and ANSI/IEEE standard C37.20.3-1987 Section 5.2.9.
- While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (25)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/471,045 US6365826B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 1999-12-22 | Waterproof enclosure for electrical devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/471,045 US6365826B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 1999-12-22 | Waterproof enclosure for electrical devices |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US6365826B1 US6365826B1 (en) | 2002-04-02 |
US20020046853A1 true US20020046853A1 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
Family
ID=23870047
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/471,045 Expired - Fee Related US6365826B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 1999-12-22 | Waterproof enclosure for electrical devices |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6365826B1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040225331A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Ge Medical System Global Technology Company Llc | Cardiac ct system and method for planning atrial fibrillation intervention |
US20050017610A1 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2005-01-27 | Mistry Mahesh Balu | Water-shedding indoor wall mounted cabinet |
US20060172685A1 (en) * | 2004-08-26 | 2006-08-03 | O'brien Paul | Internal environmental control system and uses thereof |
JP2013066285A (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2013-04-11 | Nitto Kogyo Co Ltd | Box for housing electric apparatus |
US20130137358A1 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2013-05-30 | Joseph Michael Manahan | Shroud for an electrical enclosure |
US8687363B2 (en) | 2012-05-01 | 2014-04-01 | General Electric Company | Enclosure with duct mounted electronic components |
Families Citing this family (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10114742C1 (en) * | 2001-03-20 | 2002-11-14 | Siemens Ag | Electrical system with pressure relief duct |
US6772566B1 (en) * | 2003-07-01 | 2004-08-10 | Machledt Charles G | Below grade utilities vault |
US7475515B2 (en) * | 2003-07-01 | 2009-01-13 | Machledt Charles G | Flush to grade utilities vault |
US6946600B1 (en) * | 2004-03-01 | 2005-09-20 | Commscope Solutions Properties, Llc. | Cabinet with cross-connect that provides access to rear side of electronic equipment |
US20050257439A1 (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2005-11-24 | Abb Technology Ag | Ventilated transformer enclosure |
US20070194672A1 (en) * | 2005-11-11 | 2007-08-23 | Hibicke Stephanie R | Compartmentalized power distribution equipment enclosure |
US7520805B2 (en) * | 2006-07-24 | 2009-04-21 | D-Link Corporation | Housing with hidden ventilation holes |
CN101374400B (en) * | 2007-08-24 | 2010-06-02 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Watertight bulkhead |
DE102007057381B4 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2011-12-08 | Rittal Gmbh & Co. Kg | switch cabinet |
US7999179B2 (en) * | 2008-04-21 | 2011-08-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Biased air baffle for computer rack |
US9497885B2 (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2016-11-15 | Siemens Industry, Inc. | Passive ventilation for outdoor electrical enclosures |
US8492662B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2013-07-23 | Abb Inc. | Arc-resistant dry type transformer enclosure having arc fault damper apparatus |
US8456838B2 (en) * | 2011-02-28 | 2013-06-04 | Abb Inc. | Arc-resistant dry type transformer enclosure having arc channels |
US8375566B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2013-02-19 | Abb Inc. | Method of providing arc-resistant dry type transformer enclosure |
WO2012147218A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Switchgear |
CN102762046A (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-10-31 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Casing for electronic device |
US8611088B2 (en) | 2011-11-16 | 2013-12-17 | Cooper Technologies Company | Mechanical heat pump for an electrical housing |
US8699209B2 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2014-04-15 | Cooper Technologies Company | Externally fused enclosure for a solar power system |
PL2993746T3 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2018-10-31 | Celsion Brandschutzsysteme Gmbh | Transportable fire protection system for electrical systems |
US9859691B2 (en) * | 2014-11-11 | 2018-01-02 | Cooper Technologies Company | Switchgear assembly, and submersible electrical enclosure and method of manufacturing a submersible electrical enclosure therefor |
CN104466739A (en) * | 2014-12-26 | 2015-03-25 | 苏州市龙源电力科技股份有限公司 | Multifunctional outdoor power cabinet |
US10356961B2 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2019-07-16 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Electrical unit for a motor control center with improved ventilation protection |
CN107946913B (en) * | 2017-12-06 | 2019-06-14 | 中山市天隆燃具电器有限公司 | A kind of civilian generation of electricity by new energy case water-tight device |
CN111600223A (en) * | 2020-06-08 | 2020-08-28 | 南京工程学院 | High-protection type electric energy storage device for photovoltaic power grid and control method |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2774808A (en) * | 1952-04-09 | 1956-12-18 | Continental Electronics Mfg | Electrical equipment cabinets |
US3900700A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1975-08-19 | Marconi Co Canada | Protective enclosure |
DE3820107C2 (en) * | 1988-06-13 | 1999-03-25 | Rheinhold & Mahla Ag | Roof structure with integrated ventilation |
JP2999644B2 (en) * | 1993-01-05 | 2000-01-17 | 株式会社日立テレコムテクノロジー | Outdoor installation enclosure |
DE19609845C1 (en) * | 1996-03-13 | 1997-05-28 | Loh Kg Rittal Werk | Cooler for mounting on wall or door of switching cubicle |
US6088225A (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2000-07-11 | Northern Telecom Limited | Cabinet with enhanced convection cooling |
US6128870A (en) * | 1999-05-24 | 2000-10-10 | Kohler; Raymond L. | Roof vent system |
-
1999
- 1999-12-22 US US09/471,045 patent/US6365826B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040225331A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Ge Medical System Global Technology Company Llc | Cardiac ct system and method for planning atrial fibrillation intervention |
US20050017610A1 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2005-01-27 | Mistry Mahesh Balu | Water-shedding indoor wall mounted cabinet |
US20060172685A1 (en) * | 2004-08-26 | 2006-08-03 | O'brien Paul | Internal environmental control system and uses thereof |
JP2013066285A (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2013-04-11 | Nitto Kogyo Co Ltd | Box for housing electric apparatus |
US20130137358A1 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2013-05-30 | Joseph Michael Manahan | Shroud for an electrical enclosure |
US9730360B2 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2017-08-08 | Cooper Technologies Company | Shroud for an electrical enclosure |
US8687363B2 (en) | 2012-05-01 | 2014-04-01 | General Electric Company | Enclosure with duct mounted electronic components |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6365826B1 (en) | 2002-04-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6365826B1 (en) | Waterproof enclosure for electrical devices | |
US6879483B2 (en) | Outdoor electrical enclosure and hood therefor | |
US4609126A (en) | Venting cap for apparatus housing | |
US5747734A (en) | Universal modular housing system | |
JP3322778B2 (en) | Outdoor unit of air conditioner | |
US20150111423A1 (en) | Protective apparatus for outdoor electrical outlets | |
US6215654B1 (en) | Switchgear assembly with integral control wiring wireway | |
US7177148B2 (en) | Outdoor-installed power conditioner device | |
KR19990087641A (en) | Cooler assembled on the back wall, side wall or door of the switching cabinet | |
EP3263803B1 (en) | Substation | |
US4962443A (en) | Improved residential loadcenter | |
KR102153257B1 (en) | Outdoor power electric switchgear having self convective heat transfer | |
US6452810B1 (en) | Sliding barrier for an electrical enclosure | |
US6392141B1 (en) | Electrical enclosure having dedicated wiring compartment | |
KR101403013B1 (en) | Power receiving and distributing panel | |
JP2000013934A (en) | Outdoor switch gear | |
AU2013100122A4 (en) | Switchboard enclosure | |
JP2000139006A (en) | Outdoor enclosed switchboard | |
US6092384A (en) | Cooler for fitting on a control box | |
KR100843457B1 (en) | Cabinet Panel Busbar Insulation Equipment, Construction | |
JP3075099B2 (en) | Outdoor unit of air conditioner | |
JP2020010495A (en) | Board casing and ventilation device | |
CN216085884U (en) | Internal arc exhaust assembly for Medium Voltage (MV) switchgear | |
JP3515206B2 (en) | Refrigerator electrical box | |
CN212752882U (en) | Electric control cabinet |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STENDARDO, RICHARD J.;LEWIS, MELANIE A.;KERR, WILLIAM J., JR.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:010665/0497 Effective date: 20000114 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STENDARDO, RICHARD J.;LEWIS, MELANIE E.;KERR, WILLIAM J., JR.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:010915/0368;SIGNING DATES FROM 20000114 TO 20000128 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
SULP | Surcharge for late payment | ||
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20100402 |