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When it comes to Industrial computer enclosures, running computer cables in a manner that that it does not impact the hardware is a primary consideration. At the design stage itself, therefore, a whole of planning is required to ensure that the cables are correctly laid in a place that typically has a lot of space restriction. In fact this is often a step that is overlooked while designing an enclosure system. NEMA & NEMA 4X enclosures do not have any traditional split panels for running cables. What they have instead is a sealed cable entry gland that allows the cabling to reach the electronics.
Open version cable glands are seen as an ideal solution for such enclosures. Such cable glands particularly allow for quick installation when it comes to pre-terminated cables with attached connectors. Typically in such cases the end of the plug is larger than the cable width. A permeable gland can solve this issue with ease. The added advantage with an open version cable gland is that it not only makes installation easy, it also leaves scope for future upgradations.
Besides opting for Open version cable glands there are also some other important aspects to watch out for when it comes to choosing cable glands for an industrial computer enclosure. Some of them are as below:
Point of Entry – This becomes an important factor to note especially in an environment where water is present. It is always advisable in such a scenario to insert cables from below in a wall-mounted system. For a freestanding or modular system, it is advisable to insert cables from the downward direction, as feeding wires from the upward direction will lead to water droplets falling on the cables and thus jeopardizing the entire system.
Cable Diameters – This is yet another important determinant of the cable gland as the width of the wire will determine the gland needed. There are a whole lot of cable glands available to fit cables of different diameters. These days there are a range of choices as glands are made of different materials such as aluminium, brass, plastic, rubber & steel. Inside of the gland there could also be peel away layers that can help fit a cable of any diameter.
System Upgrades – Another reason that necessitates the choice of a flexible cable gland is the fact that technology being very dynamic, there is often the need for system upgrades. While technology changes at a fast pace, the computer enclosure is durable and is known to last for several years. A flexible gland, therefore, allows for easy upgrades as well as replacements. In choosing the gland, it is important to choose one that has the necessary room for growth, so that it doesn’t become a hindrance when it comes to expansion plans and also each time there is an upgrade. In fact this is something you need to factor in, at the design stage itself so that you are well prepared for eventualities.
Safety- Safety is an absolutely non-compromisable factor as any lapse can prove to be hazardous. It is therefore imperative that operational performance be given importance when it comes to installation of the enclosure. Especially in humid and wet environs it is necessary to assess that water shouldn’t seep in. The thumb rule to remember is that unless you take the necessary precautions, water will find a way to seep in.
It is important that you consult with a specialist at the design stage itself. This will ensure that cabling doesn’t not become the weakest link of the system and render the entire system prone to safety hazards and turn out to be costly.
To sum up, it is important to follow the above best practices so that the computer enclosure is kept safe. Prior to the installation, you also need to assess both the position of your enclosure as well as the concealment of cables. It can go a long way in improving both operational performance & reliability. Unless you plan for the cable entry, you are compromising the computer hardware.
