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Enclosure
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Sealing Gaskets for Enclosures
At CB Frost, we are proud to be able to offer our clients a range of high-quality sealing gaskets for enclosures.
We understand that poor quality gaskets or gaskets manufactured from unsuitable materials can result in dust or moisture penetrating the gasket, potentially causing product damage or even failure.
This can undoubtedly cause high, unnecessary costs for the client if a replacement is required.
A variety of materials can pose a variety of problems. That’s where CB Frost’s expertise comes into play. We are aware of outgassing issues including Sulphur from various materials as well as adhesive problems when using acrylic based solutions. Even in extreme conditions our knowledge and experience gained from such projects as:
Quality without compromise
CB Frost was founded in 1921 in Birmingham, UK. Whilst we have seen so many changes in the last century, one thing that has always remained the same is our commitment to provide ‘quality without compromise’.
Who we are
Rubber and plastics specialists
CB Frost supplies an extensive range of high performance rubber, sponge, foam and plastic materials. With our technical knowledge and manufacturing expertise, we are here to advise on material selection to best suit your requirements.
Who we are
Experts in our field
As experts in our field, we have worked on a wide range of major projects, including the Chernobyl Sealing project, Crossrail, and Rail Floating Floor. Our expertise has also led to partnerships with Rogers’ Corporation and Armacell.
Who we are
Gasket Materials for Enclosures
Some of our most used materials for sealing enclosures are:
Excellent resistance to UV and ozone
Effective resistance against oils and other chemicals
Performs efficiently, even under a wide range of temperatures
At CB Frost we stock material, leading to a short turnaround time
Effective electrical resistance
Excellent low temperature flexibility
Resistant to ozone and UV
Good compression set
At CB Frost we stock material, helping us to cater for short lead times.
Excellent deflection characteristics
Available in a variety of densities
UV stable
Exceptional compression set
UL certified for gasket material –
reference (File #MH15464) UL JMST2
Effective even when exposed to high or low temperatures
Excellent deflection characteristics
Exceptional compression set
High ozone and UV resistance
UL94 approved to V-0 and HF-1
Effective even when exposed to high or low temperatures
Excellent deflection characteristics
Exceptional compression set
High ozone and UV resistance
Rated to most stringent flame standards
UL94 approved to V-0
Here at CB Frost, we custom manufacture gaskets for the following type of enclosures
Electrical enclosures
NEMA enclosures
IP enclosures
Electrical Enclosure Gaskets
An electrical enclosure gasket often refers to a front panel gasket, enclosure door gasket, access panel gasket, gland plate gasket or even a connector gasket.
Sealing the enclosure is important if the enclosure needs to meet NEMA, IP (Ingress Protection) or UL gasketing and points to consider when designing a seal are: –
A return flange on the door that protects the gasket from a direct pressure blast will diffuse the force and greatly improve the chances of passing a wash down test.
Gasket rebound or resistance to taking a compression set can be critical, especially on door gaskets that are being opened and closed on a regular basis.
Ensure the appropriate gasket material is used for the test or type requirement, Silicone, EPDM, Neoprene an Poron® are good materials to consider.
longevity of the gasket will depend on how the material is used, exposure to UV, ozone, temperature, chemicals, and mechanical wear affect longevity.
The key to passing a NEMA, IP or UL gasket test is to have the proper means of compressing the gasket.
NEMA Enclosure Gaskets
What is a NEMA gasket? Technically there aren’t any NEMA gaskets as the enclosure is evaluated as a complete component (refer to NEMA 250 for specification) but there are materials that will help an enclosure pass a specified test (NEMA Type) but also dependant on the enclosure design itself.
NEMA Enclosure Gaskets
| NEMA Type | Description | Common Material Types |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Basic, indoor enclosure, protects from dust and falling dirt. | Open cell or closed cell foams, closed cell sponges |
| Type 2 | Indoor enclosure, protects against dust and falling dirt as well as dripping/light splashing of water. | Fine pitched open cell (microcellular) foams or closed cell foams, closed cell sponges |
| Type 3 | Indoor / outdoor enclosure protects against windblown dust and falling dirt. Also protects against water (rain, sleet, snow and effects of ice formation). | Closed cell foams or closed cell sponges |
| Type 4 | Indoor / outdoor enclosure protects against windblown dust and falling dirt. Also protects against water (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water and hose directed water) and effects of ice formation. | Closed cell foams or closed cell sponges |
| Type 5 | Indoor / outdoor enclosure, protects against falling dirt, settling airborne dust, and flying debris. Also protects against water (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water and hose directed water) and effects of ice formation. | Closed cell foams or closed cell sponges |
| Type 6 | Indoor / outdoor enclosure protects against falling dirt. Also protects against water (hose directed water and the entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth) and effects of ice formation. | Closed cell foams, closed cell sponges, low and mid durometer solid elastomers |
| Type 12 | Indoor enclosure (w/o knockouts 12K w/ knockouts), protects against falling dirt, dust and fibres. Also protects against water (dripping and light splashing). | Open cell (microcellular) foams or closed cell foams, closed cell sponges |
| Type 13 | Indoor enclosure protects against falling dirt and dust. Also protects against water (dripping and light splashing). Some protection against spraying/splashing/seepage of oil and coolants. | Chemical compatible closed cell sponge |
IP Enclosure Gaskets
IP is the international standard for Ingress Protection for electrical enclosures. The intentions of the IP Code are to offer levels of protection against ingress of foreign objects and water as it pertains to electrical enclosures. There are some differences between IP and NEMA, as follows.
IP 6X –
The first digit refers to solid particle (e.g. 6 specifically refers to dust and water)
IP X1 –
The second digit refers to water (e.g. 1 specifically refers to dripping water)
Example: IP54 –
refers to an electrical enclosure capable of sealing out dust, water and protect against vertically dripping water.
Below is a list of common IP specifications and material type will depend on the enclosure design, compression and IP rating required.
IP Enclosure Gaskets
| IP Spec | 1st Digit | 2nd Digit |
|---|---|---|
| IP53 | 5 Protect from dust and water, some dust ingress allowed but not to interfere with function | 3 Protect from spraying water (angle up to 60° from vertical) |
| IP63 | 6 Completely protected from dust and water ingress | 3 Protect from spraying water (angle up to 60° from vertical) |
| IP64 | 6 Completely protected from dust and water ingress | 4 Protect from splashing water (from any direction) |
| IP65 | 6 Completely protected from dust and water ingress | 5 Protect from pressure jets of water (from any direction) |
| IP66 | 6 Completely protected from dust and water ingress | 6 Protect from strong pressure jets of water (from any direction) |
| IP67 | 6 Completely protected from dust and water ingress | 7 Protect while temporarily submerged (up to 1 metre) |
Specialist Products
Industries
At CB Frost, we supply high performance materials and manufacture specialist products for a wide range of major industries, including Rail, Construction, Solar, Agriculture, Lighting, Military, Automotive, EV/HEV and HVAC
