Rittal: A new soloist with plenty of talent

If free-standing enclosure are intended for use as stand-alone-solutions, or if side access is not required, they offer distinct advantages. So far, however, plant constructors have then had to do without the configuration diversity they had previously enjoyed when using bayed systems. Rittal has now eliminated this shortcoming. With its new SE 8 free-standing enclosure system, Rittal now offers full compatibility with its TS 8 top enclosure system – and thus provides the greatest possible variety of configurations and clear cost advantages in one single solution.

Photo by RITTAL GmbH & Co. KG

Free-standing enclosures are used in many areas of industry and in buildings services management. Typical fields of application are in compact machinery and equipment and their power distribution and automation components, which can be accommodated in a single enclosure. For such cases, Rittal has expanded its TS 8 system platform by adding the new system enclosure SE 8.

Unlike baying suites with frames and removable side panels, the body of the SE 8 – consisting of two side panels and a roof – is made from one piece of sheet steel. The rear panel of the enclosure is screwed on for easy access. Cable entry solutions can be employed on the integrated base frame, as in the TS 8 bayed system. The doors and the base/plinth of the SE 8 have also been taken over from the TS 8 program.

Since the enclosure sections for interior installation are identical with those of the Top enclosure system, SE 8 is perfectly integrated into the TS 8 system platform – with many advantages. Thus, the user benefits from the improved expansion options on two mounting levels. The extensive system accessories that Rittal offers for the Top enclosure can be easily incorporated into the SE 8. Whereas in the past, different accessories were required for free-standing enclosures and baying suites, the number of parts in storage can now be significantly reduced.

Because the enclosure body and the section of the SE 8 are formed out of one piece of sheet steel, the costs of the product can be reduced. Besides this, the user neither has to deal with handling or the assembly of separate side panels. The SE 8 offers major potential savings, especially in larger widths. For instance, one single enclosure can be used instead of two to three bayed enclosures. Automatic potential equalisation of the enclosure body with the rear panel and gland plates further reduces costs. Special contact elements that are pushed into the surface coating during the assembly procedure, and which establish a secure electrical connection, make it unnecessary to attach separate earth straps.

There are also significant benefits for CAD designers. Since the interior installation of the SE 8 and TS 8 is identical, planning can be started immediately. You only need to determine afterwards whether a free-standing or a bayed enclosure is needed.

The new free-standing enclosure is available in heights of 1,600, 1,800 and 2,000 mm, depths of 400, 500 and 600 mm, and in widths of 600 to 1800 mm.

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