Planning is crucial when it comes to designing industrial control panels. Whether it’s making in-house control panels or outsourcing its manufacturing, it is essential to prioritize the design of enclosures. Many electrical experts may think of enclosures as a trivial part which can be interchanged if it’s not working for the equipment. However, that’s not the case. Every enclosure has a different purpose. For instance, panel mount enclosures can be used for electronic equipment, but you cannot use the same for desktops. 

Understanding the specific requirements of your equipment is key to selecting the right enclosure. In this guide, we’ll explore six practical tips for designing electrical panel enclosures that effectively support and protect your industrial control systems.

Electrical Panel Enclosure Design Tips 

A good panel mount must meet both application (electrical and physical) and regulatory needs. 

• Proper Sizing
• Adequate Ventilation
• Accessibility
• Effective Cable Management
• Working Environment
• Clear Labelling

1. Proper Sizing

Depending on the electrical component’s dimensions and the intended use of the control panels, the size and form of the enclosure need to be considered. The enclosure should accommodate the components adequately. Simply, it means the enclosures shouldn’t be too small or too large compared to the assemblies and the internal components. Furthermore, the enclosure should be compatible with the environment it operates. 

2. Adequate Ventilation

To design control panels for small or large equipment, it is essential to consider the ventilation needs. The equipment will operate smoothly if the enclosures have adequate ventilation, offering proper cooling and heating. Ventilation includes the amount required as well as the number of vents. The basic ventilation requirements in enclosures include preventing gas buildup within enclosures, offering seamless air flow for cooling and minimizing the risk of explosion. 

3. Accessibility

Enclosures should be designed in a way that all the internal components are easily accessible to technicians. You cannot predict when an electrical component malfunctions. To understand the problem, electricians can check the internal components. If the internal components of the enclosures are not accessible, fixing the problem will be challenging. Hence, the enclosures must be user-friendly and accessible for repairs, maintenance and upgrades.

4. Effective Cable Management

Effective cable management is crucial in enclosure design, as it directly impacts the cost, safety, and functionality of the enclosure. When the cables are properly incorporated in the enclosure supported by adequate ventilation, there is a lower chance of overheating. This ensures seamless operations for all equipment. Furthermore, with effective cable management, enclosures reduce the risk of accidents. It also minimises equipment downtime, repairs and maintenance. 

5. Working Environment

If the enclosure has a NEMA or UL rating, it influences the design and material choices. This often determines the requirements of the panel enclosures for water resistance, outdoor use, dust-proofing, explosion-proof rating and more. If enclosures are used for hazardous and classified locations, the manufacturers should take care of the additional protection. Depending on the project's purpose, you can specify panel enclosure manufacturers to customize the finish. 

6. Clear Labelling

There are different enclosures for different applications and purposes. Sometimes, customers get confused about what enclosure to buy for which electronic gadget. Hence, it is essential that enclosure manufacturers put clear labelling on the products. This way, businesses and individual customers can buy the products. The labelling should mention the materials used to build the enclosure. For instance, if it is a metal enclosure or a steel enclosure, it should be written on the label. Furthermore, the enclosures should have ratings and standards written on them to ensure reliability. 

Conclusion

At Mech Power, we don’t just deliver enclosure tips — we turn them into engineered solutions. Whether you need reliable standard panel mount enclosures or fully customized designs, our in-house capabilities like 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, and injection molding ensure precision, performance, and quick turnaround. If you're planning your next control panel project, our team is ready to help you to start your project.