As businesses continue to extend their networks into nontraditional spaces, it is important to select an industrial enclosure with appropriate environmental protection ratings.
It is also critical to use a cable entry system that will maintain the enclosure rating by completely sealing around network and power cables. In most instances, electrical conduit is used to protect and deliver cables. However, when electrical conduit is not used, the cable openings need to be sealed with special grommets that match the enclosure's protection level and maintain the seal around the cable.
The best solution is a single service seal with an adaptable inner and outer diameter, which allows multiple cables to enter a single enclosure opening. This system uses a single grommet housing with an internal multi-piece assembly that creates a tight seal around each cable. Sealing around individual cables provides the best result for maintaining protection category, but this approach is very different from the brush-sealed grommets typically used on IT cabinets. As an alternative, if you only have one cable to pass into the enclosure, a basic gasket seal (i.e. one cable, one opening) will work.
The number and size of the cables that need to enter the enclosure, and the degree of protection required will help determine the style and size of grommet needed. CPI offers three unique solutions that ensure an optimal seal:
