Electrical enclosures are essential for securing and protecting components to prevent them from being damaged by dust, dirt, and moisture. They are commonly used for control panels, circuit breakers, and electrical meters across a range of both domestic and industrial applications. Electrical boxes can be secured or locked to improve safety, reducing the risks of unwarranted access and accidental shocks.
At RS, we offer a wide range of high-quality brands and products to meet your enclosure needs. Our selection includes trusted names like RS PRO, Hammond, Schneider Electric, Rittal, and ABB—all popular and well-stocked to ensure you find exactly what you need. Enjoy the convenience of Next Day Delivery on thousands of items, and for added flexibility, we also offer a collection in branch service for enclosures.
Enclosure Types
Some enclosures are specifically designed for particular products—such as Arduino cases for Arduino boards or Raspberry Pi cases—providing tailored protection and functionality. In contrast, general-purpose enclosures offer greater versatility across a wide range of applications and typically feature a simpler structure. These enclosures are most commonly made from plastic or metal, with popular materials including ABS plastic, aluminium, and stainless-steel grades 304 and 316. Many designs include doors, which may be transparent to allow visibility of internal components. Depending on their intended use, size, and structure, enclosures can vary widely in form and function.
- General Purpose Enclosures - Versatile enclosures used across industries to protect electrical and electronic components from dust, moisture, and accidental contact. Available in plastic or metal in a range of sizes and IP ratings for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Junction Boxes - Designed to house and protect wire connections, junction boxes are essential for safe, tidy electrical installations. Typically available in IP-rated plastic or metal, they're used in domestic, commercial, and industrial wiring systems.
- DIN Rail Enclosures - Compact enclosures built for mounting directly onto DIN rails, ideal for housing circuit breakers, relays, or terminal blocks. These enclosures often feature modular designs and ventilation slots, making them suitable for control panels and automation equipment.
- Wall Boxes - Wall-mounted enclosures designed for permanent installation, offering secure housing for electrical controls, distribution gear, or network equipment. They’re commonly used in industrial and commercial settings and are available in powder-coated steel, stainless steel, and plastic variants with IP65 or higher protection.
- Cooling Units - Essential for managing heat build-up in electrical cabinets, cooling units maintain optimal operating temperatures for sensitive equipment. Options include active cooling via fans or compressor systems, making them vital in high-power or temperature-sensitive installations.
- Hand Held - Compact enclosures designed to fit comfortably in the hand, ideal for portable electronics, control devices, or test equipment. Available in plastic or rubberized materials with ergonomic designs for easy handling.
**Electrical Enclosure IP Ratings **
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define the level of protection an enclosure offers against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water). The rating consists of two digits. The first digit indicated the protection against solid objects (0–6). With the second digit indicating the protection against liquids (0–9). Learn more about IP Ratings in our IP Ratings Guide.
- IP55: Protected against limited dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction.
- IP65: Dust-tight and protected against water jets.
- IP67: Dust-tight and protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- IP68: Dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (depth and duration specified by manufacturer).
- NEMA Ratings: Used mainly in North America, NEMA standards cover similar protection levels but also include resistance to corrosion, icing, and other environmental factors.
