Finger-Proof MCC

[panou]

Hi to all.
I want to make some changes in MCC in order to make them water-proof and ensure inside protection IP20 and use padlocks in automatic circuit breakers. I use circuit breakers SIEMENS 3RV1 series. Can you give some help ?

 

[jraef]

"Water proof" is a tall order for an MCC. Some, such as Moeller, make an IP65 non-metallic MCC, but that sould be considered water "resistant", not water "proof".

"Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more."
Nikola Tesla

 

[EEJaime]

The only time I've seen a completely moisture proof MCC was in a hybrid power plant and the enclosure was in actuality an outdoor enclosure with custom doors fitted with polycarbonate windows to allow viewing of the starter status indicators. It was bulky and expensive, but it can be done. If this is an existing MCC, I wouldn't know how to go about it. Best of luck.

 

[weh3]

IP classifications are well defined, so you know exactly the conditions that IP65 can protect against, whether you call it waterproof or water resistant. I would think you would need IP68 in order to be waterprpoof.

William

 

[mc5w]

NEMA type 12 enclosures can be refitted with a drain hole or automatic drain valve that will make them suitable for outdoor use. However, you need to periodically examine the door gaskets for integrity as the constant compression causes the gaskets to go bad over say 10 to 20 years.

Motor controllers with type 12 enclosures are often used outdoors here in the U.S. just a matter that the watertightness depends on gaskets unlike type 3R and boht enclosure types do need water drains. For instance, most meter sockets are type 3R which keeps falling rain out and most driving rain out enough and lets water out enough that driving rain is not a problem. There are other ways for water to get in such as through a service conduit that originates at a higher elevation and is transmitting water. Conduit seals do fail under the influence of constant water pressure.

Also remember that both concentric stranded and compact stranded wires acts as a poor excuse for a water hose unless the strands have a blocking compound such as Pirelli Strandseal(R).