Enclosure construction

Solutions for industry and automation

Switch cabinets are the heart of modern industrial plants. They ensure the safe control, power distribution and automation of machines and processes. A professionally planned and manufactured control cabinet not only ensures reliable function, but also contributes to increased efficiency and operational safety.

The requirements for control cabinet construction are diverse: companies need customized solutions that meet both technical specifications and industry-specific standards. Challenges such as lack of space, thermal loads or increasing demands for digitalization and networking require innovative concepts and precise manufacturing.

In this article, you will find out what types of enclosures there are, in which industrial sectors they are used and which standards and regulations must be observed. We also take a look at the entire process of enclosure construction, from planning and production to installation and testing. Finally, we show why AP Industriemontage is the ideal partner for individual and high-performance enclosure solutions.

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What is switch cabinet construction? - Definition and basics

Enclosure construction involves the planning, design and manufacture of enclosures used in industrial and commercial applications for control, power distribution and automation. An enclosure forms the central control element for machines, production plants and infrastructure systems by safely housing and protecting electrical components.

Important components of an electrical enclosure

An electrical enclosure consists of several essential components, which can vary depending on the area of application. These include

  • Housing: Protects the electrical components from dust, moisture and mechanical influences.
  • Terminals and wiring: Ensure an orderly connection between the various switching and control elements.
  • Fuses and circuit breakers: Prevent overloads and short circuits to ensure safe operation.
  • Control units and PLC (programmable logic controller): Control and automate machine processes.
  • Ventilation and cooling systems: Ensure an optimum temperature in the enclosure to prevent overheating and loss of performance.

Professional enclosure construction combines customized planning, precise manufacturing and strict quality controls to provide reliable and standard-compliant solutions for a wide range of industrial requirements.

What types of control cabinets are there?

Switch cabinets are available in various designs and versions depending on the requirements of the respective application. Depending on the area of application, they can be designed as individual cabinets, modular cabinets, control consoles or terminal boxes. There are also special solutions for high-performance applications that can safely conduct and distribute particularly high currents.

Individual enclosures vs. modular enclosures - what are the differences?

Single enclosures and modular enclosures are two of the most common types of enclosure construction:

  • Single enclosures are compact, stand-alone solutions that are usually used for smaller control systems or installations. They are particularly suitable for decentralized applications or areas where space is limited.
  • Series enclosures, on the other hand, are modular and can be expanded to create complex control and switching systems. This design enables flexible scaling, allowing large industrial plants and complex production systems to be controlled efficiently.

The choice between individual enclosures and modular enclosures depends largely on the size of the system, the space available and the expandability of the control system.

Control consoles and terminal boxes - important additions

In addition to classic control cabinets, there are supplementary systems that are used for special applications and operating options:

  • Control consoles are ergonomically designed operating elements that facilitate machine or system controls. They usually contain buttons, switches, displays or touch panels that allow operators to control and monitor intuitively.
  • Terminal boxes serve as connection and distribution housings for electrical cables and control cables. They protect the electrical connections from external influences and are particularly important in potentially explosive atmospheres or harsh industrial environments.

Special control cabinets for high-performance applications (up to 5,000 A)

Certain industrial applications require high-performance control cabinets that can safely switch and distribute currents of up to 5,000 amperes. These control cabinets are often used in power supply companies, large-scale plants or heavy industry.

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Areas of application - Where are control cabinets needed?

Switch cabinets are indispensable in almost all areas of industry and energy supply. They control machines, regulate complex production processes and ensure safe energy distribution. Due to increasing automation and digitalization, they are becoming ever more powerful and must meet the highest technical requirements.

Industrial automation and control technology

Control cabinets play a central role in industrial automation. They contain programmable logic controllers (PLCs), frequency converters and switching devices that are crucial for the precision and efficiency of production processes.

Areas of application:

  • Manufacturing industry: Control and monitoring of production lines
  • Logistics centers: Automation of conveyor systems and sorting systems
  • Robotics: Control and coordination of industrial robots

Thanks to intelligent control systems, control cabinets enable higher productivity, energy savings and smooth process flows.

Energy distribution and network technology

Another key area of application is safe energy distribution. Enclosures serve as hubs for the distribution and protection of electrical energy, both in industry and in building and infrastructure technology.

Typical applications:

  • Transformer stations and substations
  • Data centers and IT infrastructures
  • Renewable energies (photovoltaic and wind power plants)

In network technology, switch cabinets are used to safely house server and communication systems and ensure their trouble-free operation. They protect sensitive electronic components from overheating, moisture and electromagnetic interference.

Mechanical and plant engineering - individual solutions

In mechanical and plant engineering, control cabinets are individually tailored to the requirements of the respective production processes. They ensure the smooth control and safe operation of complex machines.

Industries with a high demand for individual control cabinets:

  • Automotive industry: Control of production robots and assembly lines
  • Food industry: Automation of hygienically sensitive production processes
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical industry: Control of safety-critical systems

Thanks to modern, customized solutions, control cabinets are a decisive factor for the efficiency, safety and competitiveness of companies.

The process of control cabinet construction - from planning to commissioning

Control cabinet construction is a multi-layered process that requires the utmost precision and expertise. From initial planning to production and final commissioning, all steps must be carried out carefully to ensure a reliable, standard-compliant and efficient control solution.

Engineering and design - the basis for quality

The first step in control cabinet construction is detailed planning and design. This involves analyzing the customer’s individual requirements and translating them into a technical concept.

Important aspects of the planning phase:

  • Requirements analysis: definition of the required components and performance
  • Circuit diagram creation: development of CAD circuit diagrams and wiring lists
  • Standards and safety specifications: Compliance with relevant regulations such as IEC 61439, DIN EN 60204 or UL standards
  • Optimization of the housing design: adaptation to thermal conditions and space

Careful planning allows sources of error to be minimized at an early stage, which enables efficient implementation in production.

Production and wiring - Precise assembly in accordance with standards

The actual production of the enclosure begins after the design phase. The highest precision and quality are required here to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Key steps in production:

  • Mechanical processing: cutting, drilling and milling the enclosures for mounting plates, doors and cable glands
  • Assembling the components: Assembly of circuit breakers, relays, controls and wiring elements
  • Wiring according to circuit diagram: Precise wiring of all electrical components in compliance with safety and EMC guidelines
  • Labeling and documentation: all cables, terminals and components are labeled in accordance with industry standards

A high-quality control cabinet is characterized by neat wiring, clear structuring and a robust design.

Installation and testing - ensuring functionality

After production, the control cabinet is installed and commissioned, either in the factory or directly on site at the customer’s premises. To ensure maximum operational reliability, each control cabinet undergoes extensive testing and quality assurance procedures.

Typical test procedures:

  • Safety test in accordance with VDE and IEC standards
  • High-voltage and insulation test for fault detection
  • Function test of the control technology (e.g. PLC programs, emergency stop circuits)
  • Load simulations to check the electrical load capacity

 

After successful testing, the control cabinet is integrated into the system and final commissioning is carried out by trained specialist personnel. Detailed documentation and instructions for the operator ensure long-term smooth operation.

Precise planning, standard-compliant production and comprehensive testing ensure that control cabinets meet the highest quality and safety standards and can be used reliably in industrial applications.

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Standards and regulations in switch cabinet construction - What must be observed?

Compliance with standards and regulations is essential in enclosure construction to ensure safety, quality and compatibility. International and national standards define requirements for design, electrical safety and test procedures. Companies that produce enclosures for different markets have to deal with a large number of regulations and certifications.

Important DIN and IEC standards

In Europe and many other parts of the world, it is primarily DIN and IEC standards that regulate the safe operation and design of switch cabinets:

  • DIN EN 61439 (IEC 61439) – The central standard for low-voltage switchgear and control cabinets. It defines requirements for electrical safety, short-circuit resistance, heating and mechanical load capacity.
  • DIN EN 60204-1 (IEC 60204-1) – Safety requirements for electrical equipment of machines. This standard is particularly relevant in mechanical and plant engineering.
  • DIN EN 60529 (IEC 60529) – Specifies the degrees of protection (IP protection classes) for enclosures for electrical equipment. For example, IP54 stands for protection against dust and splash water, while IP65 provides complete sealing against dust and water jets.

Compliance with these standards ensures that enclosures comply with legal regulations and can be used safely in different industrial environments.

Requirements in the USA and Canada (UL and CSA standards)

Specific UL and CSA standards apply to the North American market, which differ in some respects from the European regulations:

  • UL 508A – The most important standard for industrial control panels and control cabinets in the USA. It describes material requirements, wiring, grounding and insulation.
  • NFPA 79 – The electrical safety standard for industrial machine controls in the USA.
  • CSA C22.2 No. 14 – The Canadian standard for industrial control systems and control cabinets, which is similar to UL 508A.

Control cabinets that are exported to the USA or Canada require UL or CSA certification in order to be used there. This applies in particular to labeling, test procedures and material requirements.

Safety and functional tests for reliable control cabinets

To ensure that an electrical enclosure complies with the applicable standards, extensive tests must be carried out before commissioning. These include

  • High voltage test – checking the insulation strength to prevent short circuits and electrical breakdowns.
  • Protective conductor test – ensuring correct earthing to prevent electric shocks.
  • Resistance and short-circuit test – checking the electrical connections and the load capacity of the system.
  • Function test – testing the control systems, PLC programs and emergency stop functions.
  • EMC testing – ensuring electromagnetic compatibility to prevent interference with other electrical devices.

The consistent application of these standards and test procedures ensures that control cabinets are safe, durable and can be used worldwide. Companies that adhere to these standards benefit from higher product quality, less downtime and faster market approval.

Advantages of professional switch cabinet construction

High-quality enclosure construction offers companies numerous advantages, particularly in terms of efficiency, quality and flexibility. By using modern technologies and optimized production processes, costs can be reduced, downtimes minimized and tailor-made solutions implemented.

Effizienz und Zeitersparnis durch optimierte Prozesse

Professional switch cabinet construction is characterized by structured and standardized processes that enable fast and error-free production.

Advantages of optimized processes:

  • Shorter planning and production times thanks to the use of CAD software and automated production processes
  • Reduced error rate thanks to precise circuit diagram creation and digital simulations
    Efficient wiring thanks to the use of automated cable assembly
  • Fast commissioning thanks to prior functional tests and test procedures

These measures ensure that control cabinets are produced on time, error-free and economically.

Highest quality and compliance with standards in switch cabinet construction

Professional switch cabinet construction follows strict quality guidelines and standards to ensure maximum safety and durability.

Important quality features:

  • Compliance with international standards such as DIN EN 61439, IEC 60204 or UL 508A
  • Use of high-quality materials that are durable, temperature-resistant and mechanically robust
  • Precise wiring and well thought-out cable organization to prevent short circuits or EMC interference
  • Comprehensive test procedures such as high-voltage and protective conductor tests to ensure operational safety

The combination of high-quality components and standard-compliant manufacturing results in a reliable and durable product that ensures safe operation even under extreme conditions.

Flexibility - individual and series production possible

Modern enclosure manufacturers offer both customized individual products and efficient series production to meet the individual requirements of different industries.

Flexibility benefits:

  • Individual enclosures for special customer requirements, e.g. for automation processes or special machines
  • Series production for recurring applications in production, which reduces unit costs
  • Modular and expandable solutions that can be adapted to changing production requirements
  • Integration of new technologies, e.g. for Industry 4.0, IoT connectivity or energy-efficient control systems

This high level of flexibility allows companies to optimally adapt their production facilities, reduce costs and at the same time be prepared for future developments.

Professional enclosure construction combines efficiency, quality and adaptability to provide customized and standard-compliant solutions for a wide range of applications.

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Why AP Industriemontage is your ideal partner for switch cabinet construction

Choosing the right partner in control cabinet construction is crucial for the reliability, efficiency and durability of industrial control systems. AP Industriemontage offers customized solutions that meet the highest quality standards and adapt to the individual requirements of different industries.

Experience and know-how in electrical assembly

With many years of experience in electrical installation and control cabinet construction, AP Industriemontage has the necessary expertise to implement demanding and complex projects.

The benefits of our expertise:

  • Expertise in the planning and production of low-voltage and control cabinets
  • Certified specialists who work in accordance with the latest standards and regulations
  • Precise and efficient production thanks to state-of-the-art machinery and automation technologies
  • Projects for a wide range of industries, from automation technology to mechanical engineering and energy supply

Our expertise enables us to offer high-quality and reliable control cabinet solutions that meet the requirements of modern industry.

Customized solutions according to customer requirements

Every system and every production environment places specific demands on switch cabinet construction. AP Industriemontage develops and manufactures customized solutions that are precisely tailored to the needs of our customers.

Our individual solutions offer:

  • Flexible enclosure concepts for different environments (IP protection classes, ATEX requirements)
  • Integration of special control systems, e.g. for automation, IoT or Industry 4.0
  • Customer-specific wiring and labeling for fast commissioning and maintenance
  • Modular concepts that can be adapted to changing requirements

By working closely with our customers, we ensure that every solution is efficient, economical and future-proof.

Technical support and comprehensive advice

In addition to manufacturing, AP Industriemontage offers comprehensive consulting and services to provide customers with the best possible support in implementing their projects.

Our support includes

  • Detailed advice and planning right from the design phase
  • Technical support for the integration of control systems and automation technology
  • On-site installation and commissioning by trained specialists
  • Maintenance, repair and optimization of existing control cabinets

Thanks to our customer-centric approach, we ensure smooth processes, short response times and long-term reliability of your systems.

With AP Industriemontage as your partner, you benefit from expertise, flexibility and first-class service – for tailor-made control cabinet solutions that sustainably optimize your production processes.

Enclosure construction as the key to modern industry

Enclosure construction plays a central role in automation, power distribution and control technology. Without customized and reliable control cabinets, efficient and safe industrial production would not be possible. Due to the increasing requirements for digitalization, energy efficiency and safety, it is more important than ever to work with an experienced partner.

Summary of the most important points

✔ Importance of enclosures for industry, mechanical engineering, power distribution and automation.

✔ Different types of enclosures offer solutions for every application – from individual enclosures to modular enclosures and high-performance enclosures.

✔ A structured approach from planning to production and testing ensures quality and compliance with standards.

✔ International standards (DIN, IEC, UL, CSA) must be complied with depending on the area of application.

✔ Professional switch cabinet construction enables maximum efficiency, quality and flexibility.

The importance of a reliable partner in switch cabinet construction

Choosing a competent control cabinet manufacturer is crucial for safe, durable and efficient control solutions. AP Industriemontage impresses with:

✔ Experience and expertise in electrical installation

✔ Customized solutions for individual customer requirements

✔ Highest quality in accordance with current standards

✔ Technical support and reliable advice

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about switch cabinet construction with AP Industrial Assembly

A high-quality control cabinet ensures safe control, power distribution and automation of industrial processes. Professional solutions from AP Industriemontage ensure the highest quality, standard-compliant production and maximum operational reliability, so that your systems work efficiently and fail-safe.

AP Industriemontage manufactures customized control cabinets for various applications:

  • Single cabinets and modular cabinets for flexible installations
  • Control consoles and terminal boxes for machine control systems
  • High-performance control cabinets up to 5,000 A for industrial power distribution
  • Control cabinets in accordance with special standards (e.g. UL 508A for the US market)

Our control cabinets comply with the applicable international standards such as

  • DIN EN 61439 (low-voltage switchgear)
  • IEC 60204-1 (electrical equipment of machines)
  • UL 508A (US approval for control cabinets)
  • CSA C22.2 (Canadian standard for control systems)

This ensures that our solutions can be used worldwide and are safe and durable.

In addition to planning and production, we also take care of installation, wiring and commissioning on site. Our experienced technicians ensure smooth integration into your production systems, carry out functional tests and guarantee safe operation.

You can contact us easily via our contact form, by email or by phone. Our experts will advise you individually, analyze your requirements and create a tailor-made offer for you – from one-off production to series production.

📞 Contact us now for a no-obligation consultation!

Important features of these high-performance enclosures are

  • Powerful copper rails for safe current routing
  • Advanced cooling and ventilation systems to prevent overheating
  • Robust enclosures for protection against high mechanical and thermal loads
  • Compliance with strict safety standards such as IEC 61439 or UL 891

Whether compact control solutions or high-performance power distribution systems – professional enclosure construction offers a tailor-made solution for every industrial application.

Otto Peklo, CEO

At AP Industriemontage, we support companies worldwide in the assembly and commissioning of complex industrial plants. With our expertise and comprehensive services, we ensure efficient and safe production processes. Put your trust in our many years of experience and let us successfully implement your projects together.

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