Versatile enclosures aid building systems design

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 22, 2003

A range of modular junction boxes has helped building automation expert Andromeda Telematics to produce its new range of fully automated building environment control systems.

Spelsberg's flexible AKi range of modular junction boxes has enabled building automation expert Andromeda Telematics to produce its new range of fully automated building environment control systems.

The boxes easily attach in any figuration using unique connecting bars, allowing the company to use one range of enclosures to produce a virtually limitless variety of control gear quickly while maintaining a high ingress protection rating of IP65.

"Our new systems can control every aspect of a buildings environment, from basic lighting control to total environmental control and remote metering integrated into Scada systems through OPC drivers", explains Design Engineering Manager at Andromeda Telematics, Gareth Ellis.

"The basic systems are capable of automating a few functions in an inner city apartment such as the door locks for example and can be expanded to open windows, to the adjustment of blinds and heating systems to compensate for the sun moving around a 40-floor office block".

The scaleable nature of the projects that Andromeda designs requires a series of enclosures that provide maximum flexibility to accommodate European Installation Bus hardware and a multitude of different circuits, breakers, timers and relays.

The previous range of enclosures being used were difficult and time consuming to connect and, in some cases, had to be replaced if a client wanted to extend the scope of their existing control system.

However, assembling Spelsberg's tough polycarbonate AKi boxes to create a bespoke control system is a quick and flexible process, a fact that Andromeda has taken full advantage of by regularly connecting anything up to 14 enclosures in one panel.

Once the panel has been designed, boxes are positioned in the desired configuration, cable gland knockouts and square joining holes are matched up, punched through and secured by inserting bars through the joining holes.

The bars are then fixed using wedge shaped pins, which exert a pulling action against a precut adhesive gasket as they push into position, forcing the two units together and sealing the boxes to IP65.

The wedge pins feature a notch and groove system that provides a fixed location point, standardising the force required to join the boxes and allowing units to be easily dismantled for use in different configurations.

This enables any required extension or upgrade to be assembled at Andromeda and their engineers to arrive on site with a new module and, in a matter of minutes, securely integrate it into an existing panel.

"This has saved both us and our customers time and money", comments Ellis, explaining that: "The AKi range is also aesthetically appealing, it often encourages our clients to replace their existing switch cabinet with a matching Spelsberg one".

Enclosure bodies in the AKi range are supplied with four standard side lengths of 150, 300, 450 and 600mm and four different base sizes.

Base depths are 132mm as standard and the three largest models in the range are available with an optional depth of 210mm, ensuring that junction boxes can be assembled in any shape or size.

Units are available with an attractive smooth side walled design that is complemented with a choice of polycarbonate cable glands and lids in either grey or transparent plastic.

AKi units comply with VDE0660 0507 standards, making them ideal for use in environments where exposure to harsh weather, washdowns, chemicals, accidental knocks and contact with flames may occur.