Working in the mining industry can be a dangerous occupational choice for a number of reasons. Miners can be exposed to hazardous materials, intense vibration from explosions, tunnel collapses and many other dangers. Mining is just as hazardous for essential electrical equipment, so the housing used to protect electrical devices not only has to be able to withstand the intense conditions of a mining environment, but also has to keep the inside contents intact to keep production moving and maintain the safety of the employees. Polycarbonate enclosures are one of the best solutions for the mining industry, and Integra Enclosures wants to outline some of the reasons why.
Battling Dust and Water
All Integra enclosures meet NEMA 4X and 6P standards. Meeting this standard means that Integra enclosures can be used underground and withstand interaction with a significant amount of dirt, dust and possibly water. The enclosures make it impossible for these outside elements to penetrate and affect the devices inside. Polycarbonate enclosures do not corrode like metal and will not be affected by water.
Necessary Accessories
Because the mining industry is so dangerous, it is important for employees to be able to communicate and monitor operations easily. Integra fulfills any additional accessory request before shipping the final project to your business. Polycarbonate enclosures are easier to modify than fiberglass because drilling holes for cabling or making other specific modifications is not difficult. We are aware of the screens, interfaces and other necessary accessories that you need to incorporate into the design, and our manufacturers are able to comply with these needs and install the additional features.
Rising and Falling Temperatures
The temperature and exposure an enclosure can experience varies widely based on its use in the mining industry. Some outdoor enclosures are exposed to sunlight for an extended amount of time and others are subject to sweltering heat or cool underground temperatures. Polycarbonate enclosures can withstand all of these extremes and keep the equipment protected inside. Polycarbonate’s natural UV resistance means it is not damaged by the sun and it can also withstand temperatures up to 265 degrees or well below freezing.
Hazard Protection
As stated above, workers and their equipment can be exposed to hazardous materials, and Integra enclosures are resistant to many chemicals. However, our list of victories against hazardous materials is only part of the story. There are other factors such as pressure, temperature and concentration of chemicals that can damage equipment. Each mining environment is unique, so you need to account for all of the variables when considering a protective enclosure.
Withstanding Violent Environments
Polycarbonate enclosures can handle more than 900 pounds of impact force. In a mine’s sometimes violent environment, it is important to be able to withstand impact or vibration from an explosion or exposure to falling debris. Our mounting systems are suitable for underground installations and they can absorb vibrations and shocks that may occur.
Working in the mines is a dangerous job and so is protecting fragile electrical equipment in the mining environment. Integra’s polycarbonate enclosures are here to help make your job easier and safer.
For more information Contact Us online or call 440-269-4966 to speak with an expert.
