An electrical enclosure is a closed enclosure made of sheet steel or stainless steel that houses the electrical and electronic components of an installation and protects them against dust, water and contact (IP 54–65). ZPAS has been manufacturing electrical enclosures and industrial enclosures to IEC 61439 and IEC 62208 since 1973 — as empty enclosures or fully wired, in standard and special sizes.
Electrical enclosures and control enclosures from the manufacturer
Electrical enclosures are not a commodity product, even if the market sometimes treats them that way. Anyone working in mechanical engineering, power engineering or process automation knows: the wrong electrical enclosure ends up costing more than it saved – through subsequent modifications, rework to meet standards or poor cable management.
ZPAS produces enclosure systems and industrial enclosures direct from the factory – compliant with IEC 62208 and UL-certified. Four proven series cover the entire range of requirements: from the universal control cabinet for indoor use and the rugged IP-55 enclosure to the compact wall-mounted electrical enclosure and the control desk for production lines. As a distribution box for power distribution or as a fully wired electrical enclosure built to your circuit diagram — special sizes, special colours and ready-to-operate versions are possible at the factory.
⚙️ Configure an electrical enclosure nowIn 2 minutes — dimensions, degree of protection, cooling & equipment · no obligation →Enclosure systems: the SZE2, SZE3, SWN and PSL series
System enclosure · indoor areas · IP 54/55
Universal floor-standing enclosure for indoor and outdoor installations. 26 size variants, bayable, with modular interior fit-out. Single door at 600/800 mm width, double door from 1000 mm. Load capacity up to 1,600 kg on support rails. Standard paint finish RAL 7035 for indoor areas; outdoor paint finish with increased weather resistance on request.
📘 Catalogue (PDF): SZE2 – dimensional drawings & standard sizes tables from p. 8 (PDF) · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
System enclosure · rugged version · IP 55
Further development of the SZE2 line with IP 55 as the standard degree of protection, reinforced galvanised steel frame and 4-point rod lock. Compatible with the Lütze LSC cable duct system. 32 size variants.
📘 Catalogue (PDF): SZE3 – dimensional drawings & standard sizes tables from p. 60 (PDF) · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
Wall-mounted enclosure · IP 65 · also stainless steel
Compact wall-mounted electrical enclosure for space-saving installation of electrical components — can also be used as a small distribution board or distribution box. Designed for indoor areas as standard, with an outdoor paint finish for weatherproof applications on request. Also available as SWN INOX (stainless steel 1.4301 / AISI 304) and as a 19″ network version (12U, 600 × 400 mm). 20 size variants.
📘 Catalogue (PDF): SWN – dimensional drawings & standard sizes tables from p. 102 (PDF) · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
Control desk · operator panel · IP 54
Standing operator consoles for control and visualisation tasks on automated production lines and machining centres. Hinged front panels provide direct access to installed devices without dismantling. Segmented design comprising upper section, lower section, front segment and top module. 4 configuration types, 19 size variants. → All details on the control desks page
📘 Catalogue (PDF): PSL – dimensional drawings & standard sizes tables from p. 115 (PDF) · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
Electrical enclosures for these industries and applications
Mechanical engineering and special-purpose machinery: OEM machine builders need electrical enclosures in non-standard dimensions, often in their corporate colour and delivered fully wired. ZPAS manufactures SZE2 and SZE3 enclosures in any dimension — fitting out, wiring and functional testing included on request. → Panel building & wiring The comparison baying enclosure: SZE2 or SZE3 shows which series suits rows of enclosures.
Renewable energy: PV inverter enclosures and wind SCADA enclosures need a high degree of protection, a long service life without maintenance and full compliance with IEC 61439. ZPAS SZE2, SZE3 (IP55) and SWN (IP65) are UL-certified — suitable for international projects as well. For inverters, grid connection and metering outdoors: → Outdoor enclosures for energy & smart grid
Food and pharmaceutical industry: HACCP-compliant production requires smooth, gap-free, sterilisable surfaces without cavities. ZPAS SWN INOX in stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) is corrosion-resistant, resistant to cleaning agents and available in IP65.
Rail transport and railway infrastructure: Signalling, points control and traction power supply demand enclosures with vibration resistance, defined longevity and complete CE documentation. ZPAS manufactures to individual specifications — even in small quantities. For points control, signalling and trackside equipment outdoors: → Outdoor enclosures for rail & transport
Custom builds and prefabrication
In addition to the standard series, ZPAS offers the complete value chain in panel building: CAD design, prototype, fully wired and tested switchgear assembly. The customer supplies the specification, ZPAS supplies the finished electrical enclosure. That is the key difference from a pure enclosure manufacturer. → More on panel building & wiring
Our production depth ranges from simple sheet-metal processing through welding, powder coating and assembly to complete electrical enclosure production with wiring and commissioning support. For complex projects, the engineering team in Wolibórz is available as your direct contact.
Compliant with IEC 61439, IEC 62208 and UL-certified
All enclosures comply with IEC 62208 for empty enclosures and can be used for applications to IEC 61439 (low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies). The SZE2, SZE3 and SWN series carry a UL certificate of conformity for international use. ZPAS provides certificates and declarations of conformity on request.
Design and interior fit-out of an electrical enclosure
An electrical enclosure is more than a sheet-metal housing – only the interior fit-out turns it into a functional switching and control unit. ZPAS plans these components according to the application:
Enclosure & frame
Torsion-resistant sheet-steel body with all-round seal – the basis for degree of protection and stability.
Mounting plate
Galvanised and depth-adjustable – the carrier level for all installed components, load capacity up to 1,000 kg.
Support & DIN rails
For miniature circuit breakers, contactors, terminals, PLCs and frequency inverters – on a 25 mm grid.
Cable management
Wiring ducts, cable entries and strain relief for standard-compliant, maintainable wiring.
Locking system
3- or 4-point espagnolette lock, swing handle with profile half-cylinder – lockable and secure.
Wiring & prefab
Fully wired to your circuit diagram on request, fitted out and tested at the factory – not just the empty enclosure.
Earthing & EMC
Continuous equipotential bonding on door, frame and mounting plate; EMC shielding on request.
Plinth & mounting
Plinth 100/200 mm, floor-standing, wall or baying installation – to suit the installation situation.
Electrical enclosure cooling & climate control: removing heat loads reliably
Installed components such as frequency inverters, power supplies and PLCs generate power loss. If it is not dissipated, the internal temperature rises above the permissible limits and shortens the service life of the equipment. Depending on the heat load, the electrical enclosure is equipped with cooling — from the filter fan through air/air and air/water heat exchangers to the electrical enclosure with cooling unit (compressor refrigeration unit); a heater is added against condensation. Determine the required cooling or heating capacity in seconds with our cooling capacity calculator, and choose the right equipment in the electrical enclosure configurator. Which device suits which case — filter fan, heat exchanger or compressor cooling unit — is shown in the guide Choosing a cooling unit. For outdoor use there are climate-controlled outdoor electrical enclosures with cooling (CVO cooling units, AHP heat pump).
Electrical enclosure series compared – which series for which application?
Four series for the entire range of requirements: from the universal floor-standing enclosure and the rugged IP-65 wall-mounted enclosure to the control desk. The table helps you choose the right design.
| Series | Design | Degree of protection | Dimensions (W × D / height) | Material | Bayable | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SZE2 | Floor-standing enclosure | IP 54 / 55 | 600–1200 × 400–800 / 2000–2200 mm | Sheet steel | yes | Indoor installations, universal |
| SZE3 | Floor-standing enclosure, rugged | IP 55 | 600–1200 × 400–800 / 2000–2200 mm | Galvanised steel | yes | Harsh industry, higher degree of protection |
| SWN | Wall-mounted enclosure | IP 65 | 200–800 × 115–300 / 300–1000 mm | Steel / stainless steel | — | Wall mounting, small distribution boards, hygiene (INOX) |
| PSL | Control desk | IP 54 | 600–1500 × 450/600 mm | Sheet steel | on request | Operator & control stations, production lines |
The industry pages automation & instrumentation and control, machine & plant building and building services & smart building show these enclosures in use.
Frequently asked questions — electrical enclosures
What is an electrical enclosure — and what is it used for?
An electrical enclosure (control cabinet) is a metal enclosure that safely houses electrical components: miniature circuit breakers, contactors, frequency inverters, PLCs, terminal strips and cabling. It protects the equipment against dust, moisture and mechanical influences — and protects people against contact with live parts.
Applications: mechanical engineering, power distribution, automation technology, renewable energy, rail transport and anywhere electrical equipment has to be organised in a closed enclosure. → Detailed guide: What is an electrical enclosure?
Which degree of protection do I need — IP54, IP55 or IP65?
The IP rating depends on the installation site:
- IP54 – industrial halls, dry production environments (ZPAS SZE2, PSL)
- IP55 – harsher industrial environments, proximity to water sources (ZPAS SZE3)
- IP65 – wet and washdown areas, clean rooms, food industry (ZPAS SWN)
Can I order electrical enclosures in special sizes or special colours?
Yes. ZPAS manufactures electrical enclosures in individual dimensions (width, depth, height) and in any RAL colour of your choice. Special finishes (stainless steel, textured paint, RAL Design System+) are also possible. The design department converts your specification directly into a production drawing. Request a quote →
How is an electrical enclosure constructed?
An electrical enclosure consists of the enclosure itself (sheet-steel body with door and all-round seal), a galvanised mounting plate as the carrier, support rails or DIN rails for the components (miniature circuit breakers, contactors, PLC, terminals) and cable ducts for the wiring. A 3- or 4-point locking system and continuous earthing are standard. On request ZPAS supplies the enclosure fully wired and tested.
Wall-mounted or floor-standing enclosure — which is right?
A wall-mounted electrical enclosure (ZPAS SWN) is mounted on the wall to save space – ideal for small distribution boards and few components, up to approx. 1000 mm height and IP 65. A floor-standing enclosure (SZE2, SZE3) stands on the floor, offers more installation space, higher load capacity (up to 1,600 kg) and is bayable. Rule of thumb: little equipment and a nearby wall speak for a wall-mounted enclosure, a lot of equipment or baying for a floor-standing enclosure.
How is an electrical enclosure climate-controlled?
The decisive factor is the power loss of the installed equipment relative to the ambient temperature. Up to a few hundred watts, filter fans are often sufficient; for higher heat loads, air/air or air/water heat exchangers and cooling units are used, and a heater against condensation. Calculate the exact cooling or heating capacity with the ZPAS cooling capacity calculator.
