This selection guide is intended to provide guidance and clarification to assist with the selection of electrical enclosures, electrical cabinets and 19″ rack cabinets. Following this guide will help to optimise the life of enclosures and internal compone. This selection guide is intended to provide guidance and clarification to assist with the selection of electrical enclosures, electrical cabinets and 19″ rack cabinets. Following this guide will help to optimise the life of enclosures and internal components. This selection guide applies to empty enclosures for low voltage switchgear and controlgea. There are many factors to consider when choosing an electrical enclosure or electrical cabinet. Step 1. Determine the IP Rating to suit the application Step 2. Select the material to suit the environment Step 3. Calculate the size to suit equipment and component layout Step 4. Calculate thermal management requirements Step 5. Add internal and exter. An important decision when choosing an electrical enclosure, electrical cabinet or 19″ rack cabinet is to select the IP ingress protection rating and IK impact rating. Ingress protection IP ratings are defined in IEC/EN/AS60529 as a two-digit code detailing the degree of protection against mechanical impact and protection against contact with live. Material is selected based on the application, environment and location. Factors impacting selection may include strength of materials, resistance to corrosion, thermal stability, resistance to UV, mechanical impact and lifting requirements. Enclosures should be constructed of materials capable of withstanding the mechanical, electrical, thermal an. The size of the enclosure is determined by the components and cables being housed. This includes minimum distances around components and cables. It is important to check the installation diagrams of the housed components to ensure minimum distances between and around components are maintained with regards to electrical clearances, airflow and maint.