Mounting plates are essential structural components within electrical enclosures that provide a secure, organized base for installing electrical equipment and accessories. They transform a basic enclosure into a functional control panel by enabling systematic component mounting and wiring management. It serves as the backbone of panel assembly.
Purpose of Mounting Plates
Mounting plates serve multiple critical functions in electrical enclosures:
- Equipment Support: Provide a rigid surface for mounting heavy components like PLCs, drives, power supplies, and HMIs.
- Component Organization: Pre-punched hole patterns create standardized mounting locations for DIN rails and accessories.
- Wiring Accessibility: Position components for easy front access during installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Structural Stability: Absorb vibrations and mechanical stresses in industrial environments.
- Thermal Management: Facilitate heat dissipation through material conductivity and strategic ventilation.
Types of Mounting Plates
| Type | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Mounting Plates | Welded or bolted permanently inside enclosure | Standard control panels, distribution boards |
| Adjustable Mounting Plates | Height/depth adjustable with sliding rails | Custom layouts, frequent reconfiguration |
| Perforated Plates | Full grid of mounting holes (25×50 mm pattern) | DIN rail mounting, high component density |
| Plain Plates | Smooth surface for custom drilling | Heavy equipment, special applications |
| Double Plates | Front + rear mounting surfaces | Deep enclosures, complex wiring |
Materials and Specifications
- CRCA Sheet Steel (1.6–3 mm): Most common, powder-coated RAL 7035, excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
- Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight (1.5–2.5 mm), good thermal conductivity, corrosion resistant.
- Stainless Steel (304/316): Harsh environments, washdown areas, food/pharma industry.
- Galvanized Steel: Enhanced corrosion protection for outdoor/indoor use.
Standard Sizes: Match enclosure dimensions (600×800, 800×1000, 1000×1200 mm, etc.)
Installation Methods
- Fixed Installation: Welded studs or through-bolts to enclosure frame.
- Adjustable Rails: Sliding DIN rails with locking screws for repositioning.
- Threaded Studs: Pre-installed M6/M8 studs for direct component mounting.
- DIN Rail Mounting: 35 mm rails snapped onto perforated patterns.
Design Considerations
- Load Calculation: Support heaviest component + dynamic loads (vibration).
- Hole Pattern: 25×50 mm grid provides maximum flexibility.
- Clearance: 50–75 mm from door, 25 mm between components.
- Grounding: Integrated earth studs or provision for grounding bars.
- Ventilation: 20–30% perforated area for airflow.
Best Practices
- Component Layout: Power supplies top, PLCs center, terminals bottom.
- Weight Distribution: Balance heavy items across plate surface.
- Cable Space: Reserve 20% area for wiring ducts and glands.
- Accessibility: Minimum 25 mm clearance around critical components.
- Labeling: Pre-printed component location grid references.
Common Applications
- Control Panels: PLC, relays, terminal blocks, HMIs
- Power Distribution: MCCBs, ACBs, metering CTs/PTs
- Motor Control: VFDs, soft starters, contactors
- Instrumentation: Transmitters, gauges, controllers
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