A quick buyer's guide to Access Hardware

Access hardware solutions

From security and functionality to noise reduction in your application, there are lots of factors to take into consideration when building outdoor utility cabinets, machinery and electrical cabinets and enclosures. You’ll also need to think of access hardware as part of your HVAC components and industrial generator parts.

This guide is designed to give you an introduction. We can provide 3D models (CAD files) upon request or offer our single-pack option so you can verify form, fit and function.

We can also support you with our vast range of locks, latches, handles, hinges seals and much more. Whatever you need, you can depend on us for hassle free customer service and delivery.

IP and NEMA ratings

Electrical and outdoor enclosures and depending on their environment, some indoor cabinets may require a system level NEMA or IP rating. Choosing a latch or lock that meets those requirements is critical. IP stands for ingress protection and NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Both IP and NEMA are rating systems for equipment or systems that might be exposed to liquids, moisture, ice, corrosion and contaminates such as dust and debris.

Both ratings tell you the amount of protection against the entry of solid foreign objects and against moisture ingress. You’ll find approximate conversions of IP to NEMA ratings in our guide to IP and NEMA ratings. Below is an example of how NEMA and IP convert. Note, the numbers in IP ratings denote protection from solids and liquids.

Enclosure type

Compression latches

Perfect for: Outdoor and indoor cabinets

A compression latch offers IP/NEMA protection as well as a reduction or elimination of noise and vibration. Range includes hand-operated, driver tool styles and key operated version such as key-alike, key-different, Euro-key, CH751 and high-security. You can also learn more with our Guide to Latches.

Finish: Finishing options offer an aesthetic touch to your compression latch. These include stainless steel, chrome plated and black powder-coated

Material: Material options include zinc alloy (Zamak 5) and stainless steel

Features: Compression, adjustable versions, IP compliance, a variety of grip ranges, driver style locking, key-locking and padlockable versions to accommodate most application conditions

Hinges

Perfect for: Generators and industrial cabinets

Often a full, restricted or controlled range of door motion is required when accessing your application. Using the right hinge can provide increased functionality for end users. You’ll also find it helpful to read our guide, Types of Hinges and Where to Use Them.

Features: Whatever your application, choose from different hinge types, including Concealed, Leaf, Lift Off, Torque, Offset, Piano, Side, Corner, Flag, Strap, Spring and Weld On

Material: A diverse range of materials suitable for your environment including Aluminium, zinc alloy (Zamak 5), nylon, stainless steel, steel, brass and Polypropylene

Specification: Universal, left or right mounting orientation and a range of mounting hole shapes, securing methods and rotation angles

Quarter-turn latches

Perfect for: Indoor and outdoor cabinets, industrial machinery, tool cabinets, lockers, file cabinets, marine industry, trucks, trailers, rail transportation and electrical cabinets and enclosures

Quarter-Turn Latches offer a wide range of styles from quick-install versions and spring loaded options to “L”, “T” and wing style handles and padlockable features. The Quarter-Turn feature allows for easy locking and unlocking motion and come with a variety of economical choices.

Features: Choose from key versions based on your security and access control requirements. Key types include: Keyed Alike, Keyed Different, and Master key system. Padlockable also available

Material: Material options include durable nylon and die-cast zinc alloy, with a black or chrome plated finish

Specification: Varied grip ranges are available based on the door depth of the application

Gasketing

Perfect for: HVACs, cabinets, enclosures, generators

HVAC system components often need to withstand harsh conditions. Prevent vital equipment malfunctioning by isolating noise and vibration using industrial strength solutions, such as gasket tape and sealing gaskets.

Features: Sealing Gasket, Trim Seal, Edge Trim, Weather Stripping and Gasket Tape

Material: Neoprene, PVC and EPDM. Note, neoprene weatherstripping tape and PVC gasket tape work well indoors; choose EPDM options for outdoor applications for its ability to resist the effects of sunlight

Adaptability: Gasketing profile can be manipulated by hand to allow flexibility during fitting

Handles

Perfect for: Machine building, cabinets, enclosures

Industrial handles aren’t just about function but also aesthetics and comfort, especially if the handle will see frequent use. We offer a wide range of ergonomically designed handles with finish options to give your machines an attractive look. To learn more about handles, read out guide What is an Industrial Ergonomic Handle?

Features: Choose from industrial pull handles, recessed, adjustable, T-Handles and L-Handles

Material: Material options include zinc alloy (Zamak 5), stainless steel, aluminium, steel, nylon 6 and nylon, polyoxymethylene, polypropylene with glass-reinforced fibres and ABS

Specification: Range of diameters, fixing centres and projection heights to suit the environment in which your handles will be used

Reliable support

Let Essentra make your job easier with the peace of mind you need:

Industry-leading product quality

Approved against industry accreditations and standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, OHSAS 18001, ISO 27001:2013, ISO 50001:2001

Responsive service

Support for your business with 1 billion products in stock, fast dispatch and access to a wealth of industry expertise

Supply-chain security

Lead times reduced with 12 manufacturing facilities, 33 distribution centres and 39 sales and service locations.

The solutions you need

Designing and manufacturing custom solutions for your demanding requirements, as well as a wide range of off-the-shelf products.

Available 3D CAD files

CADs are available for most solutions, please request yours today. If you’re not quite sure which product will work best for your application, our experts can advise you.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.

Download Buyer's Guide To Access Hardware