Precision Potentiometer:

Nema 12 Enclosures Explained

If you’re looking for a high quality, precision potentiometer to use in an industrial setting, be sure to read about the enclosure designed for the potentiometer as well.

Precision potentiometers are constructed for various applications such as being used as positioning sensors for heavy duty motors.  They can have different values (such as 5K or 10k ohms) and can be used as a part of displacement transducers.  This is mainly because they are so simple in construction and give a large output signal.

Why is an enclosure needed for potentiometers?

Enclosures on precision potentiometers can help protect both the device and employees that are working near it from harm.  The type of enclosure being used may vary depending on the type of potentiometer application, meaning the enclosure can be built for a number of scenarios and work environments.

Nema 12 Enclosures

There are various levels of Nema enclosures, ranging from Type 1 to Type 13. Nema Type 12 enclosures are constructed without knockouts for indoor use and they are designed to be used in non-hazardous locations.

Nema 12 enclosures protect employees from hazardous parts but also protect the actual equipment inside from solid foreign objects.  In an industrial setting, there can be the circulation of various materials including dust, fibers, lint, flyings, etc.  There can be falling dirt as well.  Nema 12 enclosures also protect equipment from the ingress of water, which is caused by splashing or dripping.

Keep in mind that if you need a potentiometer for a hazardous location, such as areas where there are combustible materials, liquids or gases, you’ll need a Nema enclosure type that’s designed for these particular environments.  Nema Types 7, 8, 9 and 10 should be considered in these situations.

If you’re not sure what type of precision potentiometer or Nema enclosure you need, check with the manufacturer or distributor for more information.  At Carotron, our sales engineers are available to help you find what you need and make the appropriate choice for any industrial setting or other application for which a potentiometer is necessary.

Resource/Copyright Info: This motor control article about Nema 12 enclosures for precision potentiometers is under © Copyright of Carotron, Inc., your source for high quality DC and AC motor drives and other industrial motion control products to keep your operation running smoothly.