Guides · TOSUNLUX
How to choose an electrical enclosure and its IP rating?
An enclosure is chosen on two criteria: the space it offers modular devices, and the protection it provides against dust and water. TOSUNLUX (Tosun) HT and HB enclosures are IP65 weatherproof; TJB boxes are used for junctions.
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The short answer
- Count the modules of all the devices, then keep a reserve for the future.
- Indoors, in a dry room, a standard modular enclosure is enough: the devices themselves are IP20, IP40 in an enclosure.
- Outdoors, in a damp or dusty room: an HT or HB IP65 weatherproof enclosure.
- For a simple junction: a TJB box.
Understanding the IP rating
The IP rating, defined by IEC 60529, is written with two digits. The first gives the protection against solid objects and dust (0 to 6), the second against water (0 to 8). IP20 means live parts cannot be touched with a finger, with no protection against water. IP65 means dust-tight and protected against water jets.
TSB3-63 circuit breakers and TSL3-63 RCCBs are IP20, IP40 once mounted in a modular enclosure: they need an enclosure suited to where it is installed.
Counting modules
A module is 17.5 to 18 mm wide on the DIN rail. Here is the space taken by the most common devices, from the FAPELEC catalogue:
| Device | Width | Approximate modules |
|---|---|---|
| TSB3-63 1P circuit breaker | 17.8 mm | 1 |
| TSN4-32 phase + neutral breaker | 17.8 mm | 1 |
| TSB3-63 2P breaker / TSL3-63 2P RCCB | 35.6 mm | 2 |
| TSB3-63 4P breaker / TSL3-63 4P RCCB | 71.2 mm | 4 |
| TDP-1 voltage protector | 52 mm | 3 |
| TDP-3 voltage protector | 90 mm | 5 |
| TSP7-40 surge protective device | 18 mm per pole | 2 (2P) · 4 (4P) |
HT and HB weatherproof enclosures
HT enclosures have a transparent door and come in 5, 8, 12, 18 and 24 modules; the larger HB in 9 and 12 modules. All are IP65, in UV-resistant plastic, for a rated current of about 63 A.
| Enclosure | Capacity | Dimensions (W × H × D) |
|---|---|---|
| HT 5 ways | 5 modules | 120 × 160 × 92 mm |
| HT 8 ways | 8 modules | 200 × 150 × 92 mm |
| HT 12 ways | 12 modules | 255 × 200 × 108 mm |
| HT 18 ways | 18 modules | 370 × 198 × 108 mm |
| HT 24 ways | 24 modules | 275 × 355 × 108 mm |
| HB 9 ways | 9 modules | 220 × 250 × 126 mm |
| HB 12 ways | 12 modules | 250 × 300 × 128 mm |
An example
A single-phase panel for a cabin or a plant room: a TDP-1 (3 modules), a 30 mA TSL3-63 2P RCCB (2 modules) and four TSB3-63 1P breakers (4 modules) take 9 modules. An HT 12 ways leaves three spare modules; outdoors, its IP65 rating protects the whole from rain and dust.
Always keep free space: a full enclosure leaves nothing for a future circuit and runs hotter.
Junction boxes
To connect cables or house a terminal block, TJB4 ABS boxes, with an opaque or transparent screwed cover, range from 80 × 130 × 85 mm to 150 × 250 × 100 mm. The TJB1 weatherproof box, 100 × 100 × 70 mm, has cable entries.
Frequently asked questions
What does IP65 mean?
Dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets (5), according to IEC 60529. It is the rating of TOSUNLUX HT and HB enclosures.
How many modules for a house panel?
Add up the device widths (1 module per 1P breaker, 2 per 2P RCCB, 3 for a TDP-1), then keep a reserve for the future.
Can an indoor enclosure go outside?
No. Outdoors or in a damp room, a weatherproof enclosure is needed, for example IP65 like the HT and HB.
Which weatherproof enclosure sizes are available?
HT in 5, 8, 12, 18 and 24 modules; HB in 9 and 12 modules, all IP65.
TOSUNLUX series mentioned
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