Enclosure Selection

I have to add a new panel to an area of the plant where plastic recycling is gone so grinding and conveying and it's very dirty and dusty from the plastic regrind operation.

Looking to use a Hoffman panel but not sure which would be the most dust tight.

I have a type 4 panel here that is spare and is the right size but I am not sure how it will hold up to keeping the dust out.

Cabinet will be cooled with a water heat exchanger since the area is too dirty for an air conditioner unit and will hold a 200 HP AB 755 Drive.

What panel type will be the best for severe dust protection?

NEMA 4/12/13 are all supposed to be dust tight.
If you're really concerned about it you might add a positive pressure system similar to what is used for hazardous location panels (NFPA 496). That just requires an air source and a low pressure regulator.

NEMA 4 will be your best choice over 12/13. NEMA 4 is everything that 12/13 are plus a degree of water protection as well. So your cabinet choice should work just fine.

Tom,

Since you mentioned your environment is very dusty / dirty, here are my thoughts.

Most likely your cabinet will be classified as being in a hazardous Class 2 area. Check with engineering and safety to confirm.
If that is the case, you will have to deal with those rules.

In either case, I would use a Nema 4 enclosure and a pressurization system to positive pressure the cabinet since you can't totally keep out the dust.

Per Hoffman, Nema 12/13 enclosures are not designed for purging / pressurization.

I would also order an enclosure door hood and sealant to help keep dust from accumulating on the door lip and falling into the enclosure when you open the door.

regards,
james

Tim,

I do apologize for my post.
I did not realize I misspelled your name and I am unable to edit the posting.

james