January 2000

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over
this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or
application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not be
made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names from
time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather recognized as
normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications are equally
correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines are intended
to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA requirements. To
the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or other applicable
laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate
professional before applying or acting on any material contained in or suggested by the
Practice.

Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3208 Red River Street, Suite 300, Austin,
Texas 78705. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this practice
for their internal use.

Not printed with State funds

January 2000

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................2

4. Inspection and Testing .............. 6

1.1 Purpose ............................................2

1.2 Scope ...............................................2

5. Documentation ........................... 7

2. References ..................................2

5.1 Documentation Content .................... 7

5.2 Drawing and Data Requirements ...... 7

2.1 Process Industry Practices ................2

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ..........2
2.3 Conflict Resolution............................3

3. Design and Fabrication ..............3

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8

Base .................................................3
Walls and Roof .................................3
Doors................................................4
Screens and Filters ...........................4
Electrical Accessories .......................5
Grounding.........................................5
Nameplates ......................................5
Coatings ...........................................6

Process Industry Practices

Page 1 of 8

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

1.

January 2000

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
The purpose of this Practice is to provide a specification for the design and fabrication
of outdoor enclosures that are provided as an integral part of enclosed equipment.

1.2

2.

Scope
1.2.1

This Practice covers requirements for design, fabrication, testing and handling
of free-standing outdoor enclosures housing low and medium voltage motor
controllers and switchgear.

1.2.2

The requirements of this Practice shall apply to walk-in and non-walk-in

enclosures located in a non-classified area. This Practice is not intended for
enclosures that will be located in classified areas.

1.2.3

These enclosures are not recommended for use in corrosive, dirty, or dusty
environments.

1.2.4

These enclosures are not intended for climate-controlled or pressurized

applications. When pressurized or insulated climate-controlled enclosures are
required, see PIP ELSSG11.

References
Applicable requirements in the latest edition (or the edition indicated) of the following industry
standards and Process Industry Practices shall be considered an integral part of this Practice.
Short titles will be used herein when appropriate.
2.1

Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP ELSSG12D - Data Sheet for PIP ELSSG12 - Design and Fabrication of
Outdoor Enclosures for Motor Controllers and Switchgear

2.2

Industry Codes and Standards

All enclosures shall be designed, fabricated and tested in accordance with the
applicable sections of the following standards:
American National Standards Institute Inc. (ANSI/IEEE)
ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1 - IEEE Standard for Metal-Enclosed Low-Voltage
Power Circuit Breaker Switchgear
ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2 - IEEE Standard for Metal-Clad and Station-Type
Cubicle Switchgear
ANSI C37.100 - American National Standards Definitions
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
ASTM B117-94 - Operating Salt Spray (Fog) - Testing Apparatus

Page 2 of 8

Process Industry Practices

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

January 2000

ASTM D659-86 - Method of Evaluating Degree of Caulking of Exterior Paints

ASTM D714-94 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering
of Paints
ASTM D1654-92 - Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens
Subjected to Corrosive Environments
ASTM D2244-89 - Test Method for Calculation of Color Differences From
Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
NEMA ICS-6 - Industrial Control and Systems Enclosures
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
UL-508 - Industrial Control Equipment
2.3

Conflict Resolution
Any conflicts between the referenced documents shall be referred to the Buyer in
writing for resolution. When resolving conflicts, the following order of precedence
shall apply:
Purchase Order
Plan View and Associated Drawings
Data Sheet, PIP ELSSG12D
This Practice, PIP ELSSG12
Referenced Standards

3.

Design and Fabrication

3.1

3.2

Base
3.1.1

Enclosure shall be provided with a totally enclosed base constructed of

4-inch (102-mm) minimum channel or I-beam.

3.1.2

Where bottom entry is used, removable floor plates shall be provided in rear
cable compartment.

Walls and Roof

3.2.1

Enclosures shall be Category B as described in Table A.1 of ANSI/IEEE

C37.20.2-1993. Enclosures shall also comply with requirements listed in
Section A.3.8 of ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1993.

3.2.2

Enclosures shall be constructed of steel with a minimum thickness of #11

Manufacturers Sheet Gauge.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

3.3

3.4

January 2000

3.2.3

Joints in the outer steel housing shall be designed and fabricated to prevent the
entry of dust and moisture. All gaskets shall be continuous and held in metal
retainers (channel, etc.).

3.2.4

Locations of incoming and outgoing bus duct and cable shall be coordinated
with equipment to be enclosed.

3.2.5

All outdoor handles and hardware shall be Series 300 stainless steel.

3.2.6

The roof shall be sealed and sloped to provide drainage in a direction away
from personnel doors and any front access doors.

3.2.7

Side paneling shall stop a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) above bottom of
base.

Doors
3.3.1

Walk-in enclosures with protected aisles shall be provided with an outer

personnel door, the width of which shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum.

3.3.2

Enclosures more than 72 inches (1.8 m) wide shall have a door at each end.
The door width shall be large enough to remove the largest controller or
breaker element. The doors shall swing outward and be equipped with panic
bars or other devices that are normally latched and designed to open under
simple pressure. When indicated on the Data Sheet, the door shall have
provisions for padlocking or for the Buyers lockset.

3.3.3

Door stops on personnel doors and equipment access doors shall be provided
to maintain doors in the open position.

3.3.4

Equipment access doors on the front of the enclosure shall be equipped with
gasketed, hinged doors with a 3-point latching mechanism.

3.3.5

Equipment access doors on the rear of the enclosure shall be equipped with
gasketed, hinged doors. Latching mechanisms shall be as specified on the
Data Sheet and may be 3-point latch, three sides bolted, or both.

3.3.6

Latches on equipment access doors shall engage the steel frame at three points
(top, bottom, and side) to latch the door closed and shall have a rolling or
smooth sliding action when engaging the frame to aid in operating the latches.

3.3.7

All doors shall be suitable for pad locking.

3.3.8

Where bolts are used to secure equipment access doors, removal of bolts shall
be by tool only.

Screens and Filters

Enclosures shall have louvered ventilation openings at the top and bottom. Ventilation
openings shall not be provided in personnel doors. Such openings shall be equipped
with screens and reusable, washable filter elements. The filter element shall be safely
accessible for replacement while the equipment is in normal service.

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Process Industry Practices

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

January 2000

3.5

Electrical Accessories
3.5.1

Panelboards
Seller shall provide a circuit breaker panel with main circuit breaker and
minimum of six branch circuit breakers. These branch circuits will serve
lighting, receptacles, fans, personnel space heaters, etc. Power supply voltage
shall be as specified on the Data Sheet.

3.5.2

Heaters
When indicated on the Data Sheet, walk-in enclosure shall include personnel
space heaters with hand-off-auto switches and thermostats to activate at preset
temperatures. A form C contact shall be provided for use as a remote alarm to
indicate over- or under-temperature conditions inside the enclosure.

3.5.3

Fans
When indicated on the Data Sheet, walk-in enclosure shall include ventilation
fans with hand-off-auto switches and thermostats to activate at a preset
temperature. A form C contact shall be provided for use as a remote alarm to
indicate over-temperature.

3.5.4

Lighting
Illumination controlled by toggle or door switches shall be provided in all
outdoor equipment. Minimum illumination shall be 30 foot candles on the
vertical panels, 42 inches (1.1 m) above the floor. Light switches shall be
identified with engraved nameplates indicating the power source and shall be
located beside the door(s). In walk-in enclosures, three-way switches for
lighting shall be installed and located beside each door. Lighting fixtures shall
have guards and lights shall be suitable for service conditions listed on the
Data Sheet.

3.5.5

Receptacles
When indicated on the Data Sheet, walk-in enclosure shall include one indoor,
120 volt GFCI-type receptacle outlet located near each personnel door.

3.6

Grounding
One NEMA standard 4-hole stainless steel ground pad shall be located on diagonally
opposite corners of the enclosure skid (total of 2 ground pads). Seller shall connect
equipment ground bus to the ground pads.

3.7

Nameplates
Permanent nameplates shall be provided to identify each circuit breaker, transition
compartment or auxiliary compartment. Nameplates shall be provided on the front and
rear doors of non-walk-in enclosures. Nameplates shall be provided on rear doors of
walk-in enclosures. All nameplates shall be made of laminated, beveled plastic that is a
minimum of 3/32 inch (2.38 mm) thick and shall be affixed with stainless steel
hardware.

Process Industry Practices

Page 5 of 8

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

3.8

January 2000

Coatings
3.8.1

All structural framing members shall be cleaned to near white metal. The use
of chemical or solvent cleaning of structural steel shall not be permitted.
Following cleaning, one shop coat of zinc-chromate primer (1.5 mils minimum
dry thickness) shall be applied.

3.8.2

Floor surface shall be finished with a durable, scuff-resistant, non-skid epoxy

or enamel coating.

3.8.3

All seams outside the enclosure shall be sealed with 25-year marine sealant to
preclude crevice corrosion and assure the environmental integrity of the
enclosure against blowing rain, dust, dirt, or sand.

3.8.4

All interior and exterior exposed metal surfaces shall receive factory paint that
meets or exceeds the requirements of a 2000-hour salt spray test as defined by
ASTM B117-94 and evaluated per ASTM D1654-92 and
ASTM D714-94.

3.8.5

Interior and exterior color coating design shall meet the following performance
standards after 10 years continuous exposure in normal atmospheric
conditions:
a. Panels shall show no evidence of blistering, peeling, or chipping.
b. Panels shall show no surface chalking in excess of the ASTM D659-86
No. 8 rating.
c. Panels, after cleaning, shall show no color change in excess of seven (7)
units when measured in accordance with the ASTM D2244-89 standard.

4.

3.8.6

Exterior and interior of enclosure shall be painted white, unless specified

otherwise on the Data Sheet.

3.8.7

All structural members under the flooring shall be coated with an additional
20-25 mils of bitumastic or equal undercoating to eliminate base rusting and
subsequent corrosion.

3.8.8

Two (2) 1-quart cans of touch-up paint shall be supplied per equipment
assembly for each color used.

Inspection and Testing

4.1

The Seller shall conduct all tests and inspections necessary to determine that all
equipment and wiring is installed in accordance with this Practice and is in satisfactory
condition to be energized. All test results shall be documented and submitted to the
Buyer for record.

4.2

All equipment shall be inspected for compliance with all parts of this Practice. In
addition to testing required by individual equipment specifications, a functional test
shall be performed to ensure proper operation of all devices and components.

Page 6 of 8

Process Industry Practices

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

January 2000

4.3

5.

Unless specified otherwise on the Data Sheet, Buyer shall witness all production and
functional tests. Two-weeks notice shall be given to Buyer for required inspection and
testing date to meet shipment deadlines.

Documentation
5.1

5.2

Documentation Content
5.1.1

All engineering data provided for this equipment shall represent the actual
equipment specified and ordered.

5.1.2

Typical drawings are acceptable only if they are revised to identify

specifically the equipment, dimensions, wiring, and accessories being
furnished.

5.1.3

All drawings and data supplied by the Seller shall be identified with Buyers
name, project number, purchase order number, and item number along with
the Sellers shop order number.

5.1.4

Drawings shall have a space on the right-hand bottom corner for Buyers title
block.

Drawing and Data Requirements

Seller to provide one (1) reproducible set of drawings plus the specified number of
copies of all documentation and operating manuals as indicated on the Data Sheet.
Unless otherwise specified on the Data Sheet, the format for the reproducible
drawings shall be CAD convertible .dxf electronic format.

Process Industry Practices

Page 7 of 8

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

January 2000

With
Bid

For
Review

Final
Certified

As
Built

DESCRIPTION

General layout of equipment showing all

dimensions, weights, and location; outline drawings
showing the final assembled configuration

Detailed plans and elevation drawing showing

location of all components

X(1)
X

Foundation loading diagram and soleplate details

Detailed (D) or General (G) bill of materials

including name of the manufacturer and catalog
number of all components
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
Recommended priced spare parts list

A. Buyer shall furnish these documents with proposal.

B. Seller shall furnish these documents for Buyer's review and authorization to proceed
before fabrication.
C. Seller shall furnish these documents as part of the final certified document submittal.
(1) Seller to include one set of installation, operation, and maintenance manuals with the
equipment when shipped.
D. Seller shall furnish final as-built drawings within 2 weeks following shipment.

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Process Industry Practices