An electrical enclosure is a cabinet for electrical or electronic equipment to mount switches, knobs and displays and to prevent electrical shock to equipment users and protect the contents from the environment. The enclosure is the only part of the equipment which is seen by users; in many cases it is designed not only for its utilitarian requirements, but also to be pleasing to the eye.
In the United States, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association publishes standards for the performance of various classes of electrical enclosures. The NEMA standards cover corrosion resistance, ability to protect from rain and submersion, etc. For IEC member countries, standard IEC 60529 is classifying the ingress protection rating (IP Codes) of enclosures.
Electrical enclosures are usually made from rigid plastics, metals, particularly steel and aluminum, and natural or processed wood. They may be made for a specific purpose (e.g., the metal, plastic, or wooden box of a particular radio receiver) or to accommodate any equipment to which they are suited.
Enclosures for some purposes have partially punched openings (knockouts) which can be removed to accommodate cables, connectors, or conduits. Where they are small and primarily intended to conceal electrical junctions from sight, or protect them from tampering, they are also known as junction boxes, street cabinets or technically as serving area interface.
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