This document describes the Rittal Baying Bracket, an internal component designed to connect Rittal VX series enclosures. The system, branded "Rittal – The System. Faster – better – everywhere," emphasizes efficiency and widespread applicability for its products.
Function Description
The Rittal Baying Bracket (internal) serves to mechanically join two or more Rittal VX series enclosures, creating a larger, contiguous system. This process, known as "baying," is crucial for expanding the capacity and functionality of individual enclosures, allowing for the integration of various components such as power distribution, climate control, and IT infrastructure within a unified framework. The brackets ensure a stable and secure connection between adjacent enclosures, maintaining structural integrity and alignment.
The manual provides instructions for different baying scenarios, including standard applications and specific considerations for wider/deeper enclosures (greater than 800 mm). It also addresses the use of combination angles for crane transport of bayed systems and an alternative baying method for transporting pre-assembled bayed enclosure systems.
Important Technical Specifications
The baying bracket system includes several components:
- Baying brackets: These are the primary components for connecting the enclosures. The part number for the baying bracket is 8617.500.
- Fasteners: The kit includes various screws for assembly:
- ST5.5 x 13 (24 pieces)
- M6 x 35 (12 pieces)
- Baying seal: A sealing strip (6 meters, 1 piece) is provided to ensure environmental protection between the bayed enclosures, preventing ingress of dust and water, especially for applications requiring NEMA 4 protection.
- Approvals: The product is UL US Listed as an Enclosure Accessory (E491171) and is rated for Type 1, 3R, 4, 4X, and 12 applications, indicating its suitability for various environmental conditions and safety standards.
- Compatibility: The baying bracket is designed exclusively for use with Rittal VX series products.
Usage Features
The assembly instructions detail the step-by-step process for installing the baying brackets. Key usage features include:
- Versatile Baying Options: The manual illustrates different baying configurations, including standard connections and specific methods for wider/deeper enclosures. For standard baying, the brackets are typically installed at the top, middle, and bottom sections of the enclosure frame.
- Specific Instructions for Wider/Deeper Enclosures: For enclosures with a width or depth exceeding 800 mm, the manual specifies the need for two packaging units of the baying bracket kit, suggesting a more robust or extensive connection is required for larger structures.
- Transport Considerations:
- Crane Transport: When transporting bayed systems by crane, a "combination angle" must be used. Users are directed to consult the load capacity brochure for specific guidelines. This ensures the structural integrity of the bayed system during lifting operations.
- Transport of Bayed Systems: An alternative baying method (Alternative 1.4) is recommended for transporting pre-assembled bayed enclosure systems, indicating a design consideration for maintaining stability during movement.
- Base/Plinth System Baying: The manual also covers the baying of the base or plinth systems, ensuring a complete and stable connection from the ground up. This is crucial for maintaining the overall structural integrity and alignment of the entire enclosure assembly.
- NEMA 4 Compliance: Specific instructions (NEMA 4) are provided for applications requiring a higher degree of environmental protection, emphasizing the correct installation of the baying seal to achieve the desired ingress protection rating.
Maintenance Features
While the manual primarily focuses on installation, several aspects relate to ensuring long-term performance and preventing issues:
- Careful Seal Installation: A critical instruction for maintenance and longevity is the warning regarding the baying seal: "When fitting the baying seal, ensure that it is not subjected to tensile forces." This prevents stretching or damage to the seal, which could compromise the enclosure's environmental protection (e.g., NEMA 4 rating). Proper installation of the seal is key to maintaining the integrity against dust and water ingress.
- Professional Installation: The safety instructions across multiple languages consistently emphasize that installation should be performed by a "specialist mechanic" or "qualified mechanic." This ensures that the baying brackets are installed correctly, adhering to all safety and technical specifications, which in turn contributes to the long-term reliability and safety of the bayed enclosure system. Incorrect installation could lead to structural instability or compromised environmental protection, requiring future corrective maintenance.
- Adherence to Instructions: The repeated emphasis on following the assembly instructions (e.g., "The assembly instructions for VX 8617.500 must be observed") implies that proper initial setup is the primary form of "maintenance" in preventing future issues. This includes using the correct fasteners, torque values (e.g., MA = 5 Nm), and configurations for different scenarios.
The Rittal Baying Bracket is a fundamental accessory for modular enclosure systems, designed for robust and compliant expansion of Rittal VX series enclosures, with clear guidelines for installation and safety to ensure reliable operation.
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