Configuring 
  4.7 Selection and installation of cabinets 
S7-300, CPU 31xC and CPU 31x: Installation 
Operating Instructions, Edition 08/2004, A5E00105492-05 
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4.7  Selection and installation of cabinets 
Reasons for installing an S7-300 in a cabinet 
Your S7-300 should be installed in a cabinet, 
•  if you plan a larger system, 
•  if you are using your S7-300 systems in an environment subject to interference or 
contamination, and 
•  to meet UL/CSA requirements for cabinet installation. 
Selecting and dimensioning cabinets 
Take the following criteria into account: 
•  ambient conditions at the cabinet's place of installation 
•  the specified mounting clearance for racks (mounting rails) 
•  accumulated power loss of all components in the cabinet. 
The ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, dust, chemical influence, explosion hazard) 
at the cabinet's place of installation determine the degree of protection (IP xx) required for 
the cabinet.  
Reference for degrees of protection 
For further information on the degrees of protection, refer to IEC 529 and DIN 40050. 
The power dissipation capability of cabinets 
The power dissipation capability of a cabinet depends on its type, ambient temperature and 
on the internal arrangement of devices. 
Reference for power loss 
For detailed information on power dissipation, refer to the Siemens catalogs NV21 and ET1. 
Specification of cabinet dimensions 
Note the following specifications when you determine the dimensions of a cabinet for your 
S7-300 installation: 
•  Space required for racks (mounting rails) 
•  Minimum clearance between the racks and cabinet walls 
•  Minimum clearance between the racks 
•  Space required for cable ducts or fan assemblies 
•  Position of the stays