Switchgear enclosure and method of fabrication

Abstract

An enclosure and method of fabrication thereof is provided for metal-enclosed switchgear. The enclosure includes at least one access opening and is assembled from a plurality of generally planar panels. The enclosure includes at least three vertical wall panels and a roof panel. The three vertical wall panels each include turned edges so as to define first flanges along at least a substantial portion of each edge thereof. Each of the three vertical wall panels can be formed and painted prior to assembly of the enclosure. The three vertical wall panels when assembled define three sides of the enclosure. At least one panel at each of the abutting edges of the three vertical wall panels includes a second turned edge that forms a second flange which extends substantially perpendicularly to the first flange. The enclosure is assembled by a plurality of fasteners that clamp or affix the first flange of a vertical wall panel to the second flange of the abutting vertical wall panel. Accordingly, the flanges of the vertical wall panels define integrally formed structural members that function as a frame. The second flanges are formed along each vertical edge of one of the vertical wall panels which function as a backwall. For the convenient support of electrical components to be contained by the enclosure, support members are affixed to the second flanges so as to span the width of the backwall.