What is an EMC 19 inch cabinet and why is it essential for sensitive electronics?

6 Min Reading time
Written by
Tang Marcus
Published on
8. April 2026

For system integrators, panel builders, and procurement engineers, housing sensitive electronic equipment in harsh environments requires more than just a metal box.

It demands structural integrity, thermal management, and strict electromagnetic compatibility. An EMC 19 inch cabinet is the definitive solution for protecting critical automation, communication, and power distribution systems from both physical and electromagnetic threats.

The TPS 15U 19 inch Industrial Cabinet is a heavy-duty, free-standing industrial rackmount chassis engineered for demanding environments. Featuring modular construction, a 4.0mm grounded copper plate, and premium integrated components from ABB and Siemens, it serves as the ultimate PLC rack enclosure for modern data centers and factory floors.

What is an EMC 19 Inch Cabinet?

An EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) 19 cabinet is a specialized enclosure designed to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) from entering or escaping the housing. In industrial settings where high-voltage machinery, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and sensitive communication networks coexist, an EMC shielded enclosure is mandatory to prevent signal degradation and equipment malfunction.

These cabinets utilize a conductive gasket rack design, ensuring continuous electrical contact between doors, panels, and the frame, creating a Faraday cage effect. Standardized to the IEC 60297 standard, the 19 inch cabinet allows for seamless integration of standardized 19″ equipment.

Heavy-duty 15U EMC 19 inch cabinet with powder-coated sheet steel in an industrial automation facility.
The TPS 15U 19 inch Industrial Cabinet provides robust protection for sensitive electronics.

The TPS 15U Industrial Rackmount Chassis Overview

The TPS 15U Cabinet built for uncompromising performance. Made from durable sheet steel with a powder-coated surface (RAL 7035), this RoHS compliant chassis offers exceptional corrosion resistance.

It designed as a free-standing unit capable of supporting heavy static loads. Which making it ideal for use as an industrial data cabinet or a PLC rack enclosure. For environments requiring mobility, it can be equipped with optional height-adjustable castors (4x GD-80) featuring Fuma brand bearings.

3U vs. 4U Chassis Versions: Component Breakdown

To accommodate different power distribution and control requirements, the TPS 15U cabinet is available in two distinct chassis configurations. Both versions include a heavy-duty 4.0mm grounded copper plate to ensure optimal electrical safety and EMC performance.

Feature 3U Version (3x3U Brackets) 4U Version (2x4U Brackets)
Key Components E-strip switch (M32-PV), 2x Siemens Limit Switch door contacts, 2x FINDER 24V/AA relays, 3x ABB S 203M-K32 breakers, 1x UK 35 BLUE terminal block 2x ABB S 203-K32 breakers, 1x 3V/V AC input terminal
Weight (Net / Gross) 110 kg / 135 kg 125 kg / 145 kg
Grounding 4.0mm grounded copper plate 4.0mm grounded copper plate

For larger scale deployments, TPS also offers the 24U Cabinet and the 42U Cabinet to meet enterprise-standard data center requirements.

Mechanical Design & IP54 Industrial Enclosure Features

Security and accessibility are paramount for panel builders. The TPS 19 inch cabinet features single front and rear doors reinforced with square pipes. And the doors utilize 150° hinges and TS007 lock rod fasteners (with M6x12 screws) for a highly reliable door lock system. Door opening angles can be fixed using integrated stoppers, facilitating safe maintenance.

Operating as an IP54 industrial enclosure, the cabinet protects internal components from dust ingress and splashing water. The modular design includes removable top and bottom panels, a cable tray, and lifting ring installation points. Which allowing for versatile deployment across various industrial sectors.

Close-up of a conductive gasket rack and 4.0mm grounded copper plate inside an EMC shielded enclosure.
A 4.0mm grounded copper plate ensures superior EMC performance and electrical safety.

EMC Shielded Enclosure & Grounding Strategy

To qualify as a true EMC shielded enclosure, grounding is critical. And the TPS cabinet ships with a dedicated 4.0mm grounding copper bar. This ensures that all metallic parts of the enclosure frame, doors, and side plates are bonded to a common ground potential.

When combined with a conductive gasket rack design, this grounding strategy effectively mitigates high-frequency noise, ensuring that sensitive PLCs, network switches, and power supplies operate without interference. For more insights on industrial power and enclosure integration, visit our News & Insights page.

Cabinet Airflow Optimization

Thermal management is a critical factor in extending the lifespan of electronic components. Cabinet airflow optimization is achieved through the strategic placement of equipment within the 482.6mm (19″) width mounting space and 512.5mm frame spacing.

The removable top and bottom plates allow for the installation of active cooling fan trays or passive ventilation grilles. Proper cable routing using the included cable trays prevents airflow blockages, ensuring that heat generated by power supplies and servers is efficiently exhausted from the industrial rackmount chassis.

Custom Rack Enclosure Solutions

No two industrial applications are identical. TPS ELEKTRONIK provides custom rack enclosure configurations to meet specific project requirements. Whether you need an emergency stop button integrated into the front panel, specific power supply units, custom terminal blocks, or output copper bars, our engineering team can tailor the cabinet to your exact specifications.

Explore our full range of 19-inch cabinets and chassis to find the perfect fit for your next automation project.

Internal view of a PLC rack enclosure featuring ABB breakers, Siemens limit switches, and FINDER relays.
Pre-configured with premium components like ABB breakers and Siemens limit switches for immediate deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the load capacity of the TPS 15U 19 inch cabinet?
The cabinet features a heavy-duty sheet steel construction designed to support substantial static loads typical of industrial servers and heavy power supplies. And the net weight of the chassis itself ranges from 110 kg to 125 kg depending on the version.

2. Can the cabinet be moved easily?
Yes, while it is a free-standing design, it offers optional height-adjustable castors (4x GD-80 with Fuma brand bearings) to enhance portability on the factory floor.

3. Is the cabinet suitable for harsh environments?
Absolutely. With its powder-coated surface (RAL 7035) for corrosion resistance and robust sealing, it functions effectively as an IP54 industrial enclosure, protecting against dust and moisture.

4. How does the cabinet handle EMC requirements?
It acts as an EMC shielded enclosure by utilizing a 4.0mm grounding copper bar and ensuring all panels and doors are electrically bonded, effectively blocking electromagnetic interference.

5. Are custom electrical configurations available?
Yes, we offer custom rack enclosure services. We can pre-install emergency stops, specific power supplies, terminals, and output copper bars based on your RFQ requirements.

Ready to secure your industrial electronics? Request a quote for our robust, EMC-optimized enclosures tailored for panel builders and system integrators. Explore TPS 19 Inch Cabinets →

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