O-ring and gasket seals in water tight enclosures
O-ring and gasket seals in water tight enclosures
(OP)
Hey All,
I was looking at some IP rated enclosures and noticed that almost all of them (whether they used a gasket or an o-ring), have a raised lip on the mating side of the enclosure which compresses the gasket/o-ring.
For example: http://www.rapidonline.com/pdf/30-4336.pdf
Is there a reason why these enclosures are designed this way as opposed to a flat face seal configuration? Does this actually provide better sealing, or is it used so they can have the o-ring/gasket further recessed in the groove to prevent it from falling out?
Thanks!
I was looking at some IP rated enclosures and noticed that almost all of them (whether they used a gasket or an o-ring), have a raised lip on the mating side of the enclosure which compresses the gasket/o-ring.
For example: http://www.rapidonline.com/pdf/30-4336.pdf
Is there a reason why these enclosures are designed this way as opposed to a flat face seal configuration? Does this actually provide better sealing, or is it used so they can have the o-ring/gasket further recessed in the groove to prevent it from falling out?
Thanks!





RE: O-ring and gasket seals in water tight enclosures
True O-rings seal against flat surfaces. You are talking about a gasket, even though it may be made from a round tube or foam rod.
RE: O-ring and gasket seals in water tight enclosures
I don't mean to be pedantic, but isn't an o-ring just a specific type of gasket?
I assume the enclosures are designed this way so they can achieve a seal with minimal force required from the screws. I'm also guessing that at higher operating pressures, this design is undesirable because of the small sealing surface area?
Thanks!