With a new base/plinth system for enclosures and IT racks, Rittal can now offer an unprecedented variety of functions and options. This latest innovation combines all the benefits of the existing Rittal TS and Flex-Block base/plinth systems in one solution and offers much more as well. For example, the VX25 enclosure accessories can also be compatibly installed and the base/plinth used as an intelligent cable chamber. All this comes with reduced assembly time, lower costs and greater safety.

Figure 1: The VX25 base/plinth system. Source: Rittal

The new VX25 base/plinth system from Rittal is optimally designed for the new large enclosure system. It is also fully compatible with existing enclosure solutions TS, TS IT, SE, CM, PC, IW, TP and TE. The new system combines all the functions and benefits of the Flex-Block and TS base/plinths and will replace them in the future.

In combination with its extensive range of accessories, and thanks to its compatibility with enclosure accessories, the base/plinth system offers almost infinite possibilities for siting, transportation, cable routing, cable attachment and base/plinth configuration. Since a 25 mm pitch pattern is consistently maintained throughout the base/plinth enclosure mounting parts, such as punched sections and rails, it can also be used in the base/plinth. For example, in addition to installing baying brackets and cable clamp rails, routed cables can be easily and efficiently clamped and secured in the base/plinth using punched sections with mounting flanges.

This base/plinth system, which is available in heights of 100 or 200 mm, consists of sturdy corner pieces with trim panels at the front, rear and sides. The corner pieces, like the trim panels, are made of sheet steel, and – due to an integrated centring aid that is pre-fitted in the VX25 frame – users will find it easy to position the enclosure precisely on the base/plinth and to install the corner pieces.

Also new is the ability to attach the base/plinth directly from above, which simplifies screw-tightening. This way, the base/plinth and enclosure frame can be screwed directly from above through the stable base frame with the aid of the nut integrated in the corner piece of the base/plinth. It is also possible to screw through the base/plinth into the enclosure’s corner piece.

The sheet steel trim panels can then be easily snapped on and, if the enclosure is to be lifted with a forklift or lifting truck, they can also be removed again. Clip-in trim panels allow simple, fast access to the enclosure for individual use, such as a cable chamber.

Thanks to fully symmetrical corner pieces, and by using the same base/plinth trim panels in the width and depth, the system opens up many new applications. For example, the vented trim panels and trim panels with brush strips, available as accessories, are an option to attached at the sides or to exchange for the front and rear trim panels.

All trim panels may either be clipped into the corner piece or securely screw-fastened. Pre-assembled captive nuts ensure fast and simple assembling. Depending on the application, users can dispense with the trim panels between bayed enclosure suites, or a 100 mm high trim panel may be used to stabilize the base/plinth corner pieces.

About the VX25 and easy transition

The VX25 is the first enclosure system that has been fully developed to meet the requirements for increased productivity in control and switchgear manufacturing and along the Industry 4.0 value chains. With its “SYSTEM PERFECTION.” slogan, Rittal is promising a major innovative leap, which has been made possible by depth of experience and intensive customer dialogue. The VX25 offers the highest possible quality and consistency of data, reduced complexity and savings in time, as well as safe assembly. More than 25 registered property rights demonstrate the high level of innovation involved.

Rittal now offers web-based software tools to assist plant constructors with quick and easy conversion to the new enclosure system. With the VX25 conversion assistant for parts lists available at www.rittal.com/vx25conversionhelp, free data and an intelligent selector and configurator, Rittal is simplifying the transition from the TS8 enclosure system to its new VX25 large enclosure system.