Metal Sheet Panels Selection Guide
Metal sheet panels are divided into wall-mount vertical and horizontal types; selection looks at layout and dimensions, and at the difference between a system part such as ABB IS2 and a complete panel.
This guide explains what to look at when choosing products in the Metal Sheet Panels category.
Types of sheet metal panels
- Wall-mount metal sheet panels: the vertical enclosures of Çetinkaya Pano; the Eko vertical, KE and Etanj E series are in this group in sizes such as 20x30x15, 40x60x30 and 80x120x30.
- Horizontal type metal sheet panels: the models of the Eko series whose code ends in Y, in sizes such as 30x20x15, 45x35x15 and 60x50x30. Because the width is greater than the height, they suit low mounting locations and push buttons and indicators arranged side by side.
This page also lists products belonging to ABB's IS2 freestanding panel system by order code. The net dimensions on items with entered properties (for example 394x1796x16 mm) show that these are system parts, not complete panels; verify what the code corresponds to in the ABB catalog.
MCB panels for distribution jobs where only circuit breakers will be installed, plastic panels for places where rust is the deciding factor, and outdoor construction site panels for temporary distribution in open areas are separate categories.
The difference between the Eko, KE and Etanj E series
All three series are in the manufacturer's group of wall-mount panels with a base plate; the difference lies in the sheet thickness and the declared protection rating. According to the manufacturer's catalog:
- Eko series (vertical models with a code ending in K, horizontal models ending in Y): Sheet thickness 0.8 mm. Defined in the catalog as indoor, IP40.
- KE series (models with a code ending in KE): The cover is 1 mm and the body is 0.8 mm sheet.
- Etanj E series (models with a code ending in E): The sheet thickness increases with size; 1 mm up to 40x40x20, 1.2 mm from 40x50x20 to 60x100x20, and 1.5 mm for 60x100x25 and larger sizes. Defined in the catalog as indoor, IP54.
The Etanj E technical drawing in the same catalog also carries an IP 65 note; if protection above IP54 is required, confirm the rating with the manufacturer before ordering. IP40 describes protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm and includes no protection against water; IP54 means dust-protected and protected against splashing water from all directions. According to the catalog notes, the bodies are powder-coated in RAL 7035 epoxy polyester and the doors have polyurethane liquid gaskets.
In some product names it says Eko Series although the code ends in KE; for these models, confirm the series before ordering.
How to read the product code and dimensions
In Çetinkaya Pano names the dimensions are written in the order width x height x depth, in centimeters; the product code carries the same digits and the series suffix. ÇP 406030 KE is a KE series panel 40 cm wide, 60 cm high and 30 cm deep. ÇP 6010030 E is an Etanj E of 60x100x30; ÇP 453515 Y is a horizontal Eko panel of 45x35x15. The Dimension Type field in the product properties gives the same dimensions in millimeters (400x600x300 mm).
What to look at when choosing a sheet metal panel
- Mounting location. The Eko and Etanj E series are defined as indoor panels in the manufacturer's catalog; for outdoor mounting, rely on the manufacturer's data.
- Layout. The mounting plate is smaller than the body dimensions. The layout is drawn by adding cable trunking beside the devices and a terminal block row and cable entry allowance below them; the width and height are chosen accordingly.
- Depth. The deepest device on the mounting plate and the parts protruding to the rear of push buttons, pilot lights and measuring instruments fitted to the door use the same volume; they must not collide when the door is closed. For devices such as drives, the air clearances the manufacturer requires are also added to the dimension.
- Heat. Losses from drives, power supplies and transformers raise the internal temperature in a closed enclosure. Where needed, ventilation is planned with fans, fan filters and panel thermostats; a cut-out opened for a fan and filter limits the enclosure's protection to the rating of the fitted part.
- Earthing. The connection of the body, door and mounting plate to the protective conductor is made according to the project and the manufacturer's data; panel ground terminal blocks, where the protective conductors are gathered, are in a separate category.
For rails and trunking, see the rails and in-panel cable trunking categories.
Brands in this category
- Çetinkaya Pano: Eko vertical and horizontal, KE and Etanj E series wall-mount panels with base plate.
- ABB: products belonging to the IS2 freestanding panel system, listed with order codes beginning with EB, EL, EM and EP.
Order notes
- The sales unit is piece. Horizontal type panels and some of the wall-mount panels are listed as made-to-order; for these models the lead time is confirmed before ordering.
- For ABB items, the product name does not include the dimensions and part type; the reference height in the product properties (such as 1800 or 2200 mm) shows which panel height the item is for.
- You can reach the product directly by typing the Çetinkaya Pano code (for example ÇP 608025 E) into the search.
Comparison and selection table
| Selection Criterion | Wall-Mount Sheet Steel Enclosure | Inner-Door / Glazed-Door Steel Panel | Floor-Standing / Modular Steel Cabinet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting & Frame | Wall or column mounted, includes galvanized backplate | Outer door (solid or viewing glass) + hinged inner escutcheon | Plinth/floor-mounted standalone or bayed frame system |
| Sheet Gauge & Finish | 1.0 – 1.5 mm steel, RAL 7035 textured powder coat | 1.2 – 1.5 mm steel, poured polyurethane gasket | 1.5 – 2.0 mm frame/skin, 2.0 mm galvanized mounting plate |
| Ingress Protection | IP41 / IP54 (indoor) or IP65 (outdoor rain canopy) | IP54 / IP65, finger-safe operator access on inner door | IP54 / IP55 / IP65 with lifting eyebolts & bottom gland plates |
| Typical Application | Machine control panels, local power distribution | Floor sub-distribution, metering & breaker monitoring | Main switchboards, PFC banks, multi-drive VFD cabinets |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Çetinkaya Eko series and Etanj E series sheet metal panels?
According to the manufacturer's catalog, the sheet thickness of the Eko series is 0.8 mm and the series is defined as indoor, IP40. In the Etanj E series the thickness is 1 mm, 1.2 mm or 1.5 mm depending on size; its definition is indoor, IP54. The KE series falls between the two: cover 1 mm, body 0.8 mm. Etanj E is considered in dusty and splash-prone environments, or for panels that will carry heavy devices.
Can a sheet metal panel be used outdoors?
The Eko and Etanj E series on this page are defined as indoor panels in the manufacturer's catalog. The manufacturer offers outdoor-type sealed metal panels for open areas as a separate product group. Outdoors, sun, condensation and corrosion come into play as well as rain and dust; for this reason, suitability for the installation location is determined by the project and the manufacturer's data, not by looking at the IP value alone.
Does a sheet metal panel come with a mounting plate?
The product names of the Etanj E series include the phrase with base plate; the Eko and KE series are also in the manufacturer's group of wall-mount panels with a base plate. The base plate is the mounting plate to which the devices are screwed. DIN rails for circuit breakers, cable trunking, terminal blocks and busbars are chosen from separate categories. Check the box contents on the product page before ordering.
What does IP54 mean?
The first digit 5 means dust-protected: dust ingress is not completely prevented, but dust cannot enter in a harmful quantity. The second digit 4 indicates protection against splashing water from all directions. With IP65, the housing is dust-tight and protected against water jets. In environments washed with pressurized water or with heavy dust, this difference between IP54 and IP65 is decisive.