What is a Panel Mount & Its Benefits?

A panel mount is a mechanical feature that can be built into various connector designs so that you may plug a connector directly into an electrical device, external case, or enclosure. Moreover, panel mounts come as either externally/rear-facing, internally/front-facing, or side mount designs. In this blog, we will give you a brief overview of its applications, varying designs, and benefits.

Engineers typically implement panel mounts into their system when connecting electrical components inside an enclosure to wires or cables outside of the enclosure. In order to make this connection, the manufacturer creates a hole on the side of the enclosure wall so that cables and wires can pass through to the outside connections. If the system only requires a one-time connection, the cables or wires will not face any excessive damage. However, if the cables are routinely unplugged and plugged back in, this could create a strain on the connections. In order to avoid damage over time, it is best to use a panel mount to permanently attach the connector receptacle to the enclosure. As a result, the electronics on the inside can be wired to the back of the panel mount connector while the connector is positioned into the hole in the enclosure wall.

Three panel mount positions previously mentioned will be described in detail below. An external/rear-facing panel mount is a design wherein a majority of the connector is on the outside or on the front face of the equipment box or panel. In contrast, an internal/front-facing mounting design consists of a connector being affixed on the inside or the rear face of the equipment box or panel. Lastly, a side mount construction secures a connector housing by attaching it to the panel in a horizontal orientation.

There are a number of advantages to using panel mounts in your systems. Panel mounts can reduce the impact of strain on the assembly that can potentially damage wires, cables, and the connector itself. Moreover, they provide additional stability and resistance against vibration or tension. Panel mounts are also tamper-proof due to the use of specialized mounting hardware that prevents untrained individuals from improperly using the equipment. Additionally, the materials used in their design are often water resistant, providing a barrier between the external elements and internal electrical components. The one major disadvantage to using panel mounts resides in the fact that beyond needing a hole for the cables, the panel mount connectors require a bigger cut-out in your panel. In some cases, this opening can expose the panel to outside stressors or wear.

Prior to selecting what kind of panel mount design you wish to implement in your system, it is important to be sure that your connector, wires or cables, and other related components are in optimal condition. As such, rely on Part Orbit for all your operational needs. Part Orbit belongs to the ASAP Semiconductor family of websites with unparalleled access to a vast inventory of over 3 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts. We operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation, ensuring you always receive superior quality items. Kickstart the procurement process today by filling out and submitting an RFQ form as provided below. Provide as many details about the parts you wish to acquire including target prices, desired quantities, and expected shipping time frames. In as little as 15 minutes, a dedicated representative will reach out to you with a quote for your comparisons. Give us a call or email us, and we thank you for choosing ASAP Buying as your go-to sourcing solution.