Enter enclosure and clearance details
Tip: Use realistic maintenance clearances and round up to your site’s preferred increment.
Example data table
These sample values show a typical compact equipment enclosure scenario. Your output will change based on clearances, build-up, and safety settings.
| Scenario | Equipment (L×W×H) | Clearances (F/B/L/R/Top) | Build-up (Wall+Ins / Roof / Slab) | Safety | Sample internal (L×W×H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini pump skid | 900×600×1200 mm | 600/300/300/300/300 mm | 75+25 / 75 / 100 mm | 10% | ~2.32×1.76×1.65 m |
| Controls panel | 700×400×1800 mm | 800/200/200/200/300 mm | 50+25 / 50 / 100 mm | 15% | ~1.95×1.32×2.42 m |
| Compressor (tight) | 1200×700×1100 mm | 700/400/300/300/400 mm | 75+50 / 75 / 125 mm | 12% | ~2.71×1.93×1.68 m |
Formula used
- Internal length = equipment length + front clearance + back clearance + door allowance (if on length side).
- Internal width = equipment width + left clearance + right clearance + door allowance (if on width side).
- Internal height = equipment height + top clearance.
- Door allowance = door clear depth + (door width if swing is inward).
- Effective L = (equipment length + front + back) plus door allowance if on length side.
- Effective W = (equipment width + left + right) plus door allowance if on width side.
- Internal diameter = √(Effective L² + Effective W²).
- Internal height = equipment height + top clearance.
- Safety factor multiplies internal dimensions by (1 + safety%/100).
- Rounding uses: rounded = ceil(value / increment) × increment.
- Wall build-up = wall thickness + wall insulation.
- Roof build-up = roof thickness + roof insulation.
- Floor build-up = slab thickness + floor insulation.
- External length/width add 2× wall build-up. Overall height adds floor + roof build-up.
- Areas and volume are then derived from the final dimensions.
How to use this calculator
- Choose your units and enclosure shape for the site constraints.
- Enter equipment dimensions from vendor drawings or field measurements.
- Add realistic service clearances for maintenance and safe access.
- Set the door allowance to maintain an unobstructed entry zone.
- Enter wall, roof, and floor build-up to estimate outside size.
- Apply a safety factor and rounding increment aligned with fabrication.
- Press calculate, then export CSV or PDF for sharing.
Design intent and scope
This calculator estimates practical enclosure dimensions for compact site installations such as control kiosks, mini pump skids, analyzer shelters, and small generator housings. It focuses on space needed to install, access, and service equipment safely. Results include both internal clear sizing and external overall size after wall, roof, and slab build-up, supporting early layout decisions and coordination.
Key inputs that drive footprint
Footprint is primarily governed by equipment length and width plus front/back/side clearances. For frequent maintenance, front clearance often ranges 600–1000 mm (24–40 in), while side clearances of 300–600 mm (12–24 in) suit many panels and skids. Door placement adds an entry zone on the chosen side; inward swing increases allowance to protect access. If equipment has pull-out trays or filter access, increase the service side clearance accordingly.
Build-up and construction allowances
External dimensions add wall build-up on both sides and combine roof and floor build-up vertically. Typical wall thickness for framed or panel systems is 50–100 mm, with insulation frequently 25–75 mm when thermal control is required. Roof thickness commonly matches wall construction, while a slab thickness of 100–150 mm helps handle loads and anchorage. Remember to allow for base rails, cable glands, and louver frames that may project beyond the equipment envelope.
Safety factor and rounding strategy
A safety factor accounts for installation tolerance, future cabling, and minor equipment revisions. Many projects use 5–15%, higher where access is tight or scope may grow. Rounding then aligns dimensions to fabrication modules: 10–25 mm steps in metric, or 0.5–1.0 in steps in imperial, reducing rework and simplifying procurement.
Outputs and material takeoffs
Alongside internal and external dimensions, the calculator reports floor area, wall area, roof area, and internal volume. These values support ventilation sizing, HVAC rough loads, and storage planning. Concrete volume is estimated from external footprint and slab thickness for early BOQ checks. Panel and insulation coverage helps compare enclosure options and budget. Use the external footprint to confirm transport routes and lift capacity.
FAQs
1) Should I include bottom clearance or equipment base rails?
Yes. Increase the entered equipment height or slab build-up to cover base frames, grout, vibration pads, and cable trays so internal height and overall height remain realistic.
2) When should I use the cylindrical option?
Use it for round kiosks or tank-like enclosures. The tool sizes diameter from the effective diagonal, ensuring a rectangular equipment footprint and clearances fit inside.
3) Why does inward swing increase the door allowance?
An inward-swinging door consumes internal space during opening. Adding door width provides a conservative envelope so access remains clear and equipment isn’t blocked by the door leaf.
4) What safety factor is typical for small enclosures?
Many projects start at 10%. Use 5% for tight, frozen designs and 15% when cabling, future instruments, or maintenance access may expand after commissioning.
5) How should I pick the rounding increment?
Match your fabrication or panel module. Common choices are 10–25 mm, or 0.5–1.0 in, which reduces odd cuts and makes shop drawings and procurement cleaner.
6) Do the wall and roof areas include openings?
No. Areas are gross estimates for early budgeting. Subtract doors, windows, louvers, and penetrations later, and confirm final takeoffs from approved shop drawings.
Notes
This tool provides planning-level sizing. Always verify door locations, ventilation, electrical clearances, code requirements, and equipment service envelopes on approved drawings before fabrication.