However, as far back as I can remember, industrial enclosures have always been RAL 7032 — which is why I found it so difficult to understand that a market as mature as that in the UK would accept such a significant change easily.
Apart from the obvious of everyone having to change specifications to RAL 7035, the real issue arises when adding an extension to an existing project. I would imagine a lot of clients would be unhappy with having two different colours of enclosures on the same site, especially if they are combined together!
Although saving time and money in production is tempting, Eldon believes that RAL 7032 is still the most appropriate colour for industrial applications. I have also received the same reaction from customers — with many saying that RAL 7032 not only blends in better, but also stays cleaner longer.
Sales of our mild steel wall mount enclosures (Multi-Mount) have risen steadily this year, although the major success has been with our mild steel floor range (Multi-Flex). Traditionally, Eldon has always been successful with its Kompact MKS/MKD range, which, although not combinable, are popular with many UK panel builders and OEMs. However, since Rittal stopped offering RAL 7032 as standard from 1st April 2005, sales of our MCS/MCD combinable floor standers have increased significantly on 2004.
Helped by the launch of a host of new accessories (swing frame, top and bottom cabling units, flange mount disconnects), we also offer a combination bracket to join Rittal enclosures to MCS/MCD if your client prefers RAL 7032.
To make sure we can cope with this extra demand, we have invested in more stock in the UK and have increased the number of MCS/MCD units we keep by over 50%. We are also continuing to visit new and existing customers all over the country with our fully equipped demo van. This is a great way for anyone to see our range of products, but without having to leave the office. The van also features an MCS enclosure in RAL 7032 and RAL 7035, so you can judge for yourself which colour is better!
Only time will tell if RAL 7035 ever becomes popular. In the meantime, we offer RAL 7032 from stock and RAL 7035 at no extra charge, albeit on extended delivery.
If you would like to know more about Eldon Electric or arrange a visit from our demo van in the UK, please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime.