Choosing a control panel enclosure starts with one simple fork: are you buying an empty shell to wire yourself, or a populated cabinet that already contains the electrical components? The four options here span that entire range, from a compact box to a populated cabinet with contactors and wiring. If your control layout is based on DIN rail components, the practical differences show up in usable depth, door hardware, and whether the enclosure is just a box or already has components inside.
Quick take
- SCE 8N806LP - Compact 8" x 8" x 6" enclosure at the lowest listed price.
- IEC 24x20x11 - Rectangular enclosure with dual quarter-turn latches.
- Hoffman A302408LP - Large 30" x 24" x 8" NEMA Type 12 cabinet.
- ABB DP60C3P-1 - Populated 208V 3-phase panel with four ABB contactors and a control transformer.
Listed price comparison
| Option | Listed price | Price bar | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCE 8N806LP | $26.87 | Multiple units | |
| IEC 24x20x11 | $130.00 | Stainless steel, no backplate | |
| Hoffman A302408LP | $495.00 | Large steel cabinet | |
| ABB DP60C3P-1 | $500.00 | Complete contactor cabinet |
Decision matrix
| If you need... | Consider... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A basic box for a small control circuit | SCE 8N806LP | Low listed price and compact footprint |
| Corrosion resistance in a wet area | IEC 24x20x11 | Weathertight design for wet or dusty locations |
| A roomy empty cabinet for a custom panel | Hoffman A302408LP | Large interior and sealed steel construction |
| A ready-to-wire contactor setup | ABB DP60C3P-1 | Complete wired cabinet |
The four enclosures in detail
SCE 8N806LP 8" x 8" x 6" NEMA 1
At $26.87, the SCE 8N806LP is the entry price in this group. It is a square steel NEMA 1 enclosure with a panel-mounting style, sized 8" x 8" x 6". If you are protecting a small control circuit from accidental contact, this is the least expensive listed option. Twenty-three units are available, and the photos represent all of them, so condition varies: used, with some minor scrapes, plastic or metal hinges, and one of two ANSI danger sticker types. If hinge style matters, you can ask for a current count. It is a no-frills shell rather than a sealed cabinet, so it fits dry, indoor, low-risk spots.
IEC 24x20x11 Stainless Steel Enclosure
At $130, the IEC enclosure is the only stainless steel option here, and it is rated IP66. The rectangular 24" x 20" x 11" box has dual quarter-turn latches and comes with studs, but no backplate is included. Six units are available new in box; one box was opened for photos. If your environment involves washdowns or moisture, the stainless finish is a meaningful upgrade over painted steel. Just plan to supply your own mounting plate before you attach DIN rail or other hardware.
Hoffman A302408LP 30" x 24" x 8" NEMA Type 12
At $495, the Hoffman A302408LP is near the top of this range. It is the largest empty cabinet here, measuring 30" x 24" x 8", with a rectangular shape, powder-coated finish, and mild steel body. The panel is new in an open box, never used, with a Phoenix Terminal Block 3003347 already added. As a NEMA Type 12 enclosure, it suits indoor industrial settings where dirt, dust, and dripping water are concerns. The limitation is the material: mild steel is not stainless, so it is not the best choice for highly corrosive or wet conditions. If you are building a large custom panel, this gives you a big working area.
ABB DP60C3P-1 Industrial Control Panel (208V 3-Phase)
At $500, the ABB DP60C3P-1 is the only fully populated option. It is a 208V 3-phase panel with four ABB DP60C3P-1 definite-purpose contactors, a control transformer with a 120V secondary, relays, terminal blocks, and a wiring harness in a metal enclosure. The cabinet was removed from a functioning 72 kW electric steam boiler system with little use, and the wiring is clean. The trade-off is flexibility: you are buying an existing configuration, not a blank slate. If you need a ready-made contactor cabinet or want the ABB components for spare parts, this is the shortcut.
Final recommendation by use case
- Need a simple, low-cost housing for a small circuit? The SCE 8N806LP is the least expensive listed enclosure for a small indoor control circuit.
- Need protection where moisture and corrosion are concerns? The IEC enclosure is the one to choose when the environment is wet or harsh.
- Need a large empty cabinet for a custom build? The Hoffman A302408LP offers the biggest empty interior in this group.
- Need a wired panel rather than a bare box? The ABB DP60C3P-1 arrives with contactors, transformer, relays, and terminal blocks already in place.
