Choosing the correct Schneider Spacial S3D enclosure is important when building an electrical control panel, automation system, HVAC control panel or industrial distribution system.
The Schneider Electric PanelSeT S3D, commonly known as the Spacial S3D, is a range of wall-mounted mild steel electrical enclosures designed to protect electrical and electronic equipment in industrial and commercial environments.
S3D enclosures are available in a wide range of heights, widths and depths, with options including plain steel doors, transparent doors, mounting plates and double-door configurations.
This guide explains how to select the correct Schneider S3D enclosure, understand Schneider S3D part numbers and choose the appropriate size, depth, door type and protection rating for your application.
The Schneider Electric S3D is a wall-mounted steel electrical enclosure designed for housing industrial control and automation equipment.
Typical components installed inside an S3D enclosure include:
Schneider contactors and motor starters
Circuit breakers
PLCs and remote I/O
Relays and timers
Power supplies
Terminal blocks
Control transformers
Variable speed drive controls
BMS controllers
HVAC control equipment
Safety relays
Communication equipment
Control switches and indicators
The S3D range is commonly used by control panel manufacturers, machine builders, electrical contractors, system integrators, HVAC controls specialists and building services engineers.
Many plain-door PanelSeT S3D models provide IP66 protection and IK10 impact resistance, making them suitable for demanding industrial environments.
There are six main things to consider:
Enclosure height
Enclosure width
Enclosure depth
Plain or transparent door
Mounting plate requirement
Single or double door
The enclosure should be large enough for the equipment being installed while allowing adequate space for wiring, cable trunking, terminals, ventilation and future expansion.
Do not select an enclosure simply by adding together the physical dimensions of the equipment.
A well-designed control panel normally requires considerably more internal space than the components themselves occupy.
Start by arranging the main components that will be fitted inside the enclosure.
Typical panel equipment might include:
MCCBs and MCBs
Schneider TeSys contactors
Motor protection circuit breakers
Overload relays
PLCs
Power supplies
Interface relays
Terminal blocks
DIN rail
Wiring duct
Transformers
Isolators
Allow sufficient space between components and cable trunking.
You should also consider future additions to the control panel.
For example, if the initial equipment layout requires approximately 550 mm × 350 mm of usable panel space, selecting a 600 × 400 mm enclosure could result in a very tight panel.
Moving to a 700 × 500 mm or 800 × 600 mm S3D enclosure may provide a much more practical installation.
Top cable entry
Bottom cable entry
Side wiring duct
DIN rail
Terminal blocks
Component heat dissipation
Door-mounted controls
Maintenance access
Additional future components
An enclosure that is slightly larger normally makes installation and maintenance significantly easier.
Enclosure depth is often overlooked.
Schneider offers S3D enclosures in a range of depths, with common nominal depths including:
150 mm
200 mm
250 mm
300 mm
400 mm
depending on enclosure size and configuration.
Normally suitable for relatively shallow equipment such as:
Terminal blocks
Relays
Small PLCs
Power supplies
Basic BMS controllers
Small control panels
A useful general-purpose depth for many electrical control panels.
Suitable for applications containing:
Contactors
Motor protection
PLCs
Control transformers
DIN rail equipment
Control relays
A popular option for larger industrial panels where additional wiring and component clearance is required.
Suitable for:
Larger contactors
Motor control panels
HVAC panels
Automation panels
Larger transformers
Extensive terminal arrangements
Used where substantial component depth or wiring space is needed.
For example, Schneider lists NSYS3D10840P as a 1000 × 800 × 400 mm S3D enclosure with mounting plate and NSYS3D12640P as a 1200 × 600 × 400 mm version.
Remember that the quoted enclosure depth is not the same as the completely unrestricted usable depth.
Allow for:
Mounting plate position
DIN rail
Component projection
Door-mounted equipment
Cable bend radius
Internal trunking
Heat dissipation
If large components are being fitted, selecting the next enclosure depth up can make panel construction considerably easier.
The S3D range covers compact control enclosures through to large industrial wall-mounted cabinets.
Schneider currently lists nominal heights including:
300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1000 and 1200 mm
with widths including:
200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 and 1000 mm
depending upon the particular S3D configuration.
This makes it possible to choose an enclosure closely matched to the control system rather than moving to a floor-standing cabinet unnecessarily.
Schneider S3D enclosure references normally begin:
NSYS3D
The numbers that follow relate closely to the enclosure dimensions.
For example:
This is a:
1000 mm high × 800 mm wide × 400 mm deep
PanelSeT S3D enclosure supplied with a mounting plate.
Schneider confirms NSYS3D10840P as a 1000 × 800 × 400 mm, IP66, IK10 steel wall-mounted enclosure with mounting plate.
Another example:
This represents:
1200 mm high × 600 mm wide × 400 mm deep
with mounting plate.
Schneider lists this model as IP66 and IK10.
And:
represents:
1200 mm high × 1000 mm wide × 300 mm deep
with mounting plate.
Understanding the Schneider numbering system makes finding an alternative size considerably easier.
A P suffix is commonly used on S3D references supplied with a mounting plate.
For example:
NSYS3D10840
1000 × 800 × 400 mm enclosure without mounting plate.
NSYS3D10840P
1000 × 800 × 400 mm enclosure with mounting plate.
If you intend to mount DIN rail, contactors, PLC equipment or other electrical components onto a backplate, buying the appropriate version supplied with a mounting plate can simplify the installation.
Always check the individual product specification when ordering.
S3D enclosures are available with different door configurations.
A plain steel door is the standard choice for most industrial control panels.
Typical uses include:
Motor control panels
Machine control
HVAC panels
BMS panels
Automation systems
Electrical distribution
Plant control systems
Many current plain-door S3D models provide IP66 ingress protection and IK10 impact resistance.
A transparent door allows equipment inside the enclosure to be viewed without opening the cabinet.
This can be useful for:
PLC displays
Energy meters
Status indicators
Controllers
Monitoring equipment
BMS displays
Diagnostic equipment
For example, Schneider lists NSYS3D10625T, a 1000 × 600 × 250 mm transparent-door S3D, as IP66 and IK08.
Transparent-door versions therefore offer high environmental protection while allowing visual inspection of internal equipment.
Most smaller and medium-sized S3D enclosures use a single door.
Large enclosures can also be available in double-door configurations.
A double-door enclosure can be useful where:
Installation width is large
Space in front of the enclosure is restricted
A single large door would be inconvenient
The panel requires frequent access
On Western Automation's current S3D range, examples include NSYS3D101030DP and NSYS3D101230DP double-door enclosures.
Always check the IP rating of the particular version because specifications can differ between single-door and double-door models.
IP ratings describe protection against the ingress of solid objects and water.
An IP66 enclosure provides:
6 – Dust protection
The enclosure provides a very high level of protection against dust ingress.
6 – Water protection
The enclosure provides protection against powerful water jets.
Many standard Schneider S3D plain-door enclosures are rated IP66 in accordance with IEC 60529.
This makes the S3D suitable for many demanding industrial installations.
However, the completed panel must also maintain the required IP rating.
Drilling holes or installing:
Cable glands
Pushbuttons
Isolators
Cooling fans
Filters
Indicators
Displays
can affect the overall IP rating if components are not correctly selected and installed.
The IK rating describes resistance to mechanical impact.
Many Schneider S3D plain-door enclosures have an IK10 impact rating in accordance with IEC 62262.
This makes them well suited to industrial environments where equipment could be subject to accidental impact.
Transparent-door versions can have a different impact rating; for example, current Schneider transparent-door S3D models such as NSYS3D10625T are listed as IK08.
Always check the specification for the exact enclosure reference.
Schneider S3D steel enclosures are commonly supplied in the familiar light grey industrial finish, using an epoxy-polyester powder coating.
For example, Schneider describes current S3D steel enclosures as having an epoxy-polyester powder surface finish.
This provides a durable finish suitable for industrial control applications.
Not every S3D enclosure is supplied with a mounting plate.
You therefore need to check the complete part number.
A mounting plate provides the main surface onto which components such as:
DIN rail
Cable trunking
Contactors
Transformers
Power supplies
PLCs
Relays
can be installed.
NSYS3D121030
1200 × 1000 × 300 mm S3D enclosure without mounting plate.
NSYS3D121030P
1200 × 1000 × 300 mm S3D enclosure with mounting plate.
Checking this before ordering avoids having to source the mounting plate separately.
There is no single percentage suitable for every installation, but filling an enclosure completely at the initial build stage is rarely good practice.
Extra space can be required for:
Future expansion
Additional terminals
Replacement equipment
Cable routing
Maintenance access
Heat dissipation
Field modifications
A slightly larger enclosure can often save considerable installation time.
For industrial control panels, it is generally better to allow sensible spare DIN rail and wiring space rather than choose the smallest enclosure into which the components will physically fit.
Yes.
Electrical components create heat.
Typical heat-generating devices include:
Power supplies
Transformers
Contactors
Soft starters
Variable speed drives
PLC power supplies
Relays
Electronic controllers
The enclosure size, ambient temperature and component heat losses all affect the internal temperature.
If heat generation is significant, consider:
A larger enclosure
Increased component spacing
Ventilation
Filter fans
Enclosure cooling
Thermal calculations
Never choose an enclosure solely from the physical dimensions of the components when significant heat-producing equipment is being installed.
Potentially, yes, but thermal management becomes especially important.
Variable speed drives can produce significant heat.
Before installing a VSD inside an enclosure, check:
Drive heat losses
Required clearance
Maximum operating temperature
Enclosure volume
Ambient temperature
Ventilation requirements
Required IP rating
A larger enclosure, forced ventilation or dedicated cooling may be required.
For HVAC drive applications, always check the manufacturer's installation requirements for the particular drive.
Typical components:
BMS controller
Power supply
Interface relays
Terminal blocks
A compact 200–250 mm deep S3D may provide sufficient room depending on the number of components.
Typical equipment:
Schneider contactors
Motor protection
Control relays
Transformer
BMS interface
Terminal blocks
Isolator
A medium-sized enclosure with approximately 250–300 mm depth is often more practical.
Typical equipment:
PLC
Remote I/O
Power supply
Safety relays
Contactors
Motor protection
Ethernet switch
Large terminal section
An enclosure around 800–1200 mm high with sufficient width and 300–400 mm depth may be appropriate depending upon the equipment layout.
Examples within the PanelSeT S3D family include:
| Schneider Part Number | Size | Door / Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| NSYS3D10840P | 1000 × 800 × 400 mm | Plain door, mounting plate |
| NSYS3D121030P | 1200 × 1000 × 300 mm | Plain door, mounting plate |
| NSYS3D12640P | 1200 × 600 × 400 mm | Plain door, mounting plate |
| NSYS3D101030 | 1000 × 1000 × 300 mm | Plain door, no mounting plate |
| NSYS3D10625T | 1000 × 600 × 250 mm | Transparent door |
Always check the individual Schneider specification before ordering because available configurations and ratings vary by reference.
The standard S3D range uses painted steel and is an excellent choice for many general industrial environments.
However, stainless steel may be more suitable where there is:
High corrosion risk
Food processing
Chemical exposure
Aggressive washdown
Marine environments
Coastal installations
Hygienic requirements
The correct material should therefore be selected according to the installation environment rather than simply choosing the enclosure with the highest IP rating.
An S3D wall-mounted enclosure is ideal for small to medium electrical control systems.
Consider moving to a larger floor-standing enclosure where:
The equipment becomes too heavy for practical wall mounting
Large power equipment is installed
Multiple drives are required
Large busbar systems are required
Extensive cable termination is needed
The panel requires a very large mounting surface
For many machine control, BMS, HVAC and industrial automation applications, however, the S3D provides a compact wall-mounted solution.
Before ordering, check:
Have you allowed enough height and width for the complete component layout?
Will the deepest component fit with sufficient clearance from the door?
Is one included with the selected part number?
Do you need a plain steel door or transparent viewing door?
What ingress protection is required for the installation?
Is IK10 or another level of impact protection required?
Where will cables enter the enclosure?
Will installed equipment produce significant heat?
Is there enough spare space for future additions?
Is painted mild steel suitable, or should stainless steel or another enclosure material be considered?
The Schneider S3D is widely used because it combines:
Wide choice of enclosure sizes
Multiple depth options
Robust steel construction
High ingress protection on many models
Strong mechanical protection
Plain and transparent door options
Mounting plate configurations
Extensive accessory options
Established Schneider Electric industrial product support
The range works particularly well alongside Schneider Electric control equipment such as TeSys contactors, motor protection circuit breakers, control relays, PLC equipment and other industrial control products.
H.TE Western Automation stocks an extensive range of Schneider Electric industrial control and enclosure products from our South West operation, with competitive online pricing and fast UK delivery.
Browse our complete range of:
Schneider Electric Spacial / PanelSeT S3D Steel Wall-Mounted Enclosures
including popular sizes with mounting plates, plain doors and double-door options.
Western Automation can also assist with:
Schneider S3D enclosure selection
Enclosure sizing
Mounting plates
Schneider enclosure accessories
Control panel components
Schneider TeSys contactors
Motor protection
Circuit protection
Industrial control equipment
If you are unsure which Schneider NSYS3D enclosure you require, contact our technical sales team with the equipment you need to install and the required dimensions.
We can help identify the most suitable Schneider S3D reference.
The Schneider PanelSeT S3D, historically known as Spacial S3D, is a range of steel wall-mounted electrical enclosures designed for industrial control, automation, machine control, HVAC and building services applications.
Many Schneider S3D single plain-door and transparent-door models are rated IP66. Always check the exact part number because ratings can vary between configurations.
Certain S3D configurations can provide the necessary dust and water protection for demanding environments, but outdoor suitability also depends on corrosion, UV exposure, condensation, temperature and installation conditions. Check the requirements of the complete installation.
NSYS3D is the main Schneider Electric reference prefix used for products within the PanelSeT / Spacial S3D wall-mounted enclosure family.
On commonly used S3D references, the P suffix identifies versions supplied with a mounting plate. Always confirm against the individual product specification.
The range covers many combinations, with nominal heights from around 300 to 1200 mm, widths from approximately 200 to 1000 mm and depths including 150, 200, 250, 300 and 400 mm depending on configuration.
S3D generally refers to Schneider's painted steel wall-mounted enclosure range, while other Schneider enclosure families are available for applications requiring different construction materials or environmental characteristics. Select according to the installation conditions.
Yes. S3D enclosures are frequently used for contactors, overload relays, motor protection circuit breakers, control relays, power supplies, PLCs and other industrial control components.
It can, provided the enclosure is correctly sized and the drive manufacturer's cooling, spacing and thermal requirements are met.
Some references are supplied with a mounting plate and some are not. Check the complete S3D part number before ordering.
Start with the physical layout of the equipment, then select suitable enclosure height, width and depth while allowing room for wiring, thermal management, cable entry and future expansion. Western Automation can assist with S3D enclosure selection where required.
Oct 06 2026 | Guides and How-to