Power protection panels from the team here at FDB Electrical are well known for their effectiveness and reliability – less so perhaps the availability of the specialist components we offer. Our MD Gary Miles explains that these components enable electrical engineers to install their own power protection and/or earth monitoring circuits in housings of their choice to suit applications from domestic through industrial/office to MOD ready.

He points out that “as part of our commitment to electrical protection technologies the component range includes an online, ex-stock program of panel mounting components including RCDs, Earth Continuity Monitors and special-purpose electrical protection devices.”

These comply with BS4293 and come in both AC and DC types. Components offer Multi-range protection levels including pre-set and user-adjustable types. Their Solid-state circuitry provides immunity to voltage transients and DC components and associated core balance transformers are available in a range of sizes, and a Panel meter is available (EFU10/M).

Protective devices available include fully adjustable multi-function RCD’s, variable earth leakage relays, percentage earth fault relays together with a range of external toroidal CT’s up to 240mm diameter. Where a customer does not wish to produce the housed system themselves then we can offer custom built panels and bespoke solutions designed and manufactured in-house to suit virtually any industrial application – we are proud to supply the UK Defence forces and support industries with this specialist protection equipment.

Sometimes we do not need the full sealing function of a gasket, but it may be important to protect an operator’s hands from the cut edge of a metal panel or simply to offer a buffer with a degree of protection from the elements, to preserve appearance or prevent the painted panel and frame from wearing and damaging each other. In these cases, an edge protection section is frequently desirable and a long-term effective solution.

As explained by Gary Miles, our MD the Rocfast Assembly and Logistics service is an important service tool in the armoury of specialist panel builders – for hardware required to suit enclosures and cabinets. Knowing which components can work together and how to assemble them can be a significant stumbling block in correctly specifying and equipping a custom panel.

With much experience in this area, the team here at FDB Panel Fittings are capable of guiding design engineers and supply chain managers, through the complex choices of components and then arranging delivery of the items required in batches to suit production numbers and to the location of choice – whether workshop or installation site. Thus, saving time and money while ensuring enhanced customer service to the end user.

The system allows specifying engineers to call the Rocfast team and discuss the project hardware needs e.g. type and size of quarter turn lock or latch coupled and sealing requirement, with hinge type and gasket section. – body length, insert, sealing gasket, tab length and offset, tab closure options, earthing washer, key type etc. thus saving a great deal of shop floor time. We also offer data sheets to help engineers through this process on their own.

Once the specification is concluded the logistics side of Rocfast can manage supply batches and production kits in alignment with manufacturing and/or installation requirements to workshop or on-site on a global basis if needed.

For more information on how Rocfast can streamline your lock assembly needs, visit www.fdb.co.uk/rocfast/ or contact FDB Panel Fittings today

Spanner Locks are solid, simple, inexpensive door security equipment usually with a good degree of sealing and protection. Ours are IP65 in zinc die and chrome with a choice of inserts – square , triangular or double bar. Standard cams are flat but please ask if you need another style.

So when you need a Spanner Lock you can find a selection at our Online store, stocked and ready for urgent delivery.

At a time when efficiency and cost savings are paramount, we are proud to announce the Rocfast customer service program. Designed to save time, reduce costs, and eliminate ordering errors, Rocfast guides engineers and buyers through the complete process of lock specification, component matching, ordering, assembly, packaging, and worldwide logistics—delivering directly to site.

The FDB Rocfast program specializes in lock assemblies, covering all major industry brands. By simplifying the typically complex process of specifying and assembling individual lock components, Rocfast removes the burden of self-assembly and ensures that customers receive a fully assembled solution tailored to their needs. Whether delivering to a site, workshop, or metal former/subcontractor, Rocfast aligns with the FDB team’s commitment to providing “Panel Fittings for Every Enclosure.”

Rocfast supports a wide range of ¼ turn locks, complete with matching keys and optional IP-rated sealing. The service also includes traditional L or T handles, swinghandles, and compression locks. Additionally, standard latch inserts can be upgraded to handle inserts, such as T-handles, L-handles, Star Knobs, and Wing Knobs, catering to various industry requirements. For dusty environments, FDB offers dust caps and finger pulls for easy panel access.

To further enhance security and stability, Rocfast provides serrated lock washers to prevent loosening, and earth (grounding) nuts designed to cut through painted surfaces for reliable electrical connections. Customers benefit from a simple four-step selection process: Pick your housing – Pick your insert – Pick your cam – and receive a fully assembled, ready-to-install lock.

For more information on how Rocfast can streamline your lock assembly needs, visit www.fdb.co.uk/rocfast/ or contact FDB Panel Fittings today.

Sugatsune magnetic catches from our Online store are great for confined spaces where their strong magnetic closure offers a clean external appearance with minimal intrusion into the internal space of the enclosure or door.

This Sugatsune range of neodymium magnetic catches stand out for their high performance and very neat design.

They are often liked because their density and strength allow incredibly thin magnetic catches to be produced like the MC159. At less than 3mm thick it is an easy to fit closure device which does not disrupt the integrity of your design. Perfect for sheet metal applications it can also be utilised in furniture production where the ample 4kg force will keep large doors closed. A lower strength version, the MC-158 has the same great looks but lesser strength at 1.5kg for those light weight applications, at the other end of the scale an 8kg force version has also recently been introduced.

It is worth reflecting on the many types of hinges available for industrial and office use – including those for concealed/internal fitting and others for external mounting. Enclosures with doors flush to frame and others with doors protruding require different designs – each may be bolted/screwed on or rivited or welded.

Materials vary from raw steel, plated steel, zinc diecast natural or coated, plastic hinges are now quite rugged and corrosion resistant of course while stainless steel hinges are still the top level of quality and are becoming more popular.

Specialist hinges now include damping, piano, detent, friction, heavy duty and architectural – we are delighted to offer a wide selection Online for rapid delivery.

As the UK’s construction and infrastructure projects continue to grow, FDB Electrical Online is proud to announce an extensive range of enclosed electrical protection devices. These high-performance solutions are designed for industrial and commercial sites, utilities, healthcare facilities, military and civilian airfields, and rail applications, ensuring safe and reliable electrical protection – in addition specialist custom panels are available to order for new or retro-fit projects.

This fully enclosed protection equipment includes the FDB2 Modular Multi-Way RCBO, the FDB11 and FDB13 series general-purpose RCDs, and the home/office-approved FDB21 “Interruptible” RCD/MCB. Additionally, the FDB27 unit provides specialized protection for Ground Support Equipment in RAF and RNAS hangars. For system customization, panel builders can integrate remote core transformers, universal earth leakage protection relays, multi-function RCDs, and earth fault monitors into their own designs.

With urgent availability from our online store, the FDB11, FDB13, FDB2, and FDB21 units offer robust electrical protection for diverse applications. These products are available in steel, GRP, or stainless-steel enclosures, ensuring durability in harsh environments both above and below ground. Thour expert technical advisory service is also available to assist with specialized requirements.

A key focus is the range of Network Rail-approved DC immune protection devices, including the FDB2 Multiway RCBO, which provides 2, 3, or 4-way multi-circuit protection. Similarly, the FDB11 offers general-purpose RCD protection up to 100A. These units, featuring solid-state electronic circuitry, provide stability and prevent spurious tripping in DC electrified environments.

Specialised solutions extend to international projects such as the Monorail Mass-Transit system in Singapore, where EFU50 DC protection units safeguard station equipment. Additionally, FDB19/STS power supply units have been deployed by the Royal Marines for offshore pontoon operations, ensuring secure electrical connections for landing craft.

For over 50 years, FDB Electrical has been a leader in electrical protection, supplying innovative solutions to industrial, commercial, and defence sectors. This extensive range of RCDs, earth leakage relays, and toroidal CTs supports custom-built panels and bespoke solutions tailored to unique project needs.

Our Online store now has a selection of proven high-quality components to enable electrical engineers to produce their own electrical earth monitoring and safety equipment as part of new or upgrade projects.

The range includes Multi-function RCDs, Earth Fault monitors, Earth Line monitors, Earth Leakage monitor, Remote/external CTs, Earth Leakage protection relays, analogue Ameter and an End-of-line terminator with diode for use with EMGARD earth line monitors and VELEM (EFU61 & EFU62) in a 35mm din-rail mounting.