backplate gauge?

[alien]

I acquired a 24" x 20" Hoffman enclosure with no backplate, and a few free holes, for $20. Don't want to spend $95 on a 21" x 17" 12 gauge backplate from the catalogue. Would a bit of HVAC galvanized sheet just be too floppy - what's the minimum gauge I should be looking at?

 

[jCOSbrew]

Check the local scrap metal place for a steel or AL piece that will fit your panel. Panel thickness matters if you want to drill and tap holes for components.

 

[alien]

For thin metal there is the option to use nuts & bolts. I will probably mount a good deal of stuff on DIN rails. I'm just not seeing the necessity for something super rigid.

 

[AllanMar]

I've noticed on my panel (and many at work) that back panels are heavier then you would think. When you have them filled and are attempting to manuever them out of the panel you want them pretty rigid. Although I have never tried anything thinner....

The one that came with my 20x16 panel is ~2mm thick. I would imagine you could go thinner, but I wouldnt go too far.

 

[alien]

OK thanks for the advice.

 

[alien]

Went to the scrappy today, and found an old parking sign that will do nicely. 18" x 24" and what looks like 12 AWG aluminium.