Extension cabinet for electrical systems and method

Abstract

An extension device for an electrical cabinet includes a plurality of panel members, an access port in a first panel member of the plurality of panel members, a top engaging the plurality of panel members, and wherein the plurality of panel members is connected and defines a functional area.

1 . An extension device for an electrical cabinet, the extension device comprising: 
 (a) two side panel members and a back panel member that are operably connected to define a functional area;    (b) an access port disposed in one of the panel members;    (c) a top engaging the two side panel members and the back panel member; and    (d) at least one door operatively engaged to at least two of the panel members and enclosing the functional area.    
   
   
       2 . The extension device of  claim 1 , further comprising an access panel movably attached to at least one of the side panel members, the access panel movable between a position that permits access to the access port and a position that does not permit access to the access port.  
   
   
       3 . The extension device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one door is positionable between an open position and a closed position.  
   
   
       4 . The extension device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one cross member engaging the two side panel members.  
   
   
       5 . The extension device of  claim 1 , further comprising a retaining member secured to the two side panel members and the back panel member.  
   
   
       6 . The extension device of  claim 1 , wherein the extension device is operably engaged to an electrical cabinet such that the access port is positioned adjacent to one side of the electrical cabinet.  
   
   
       7 . A cabinet for housing telecommunications or electrical wires, the cabinet comprising: 
 (a) two side panel members and a back panel member that are operably connected to define a functional area;    (b) a top engaging the two side panel members and the back panel member;    (c) at least one door operatively engaged to at least two of the panel members and enclosing the functional area; and    (d) a retaining member secured to the two side panel members and the back panel member.    
   
   
       8 . A method of providing additional space for telecommunications or electrical wires in an existing electrical cabinet, the method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) forming an opening in the electrical cabinet;    (b) providing an extension device comprising two side panel members and a back panel member that are operably connected to define a functional area, an access port disposed in one of the panel members, a top engaging the two side panel members and the back panel member, and at least one door operatively engaged to at least two of the panel members and enclosing the functional area;    (c) positioning the extension device adjacent to the electrical cabinet such that the access port is operably aligned with the opening in the electrical cabinet to provide access to the interior of the electrical cabinet; and    (d) securing the extension device to the electrical cabinet.