To make it easier and more convenient for customers to identify and select the protection solutions they need, we are streamlining our portfolio by phasing out the A4 product family to be replaced by the A12 products. The A12 (single door) enclosures are being updated to meet UL type 4 and we will be phasing out the A4 range as of May 2025:
The recommended substitutes for these products in our global product portfolio are as follows:
• The A12 to substitute the A4
During the interim transition period, we will work closely with customers to provide support. Below you will find more details.
Product | Ranges to be phased out | Substituted by |
A4  | A12  |
When and how will A4 be phased out?
The A4 ranges will be phased out for all markets as follows:
Bulletin A4
| Action A4 in Phase-out No more quotes or SPAs for A4 A4 Obsolete | Deadline February 2025 May 2025 December 2025 |
Please note:
• Products will be delivered after phasing out deadline only if stock remains available.
• Ongoing projects for customized A4 products will be reviewed with customers to assess and define the transition timeline and conditions.
• nVent HOFFMAN will support projects with high complexity by assigning engineering resources. For further details, please contact your Sales Representative.
What does nVent HOFFMAN’s A12 (single door) product portfolio offer?
What does nVent HOFFMAN’s A12 (single door) product portfolio offer?
nVent HOFFMAN has updated the A12 (single door) to help your everyday need. The A12 (single door) is growing from 84 to 94 SKUs with universal type ratings 12, 3R, 4 and can be configured to meet customer’s modification needs. Our customers gain faster, reliable access to trusted, high-quality products, as well as localized support and services from qualified providers.
Easy to do business with. nVent HOFFMAN offers a unique range of sizes and options for the A12 (single door). All nVent HOFFMAN products are manufactured to the highest standards, and backed by service and sales support around the world. We also are committed to continuous innovation, always seeking new and better solutions to simplify the lives of our customers.
A12 (single door) offering. Our customers can now benefit from one product line that offers a universal rating to fit their needs. Offered in mild steel and painted gray inside and out. They also can count on fast, on-time deliveries from local and regional warehouses.
Full range of protection solutions. Our product platform covers the comprehensive range of protection needs – UL type 12, 3R, 4 – making design, sourcing and assembly easier than ever.
Which specific enclosures will be phased-out? And what are the recommended substitutes?
| A4 Model (Phased Out) | A4 Catalog (Phased Out) | A12 Model (Substitute) | A12 Catalog (Substitute) |
| 24320 24410 24290 24240 24330 24420 24540 24340 24430 24250 24350 24300 24360 24440 24310 24370 24450 24260 24380 24460 24390 24470 24550 24590 24270 24400 24480 24490 24560 24600 24620 24500 24510 24680 24520 24570 24610 24690 24530 24580 24700 | A16H12ALP A16H12BLP A16H16ALP A16H20ALP A20H16ALP A20H16BLP A20H16CLP A20H20ALP A20H20BLP A20H24BLP A24H12ALP A24H16ALP A24H20ALP A24H20BLP A24H20CLP A24H24ALP A24H24BLP A24H30BLP A30H20ALP A30H20BLP A30H24ALP A30H24BLP A30H24CLP A30H24DLP A30H30BLP A36H24ALP A36H24BLP A36H30BLP A36H30CLP A36H30DLP A36H30FLP A42H30BLP A42H36BLP A48H30CLP A48H36BLP A48H36CLP A48H36DLP A48H36FLP A60H36BLP A60H36CLP A60H36FLP | 28010 28140 27990 28020 28030 28160 28360 28040 28170 28180 28060 27890 28070 28200 28390 28080 28210 28220 28090 28230 28100 28240 28420 28530 27920 28110 28260 28270 28440 28540 28600 28290 28300 28470 28330 28480 28550 28610 28340 28490 28620 | A161206LP A161208LP A161606LP A162006LP A201606LP A201608LP A201610LP A202006LP A202008LP A202408LP A241206LP A241606LP A242006LP A242008LP A242010LP A242406LP A242408LP A243008LP A302006LP A302008LP A302406LP A302408LP A302410LP A302412LP A303008LP A362406LP A362408LP A363008LP A363010LP A363012LP A363016LP A423008LP A423608LP A483010LP A483608LP A483610LP A483612LP A483616LP A603608LP A603610LP A603616LP |
As of:
• May 1st, 2025 for OBS Bulletin A4:
nVent HOFFMAN will no longer maintain stock of accessories and replacement parts for the A4 ranges, or feature them as available products online or in other media. However, nVent HOFFMAN will manufacture these accessories and replacement parts upon request.
Are there dimensions, design, or other differences between the products being phased out and their substitutes?
Each A4 size has an equal size option in the A12 family. Please see the cross reference for easy conversion information.
Phased Out Product vs. Current Product vs. Subproduct
A4 Phased Out | A12 Current | A12 NEW | |
| UL Type Rating | 4 | 12 | 12, 3R, 4 |
| Material | Mild Steel | Mild Steel | Mild Steel |
| Finish | Inside: ANSI 61 Gray | Inside: White | Inside: ANSI 61 Gray |
FAQs
General
- What product families is this affecting?
This project is affecting the bulletin A4 mild steel wall mount enclosures, and the A12 mild steel, single door wall mount enclosures.
- What is changing?
We have begun the process of obsoleting the A4 models and making improvements to the A12 replacement model. The updated A12 product family will include an additional 10 catalog numbers, include UL Type rating 4. Also, the finish of the enclosures will be ANSI 61 gray both inside and out.
- Why make the change?
We are completing this product obsolescence and expansion to enhance our product portfolio, streamline business operations, and meet customer expectations by offering a single product line with universal UL Type ratings 12, 3R, and 4.
- Will there be different catalog numbers?
No, the existing A12 catalog numbers will remain the same, but the features will be updated as these changes are implemented. The package labels will have an updated description to help identify which A12 version it is. See examples below in question 10.
- When can I expect the A12 changes to be implemented?
We have begun manufacturing some of the updated A12 models and expect the transition to be complete by the end of May 2025.
- How will this affect A4 orders?
We will continue to ship standard A4 models while inventory remains available. As A4 inventory is depleted, we will proactively transition orders to the corresponding updated A12 catalog numbers. If we are unable to fulfill your A4 order, our Customer Service team will automatically substitute the order quantity with the equivalent A12 replacement model.
- Will the updated A12 enclosures be a direct replacement of the A4 enclosures?
Yes, they are a direct replacement of the A4 enclosures. The updated A12 models will be the exact size equivalent and will have the universal ratings, UL Type 12, 3R, and 4.
- What are the updates being made to the A12 models?
You will notice the following changes to the A12 models:
- Stainless steel door clamps and hinge pins
- UL Type 12, 3R, and 4
- ANSI 61 gray finish on the inside and outside
- What do I do with current A4 and A12 inventory?
These updates do not affect any existing inventory you may have on hand. The current A4 and A12 models remain suitable for their intended purposes and can be used for your existing jobs.
- How will I know the difference between the old and new A12 versions since they have same catalog number?
The updated A12 package labels will state “WALL MOUNT TYPE 4 ENCLOSURE,” in the description section. The A12 product label will remain the same, but will now include 3R and 4 in the enclosure type section.
- Will this change nonstandard orders?
All new and existing nonstandard A12 orders will be updated by default to stainless steel hardware, UL Type rating 12, 3R and 4 and ANSI 61 gray inside and out. If you need white interior or a particular number of clamps those can be chosen as a nonstandard option in CPQ.
Accessories and Replacements
- How do I order an accessory or replacement part for the current OBS Bulletin ranges?
If you know the item number, you can proceed to order as usual. If you do not know the item number, please contact your nearest nVent HOFFMAN sales representative.
- For how long will accessories and replacement parts that are compatible with the current bulletin ranges be available?
nVent HOFFMAN will ensure replacement and spare parts for the OBS Bulletin, as well as dedicated accessories, are available until 1 year after last manufacturing date. However, they will become available only upon request after last manufacturing date 4/30/2025.
Standard and Customized enclosures
- Does nVent HOFFMAN guarantee that I will be able to order standard A4 enclosures until 4/30/25?
Although A4 stock will be reduced gradually before discontinuing Bulletin A4 on 4/30/2025, HOFFMAN will continue to manufacture enclosures until last manufacturing date
- Can I order customized solutions of the ranges that are substituting?
Yes, nVent HOFFMAN will continue offering customized enclosures to meet the unique requirements of each individual customer, including special dimensions, custom colors, transparent windows, ventilation louvres, welded studs, increased corrosion resistance, holes, threading, and more.
Others
- Do the substitute ranges of enclosures give the same protection ratings as OBS Bulletin?
Yes, the substitutes achieve same and UL rating according to UL E61997.
- Who can I contact for more information?
Do not hesitate to contact your nearest nVent HOFFMAN sales representative, should you have any questions or comments. Thank you for your continued support!