Enclosures must often be sited outdoors, so that they can be linked to other outdoor machinery and systems. This naturally places particular demands on these enclosures, because the environment, weather and, where applicable, humans can all impact this sensitive area. Hence the importance of choosing robust enclosures for the outdoor sector which can withstand all influences. Rittal has the right solution for your outdoor enclosure.
What must your outdoor enclosure be capable of doing?
If an enclosure is sited outdoors, i.e. not in a enclosed, protected space, it is exposed to multiple influences. These may include weather such as rain, wind, UV radiation and snow, as well as aggressive and corrosive substances in the environment such as salt-laden ambient air, grit and sand. Depending on the environment, enclosures may also be subject to pressure and suction or electromagnetic fields. These are just a few examples of the influences an enclosure must withstand. Particularly in industries with system-critical structures, such as key supply structures for electricity and water, it is vital that the functionality of enclosures is guaranteed. We at Rittal are very conscious of this responsibility, and committed to the highest standards of quality and reliability when manufacturing our enclosures. Every application area entails specific requirements.
Application areas for your multifunctional outdoor enclosure
To give you an insight into the different application areas and our expertise, below we consider the various conditions posed by different locations and their requirements in more detail. An enclosure might also need to be designed for multiple requirements simultaneously. We believe it is important that your case and enclosure system should be tailored to your specific needs.
Regions with sharp temperature fluctuations are a typical enclosure location. The failure of electrical components can have devastating impacts on your entire process. For this reason, robustness and resilience are particularly important with outdoor enclosures exposed to sharp temperature fluctuations. Effective climate control is also important alongside the durability of enclosures. The temperature inside an enclosure should be kept at a constant level to maximise the service life of the electrical components and help prevent downtime.
Enclosures outdoors are often exposed to high levels of UV radiation, such as those used in railway and transport technology. Enclosures sited adjacent to motorways are exposed to the sun and UV radiation with no protection. UV radiation can attack the enclosure’s paint and spray-finish. Allowance must be made for this at the planning stage. Temperatures and humidity also influence the enclosure.
Harmful substances which may chip and scratch electrical enclosures occur in many different environments. In the water industry, for example ‒ i.e. the extraction and treatment of water ‒ chlorine may be a factor. Other examples include fuels, fertilisers and grit, which may impact enclosures in the aviation industry. In the facility management sector, where electrical enclosure systems are often installed on the roof due to space limitations, aggressive and corrosive substances in the environment may be a factor. For this reason, enclosures in these types of environments must be adequately protected against corrosion.
If enclosures are sited close to tracks and rails, they may be impacted by extensive vibrations from passing trains and trams. Problem-free operation is particularly crucial in rail technology, for example in relation to points, in tunnels and on stations. As such, enclosures in these areas need to be particularly robust.
Salt-laden ambient air, e.g. in the maritime industry, and sand in desert environments, may cause enclosures to corrode. Effective surface protection is therefore vital in these environments. The shipping industry, offshore wind farms and PV installations in the desert are all system-critical areas delivering essential services. Maximum protection against corrosion is therefore a must in such areas.
If enclosures are sited near water, for example in the water industry or maritime industry, they must be protected against hosed water and humidity. It is a well-known fact that water and electronics do not mix, and could lead to interrupted operation. In these types of environments it is therefore essential that the enclosure is waterproof. Rittal outdoor enclosures either meet protection category IP 55 “protected against water jets” or IP 66 “protected against powerful water jets”.
Different siting environments for outdoor electrical enclosures
To help categorise the different requirements for enclosures that are sited outdoors, we have defined several different environments with specific characteristics. These are intended as initial guidance to help categorise and assess your requirements. It is important to remember that every application requires an individual design and check of the on-site ambient conditions prior to installation.
In this siting environment, the enclosure or the entire system is protected from the weather, such as parking garages or wind turbines.
This environment refers to locations which are for the most part protected against the weather, for example by a roof.
In this environment, enclosures are sited in areas exposed to the effects of aggressive and corrosive substances. Examples include outdoor installations for energy storage systems or the water industry.
This environment is characterised by extreme weather influences, including aggressive and corrosive environmental substances.
These conditions demand maximum durability and resilience from enclosures. Examples include enclosures in the telecommunications or maritime industries which are exposed to these influences.
The right electrical enclosure for your industry
Want to understand precisely which requirements apply to outdoor enclosures in your industry? Our industry pages have all the information you need. Industry not listed? Simply get in touch and we will be happy to explain.
Your outdoor enclosure from Rittal: High-quality materials, durability and security
Outdoor enclosures must withstand exceptional conditions over long periods. That’s why our outdoor enclosures are made from weather-resistant aluminium or fibreglass-reinforced plastic. This help to ensure exceptional resilience and durability. What is more, you can compile your own enclosure set from our modular system or even have a bespoke enclosure manufactured to your specified requirements – Rittal also offers modified enclosures. For example, you can request cut-outs for installing additional components or a different surface coating. Regardless of whether you are looking for an enclosure with or without cooling, we have what you need.
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