• • • ENCLOSURES • • •
WHY CORROSION RESISTANCE AND COMPLIANCE TO NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS ARE IMPORTANT WHEN SPECIFYING INDUSTRIAL ENCLOSURES
environmental conditions during the early stages of project design. The best enclosure for the application can help
BY SHELDON BUTTS,
NATIONAL SALES & MARKETING MANAGER, HAMMOND
C
orrosion resistance is an often-disregarded enclosure feature. But as electronic and electrical systems
and components are increasingly installed in hostile environments, the corrosion resistance provided by the humble enclosure becomes an important part of the specification requirements. Industrial enclosures are often regarded as a relatively simple housing within the larger system. However, the choice of enclosure material
influences system reliability, equipment longevity, ongoing routine maintenance requirements and regulatory compliance, making a disproportionate contribution to the lifetime cost of the system. As industries continue to automate and diversify, enclosure selection has become an increasingly important engineering decision rather than a straightforward procurement choice. Two factors are particularly relevant in today’s market: the need for effective corrosion protection and the growing importance of compliance to North American standards for manufacturers exporting equipment overseas. Corrosion is one of the most common causes of
premature enclosure deterioration leading to system malfunction. Exposure to moisture, chemicals, salt, industrial pollutants or aggressive cleaning agents can dramatically shorten the life of poorly selected enclosures. Corrosion can compromise door seals, weaken structural integrity, affect mounting systems and ultimately reduce protection for the housed equipment. For this reason, engineers are increasingly evaluating
to maintain system reliability, reduce maintenance requirements, extend equipment life and improve operational safety. By preventing the ingress of water and contaminants, corrosion-resistant enclosures help reduce the likelihood of electrical faults and failures that could impact production processes. In many industries, unplanned downtime can be extremely expensive with the cost of equipment failure far exceeding the possible higher cost of choosing the right enclosure material in the first place. Typical applications where corrosion resistance
is a significant determining factor in enclosure material selection. Water and wastewater treatment facilities,
food and beverage processing plants, mining operations, oil and gas sites, transportation infrastructure and coastal installations all present challenging conditions for industrial equipment. Exposure to moisture, corrosive chemicals, salt- laden air, abrasive dust and frequent washdowns frequently make corrosion-resistant enclosures an essential requirement rather than a premium option. An important caveat is that there isn’t a single
universal ranking, the installed environment plays a critical part in deciding which is the best material. GRP can outperform stainless steel in some chemical-rich environments and 316 is usually the better choice for chlorides/saltwater resistance. Aluminium’s protective oxide layer gives it good atmospheric corrosion resistance, but galvanic corrosion can become an issue when it contacts dissimilar metals.
IP ratings versus NEMA ratings For many UK-based machine builders, OEMs and panel manufacturers, North America is an
40 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • SEPTEMBER 2026
attractive export market. However, designing equipment for the United States and Canada often requires a different compliance mindset to one focused exclusively on European requirements. North American customers and regulatory authorities often require equipment to incorporate components that comply with recognised North American standards. Within North America, Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) standards play an important role in electrical equipment acceptance and installation. UL enclosure classifications are widely used to define environmental protection characteristics and construction requirements. Many exporters now consider North American compliance requirements during the earliest stages of product development rather than treating them as a final project hurdle. Doing so can help reduce engineering changes, avoid certification delays, and simplify discussions with customers, inspectors and system integrators. NEMA enclosure types cover a broad set of
environmental conditions, including water, dust, oil/coolant, corrosion and ice. The IP rating, defined in IEC 60529, only specifies the level of dust and water ingress protection. As a rough guide, an IP rating defines how well an enclosure is sealed, but NEMA considers what environmental conditions the enclosure is designed to withstand. There is no direct comparison between an IP
rating and a NEMA level, so specifiers whose systems will be exported from Europe to North America could well benefit from advice from the enclosure manufacturer. As a manufacturer with extensive North American experience, Hammond is well-positioned to guide specifiers through the NEMA rating application differences and offer material options for the project.
www.hammfg.com
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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