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AdvISINg OEMS ON ENCLOSURE SPECIFICATION FOR OUTdOOR LOCATIONS ENCLOSURES & ENCLOSURE FURNITURE
Feature
When electrical equipment has to be installed outside, the first consideration must be weather conditions. Faced with heavy rain and snow, enclosure-protected equipment should be mounted in a sheltered environment. But, even if a shelter is achievable from an operational perspective, the added size, as well as cost, might not make this a viable option.
Protection against the elements Ingress protection (IP) rating is a key enclosure requirement when sensitive equipment is installed in an outdoor location, and industrial enclosures can extend as high as IP68. This confirms prevention of ingress from the equivalent of high-pressure water jets, as well as protection when immersed for a specified time period. Some enclosures, such as the Spelsberg XT, are even designed for long- term installation in flooded ground. Meanwhile, IP68 rating confirms prevention of dust particles that could contaminate a sensitive device. Enclosure designs that reduce the potential of
ingress in the first place will also enhance long-term protection. Features such as the Drain Protect seal system, included on Spelsberg’s GEOS enclosure, channels rainwater or liquids away from more vulnerable entry points, reducing the potential of liquid accumulation and ingress. Fluctuating external temperatures, combined
with heat-generating electrical circuits, commonly causes condensation. For applications susceptible to these conditions, an anti-condensation system
should be used. As featured on the AK Air enclosure, this system creates a through-flow of air, maintaining temperature levels inside the box while allowing hot air and condensation to escape – all while preventing the ingress of heavy rain. The ability for an industrial housing to protect
against temperature extremes might also be a requirement. Within Britain the Highlands might see as low as -20˚C, but for OEMs designing equipment for use in locations from the Falklands to Siberia, temperature protection to as low as -50˚C might be necessary. Spelsberg tests enclosures to suit these needs accordingly.
Durability against imPact Unprotected outdoor installation also means that an enclosure has to be resistant to impact. Metal enclosures might be the first consideration, but the main drawback is their size and weight. Polycarbonate thermoplastic is generally
preferred as it is six times lighter than stainless steel yet retains a very high impact resistance. Spelsberg designs polycarbonate enclosures up to IK09 impact resistance, one of the highest industrial ratings, providing protection to the equivalent of 5kg dropped from 200mm. Another advantage of polycarbonate is that
whatever atmosphere it’s exposed to, the enclosure won’t corrode. This includes marine-based outdoor environments, through to locations where aggressive chemicals, such as on farms where chemicals
such as ammonia from fertilisers are prevalent. Spelsberg’s enclosures achieve the DLG and DNV- GL certificates, confirming high- level protection for use within these potentially corrosive areas.
Flexibility Light weight not only makes a thermoplastic enclosure easier to install, but the designs achieved are more flexible, enabling a more compact footprint. With knock-out sidewalls, it’s quickly possible for the installer to combine polycarbonate enclosures on-site as required. Enclosures such as Spelsberg’s GTi have a modular approach with open housings and removable walls, enabling the houses to be interconnected. Frequently, a dedicated approach is required to fit
the footprint, and polycarbonate lends itself to rapid customisation. Spelsberg UK’s in-house design and machining capability means that a customised prototype can be developed within 24 hours.
Spelsberg
www.spelsberg.co.uk
SUPPLEMENT
INDUSTRIAL AND OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES Tough. Flexible. Safe. GEOS
Can your enclosure offer the same combination?
Tel: 01952 605849
Email:
sales@spelsberg.co.uk Web:
www.spelsberg.co.uk
GR6224_GEOS Enclosure Advert_Enclosure
Solutions.indd 1
OCTOBER 2022 DESIGN SOLUTIONS - SUPPLEMENT 29 08/11/2021 14:24:29
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