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ENCLOSURES


the enclosure fails, then so will the infrastructure it is protecting. It is important to do your research before you


select an enclosure. Simply because it is labelled ‘Outdoor’ does not mean it has the right characteristics to face the elements and securely protect your critical equipment. When deciding on the most suitable outdoor


solution for your project or network, Rittal’s experts can advise you on what factors are most critical to you and your application.


proteCtion from the elements When an enclosure spends its lifetime outdoors, over many years it will have to withstand the hottest summers and the harshest winters. The most vulnerable part of the enclosure is


usually the door seals. Protecting these means prevention from water leakage into the enclosure – this, in turn, increases the enclosure’s lifespan. Water that is contaminated can cause


degradation and over time the seal will fail and, often, can’t be replaced. This then becomes a costly fix with the requirement for a new door or a new enclosure. Adding an after-market seal often means a compromise and the IP rating may no longer be valid. During the winter, water sitting on the seal can freeze. As the water expands it will push the door away from the body of the housing and allow water inside. The best way to avoid these types of issues is


to choose an enclosure that has an overhanging roof, or a design that protects the door’s seals. Standard enclosures that have no such design features are often unsuitable for use outdoors.


seCurity anD vanDalism Security and vandalism is one of the most concerning issues when placing equipment outside and in public spaces. Selecting an enclosure capable of preventing vandalism or a member of the public gaining access to the enclosure and its contents is key. Although


eradicating this possibility completely is slim. You can, however, can select an enclosure that


has features that act as a deterrent. If someone wants to gain access then they will attack the weak points of the enclosures first – the handle and lock – then they may also look at the hinges of the door if these are visible. Choose an enclosure where different handle and lock options are available, such as having a lock inserted that requires a specific key and cannot be opened with a tool. Hidden hinges on the doors also prevent unauthorised access. In most cases, this only needs to be long enough before they are disturbed, or they get bored of trying. Hidden hinges mean they cannot easily remove the doors, but trying to gain access in other ways will then mean bigger tools or more noise, both of which again are usually a deterrent enough.


Double walleD proteCtion Double walled enclosures offer huge benefits for outdoor applications, not only by helping to regulate UV solar gain, but a double walled enclosure means it is twice as hard to gain access to the equipment inside (if you don’t have the authority). Double walled enclosures offer a chimney style


effect to eradicate some of the heat created by UV Solar gain. Whilst it does not stop all of the heat transfer, the outer layer assists with reflecting some of the light and what is transferred through the outer wall, some of this is then taken away between the two layers up and out of the roof area which is ventilated. Any heat gain left, along with heat generated by the equipment inside, should then be able to be dealt with using a range of climate control options. This maybe simple fans and filters, louvre arrangements, or by using forced air cooling. Consider if the enclosure you have selected can offer these options, as a retrofit at a later stage is key during the decision making process. Double walled enclosures also offer the benefit


FEATURE


of refurbishment, in the event of damage. Rather than removing the whole enclosure, which would mean a shut down of the infrastructure network it is part of, then the outer walls can simply be replaced.


Climate Control solutions More often than not climate control is hugely overlooked in outdoor applications. The assumption is that any heat loss generated by the internal equipment will be lost through the walls, especially when placing enclosures in a cooler country such as the UK. Sadly, experience tells us that this isn’t the


case. Sitting equipment in an enclosure works much like a flask – some heat transfer will be lost, but how much heat is being generated in the first place? Has a thermal calculation been carried out? If the enclosure is subjected to higher ambient temperatures, or more equipment is installed at a later date, can cooling be added as an option later on? These are important points that, if considered early, can save huge amounts of time and cost further down the line.


Durable enClosure materials Lastly, are you using the right materials? Stainless steel outside may sound suitable, however it is costly and might not always be the right option. Painted aluminium is lightweight but durable, and has the ability to be handled more efficiently. Depending upon the application, GRP may offer more benefits and would be significantly cheaper than stainless steel. So, the next time you need an outdoor


enclosure, I urge you to really consider the enclosure as a critical piece of equipment within the project or build. Selecting the right solution initially will ultimately save you time and money.


Rittal www.rittal.co.uk


The new one: the AX/the KX. Opens up perspectives.


The new generation of compact and small enclosures. APRIL 2022 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 27 www.rittal.co.uk


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