You must’ve seen indoor and outdoor enclosures for weatherproofing expensive electronic equipment. An enclosure is a cabinet that covers and shields electronic or electrical equipment such as routers, mount switches, UPS systems, power supplies, etc. Their purpose is to protect sensitive equipment from any temporary or irreversible damage. Enclosures are not only durable enough to withstand harsh weather, but they also boast an appealing design. We must protect sensitive electronic router boards and embedded PCs outdoors or indoors. Both enclosures offer significant protection to guarantee smooth operation in various environments. They are primarily designed to prevent unintentional contact with live equipment components that could result in an electrical shock. Also, they prevent foreign items like dust, dirt, dirt, dust, and splashes of water that could harm the equipment. Looking at the rate at which technology is evolving, functional and durable enclosures are more critical than ever. In addition, they save lives and equipment worth millions of dollars. Hence, buying a high-quality enclosure for indoor and outdoor use is a profitable investment.
Generally, there are three types of outdoor enclosures:
- Polycarbonate & PVC Enclosures
- Steel & Aluminum Enclosures
- Telecom Enclosures (HVAC)
What are the Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Enclosures?
Enclosures designed for use outdoors are different from those designed for indoor use. But what properties distinguish indoor enclosures from outdoor enclosures? There are huge differences between the two types of telecom enclosures. We will discuss the design/construction, NEMA rating, and required accessories to determine the differences between the two types of enclosures.
Design/Construction
Indoor enclosures don't need to be as robustly built as outdoor enclosures because they don’t have to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, it doesn’t mean indoor enclosures should be mediocre. Simply put, since they don’t have to undergo the effects of torrential rain, hail, and wind; they usually undergo fewer deflection tests. Cabinets for indoor use are made from thinner-gauge materials, like stainless steel. Steel is a durable metal with a long lifespan but can easily rust. That’s why it is best suited for indoor applications. Heavy-duty plastics are also a popular material for indoor cabinets. In addition, since indoor enclosures are typically in secure settings, they rarely, if ever, require additional security measures. On the other hand, outdoor enclosures are frequently installed in isolated or unsafe areas. Therefore, extra security precautions can safeguard the enclosures and prevent any theft attempts. For example, alarms and locking doors are standard security measures.
NEMA Rating
NEMA, or the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, offers a rating system for all electrical enclosures used in industrial applications. Ratings ranging from 1 to 13 indicate the protection an enclosure can provide against hazards. On the other hand, indoor enclosures carry NEMA Type 1, 2, 12, or 13 ratings. This is because indoor enclosures offer valuable protection against ingress by splashing liquids, falling dirt, etc., depending on their rating. In addition, these ratings are because indoor enclosures are vented and do not have gaskets on openings.
Accessories
Just like the environment dictates the design and the NEMA rating, it also determines the accessories required to protect the equipment. Generally, indoor cabinets require significant additions to meet these needs. However, outdoor cabinets are available with various optional accessories. Here are some of the most common types of accessories for outdoor enclosures.
- Door alarms
- Climate control systems
- Surge protection
- Grounding systems
- Aggregate shelter exterior
While you can add most of these accessories to indoor enclosures, it’s unnecessary to add them for these types of enclosures. Whether you are looking for an outdoor enclosure or shelter to expand your network or indoor enclosures for protecting expensive equipment, ISP Supplies offers a variety of enclosure accessories.
Popular Brands for Buying Indoor and Outdoor Enclosures
Here are some of the most popular and reliable brands available on ISP Supplies for choosing the best indoor or outdoor enclosure according to your needs.
MikroTik
The renowned Latvian firm, MikroTik, emerged in 1996, intending to create wireless ISP systems and routers. In most countries worldwide, MikroTik offers efficient hardware and software products for smooth internet connectivity. Find the best enclosures from MIkoTik on ISP Supplies. MikroTik Enclosures work best for wireless technicians and internet service providers (WISPs).
Here is a popular enclosure from MIkroTik, available on ISP Supplies. MikroTik CA600 Indoor Case for RB600 The Mikrotik Routerboard CA600 indoor case has four holes for N Female Bulkhead connectors or AC/SWI Swivel antennas.
Kam Fabrication
For many years, KAM Fab has provided Central Texas with full-service sheet metal fabrication. In addition, ISP Supplies ships custom-branded products from Kam with everything from screen printing to powder coating. Since we introduced Kam to the WISP industry, all their designs have followed our input and specifications. At the same time, their craftsmen continue to provide tower mount accessories and premium-quality wireless enclosures. A popular enclosure from Kam Fabrication on ISP Supplies, is: RouterBoard 493 Series Indoor Enclosure This Routerboard enclosure is wall mountable, featuring detachable mounting ears or desk mount with rubber feet for optimal versatility. In addition, our customers can get a silk-screened logo for their company.
Titan Wireless
ISP Supplies owns this brand, representing innovative embedded board computers for industrial applications, including outdoor CPE devices, WISP routers, switches, and specialty products. Here is a popular enclosure from Kam Fabrication, you can buy on ISP Supplies. Titan Wireless Indoor 1U Rack Mount Case Titan's 1U Rack Mount Case is a premium-quality powder-coated metal enclosure. The Rack Mount case has assembly screws, standoffs, mounting hardware, and a standard 1U rack. If a 1U size rack is unavailable, you can rotate the mounting tabs, thanks to its simple design. In addition, the Titan case provides easy access to users for using all 9 Ethernet ports and powering the router with a 120/240 power supply.
FAQS
What is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Enclosures?
The primary difference between indoor and outdoor enclosures is the environment they are designed to operate in. Outdoor enclosures are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, harsh weather conditions, moisture, and dust. Indoor enclosures, on the other hand, are designed to protect controlled environments and are not exposed to the same environmental hazards.
What Materials Are Best for Outdoor Enclosures to Withstand the Elements?
Outdoor enclosures are made of materials that can withstand the elements, such as aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. These materials are also designed to resist rust and corrosion. Indoor enclosures are made of materials that are typically lighter and less rugged than outdoor enclosures, such as plastic or composite materials.
What are the Most Common Accessories Used with Electrical Enclosures?
Electrical enclosures require accessories that monitor operating conditions. For example, humidity and temperature. They help cooling units run more efficiently within their environments. Standard accessories include thermostats, hygrotherms, lights, hygrostats, mounting aids, electronic relays, etc. It is critical to maintaining consistent temperatures to prolong the life of sensitive electronic components inside electrical enclosures. Condensation, an increased heat load, and other issues can result from overlooking these issues. Air conditioners, heat exchangers, and fans can all be used to fix these problems and prevent expensive equipment.
What Safety Standards Should Electrical Enclosures Comply With?
Electrical enclosures are designed to protect electrical equipment and wiring from physical damage and environmental hazards. To ensure the safe operation of electrical enclosures, they should comply with relevant safety standards, which may vary depending on the specific application and industry. Some commonly recognized standards that electrical enclosures should comply with are: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards: IEC standards are internationally recognized and specify the requirements for electrical enclosures' construction, performance, and protection against environmental hazards. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards: NEMA standards are widely recognized in North America and specify the requirements for construction, performance, and protection against environmental hazards for electrical enclosures. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards: UL is an independent organization that tests and certifies electrical products' safety. UL standards specify the requirements for electrical enclosures' construction, performance, and protection against fire and shock hazards.
How do I Properly Install and Maintain My Electrical Enclosure to Ensure Safety and Longevity?
Install the enclosures property to a wall in a dry area above flood lines and any hazards. Do not block any ventilation; install it away from any heat sources. Installing and maintaining an electrical enclosure involves several steps to ensure safety and longevity. Here are some tips: Ensure that you choose an enclosure suitable for the environment it will be installed in. The enclosure should be weatherproof, dustproof, and corrosion resistant. It should also be the right size for the equipment it will house. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for installing the enclosure. This will ensure that it is installed correctly and safely. Ensure that the wiring is done correctly and that all connections are tight. Use the correct wire gauge and ensure that there are no frayed wires. All wiring should be properly grounded. The enclosure should have adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Install a fan or an air conditioning unit to keep the temperature within safe limits if necessary. Perform regular maintenance on the enclosure to ensure that it is functioning correctly. This includes cleaning it regularly and checking for any signs of wear or damage. If you are not familiar with electrical work, we suggest you seek professional help for installing and maintaining your electrical enclosure. A licensed electrician can ensure that the enclosure is installed correctly and safely.