Electrical Enclosures as a Protection for Equipment Used in Hazardous Environment

Electrical Enclosure, Electronics Enclosure, Electrical Boxes,

It is a crucial decision to choose the right and appropriate enclosure to protect electrical equipment when used for outdoor applications. Also the main factor that will influence their decision in choosing the right enclosure is the location where the equipment will be placed. With this in mind, a company needs an enclosure that can withstand hars environments and it should have protection from corrosion, high-temperature, and direct sunlight or UV rays. This is crucial if a company like to keep their equipment functional, last long and in great shape.

Among the harsh elements present in outdoor environments, the worst factor that can damage any equipment is the UV rays or the direct sunlight form the sun. Aside from the fact that direct sunlight can cause melting or warping of the enclosure, it is also important to note that this can also cause most electronic applications to condensate. Even if the enclosure can protect the equipment from water ingress, the sudden change in the temperature especially when there is high moisture in the air, condensation is possible to occur inside the unit. Any engineers know that one of the worst enemy of any electrical equipment is moisture. With this in mind, any efforts to prevent this from happening is crucial.

It is important to note that not only UV rays or high temperature are the only risk factor present in outdoor applications. But high heat can cause a decay in certain materials which can greatly jeopardize the equipment inside the enclosure. Later on, the warping of materials can lead to creating leaks. This will create damages on the enclosure that will also result to the damaging of certain equipment. This is the very reason why it is important to choose the right material for our electronic enclosures especially if they will be exposed to these elements for a very long period of time.

The solution: polycarbonate enclosures

With this application, one of the best material to choose for an enclosure is the polycarbonate material. It has features that can protect the internal components of your equipment when housed inside an enclosure. It has an amorphous thermoplastic and naturally, it can withstand UV rays. So it is a very good choice for an enclosure for outdoor use. Not only that this material is used for enclosures, it is also used in other applications. It is also good for replacing traditional roofing. Because of its lightweight, weather-tough, and UV blocking feature – polycarbonate material is very versatile. Aside from this, it is virtually unbreakable.

A company can also use venting accessories to prevent condensation on their enclosures. As previously said in this article, condensation is caused by the presence of heat and humidity that can form moisture. Which in case can impose great damage on the electric component. It can also from mold that will contribute to its detoriation overtime. An engineer can also choose to improve the airflow inside the enclosure via vents, especially within electronic housings. This is also a great way to keep the enclosures watertight while making sure that the enclosure allows airflow so that moisture doesn’t accumulate.