Metal Enclosure Options for Outdoor Applications

Metal enclosures are an excellent choice for outdoor electrical or electronics projects because they are not affected by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation like some plastic materials. You don’t have to worry about your device melting, cracking or warping when its housed in a metal enclosure solution. But it’s not only sun and weather that present a threat to your outdoor metal enclosure application; internal temperature buildup, vandalism and even small wildlife can cause headaches for device designers and engineers.

Environmental Considerations:

From airborne particles to rain to UV rays, environmental conditions can have a significant impact on how an enclosure will perform. You should consider the climate and environmental hazards your enclosure will encounter during its lifespan. This will help to determine if the enclosure should meet specific NEMA ratings for protection against hazards like water ingress or corrosion. By sourcing a properly rated enclosure for your application, you reduce the risk of equipment damage or failure.Internal temperature can also pose a threat to metal enclosures. When exposed to excessive heat or temperature rise, electronic components become less reliable or can even completely malfunction. Consider heat dissipation measures like venting or heat sinks to offset the threat posed by increased temperatures.To safeguard the operational integrity of your outdoor device, consider the enclosure’s security to prevent unwanted access to internal components. Accessories like tamper-resistant screws or locking mechanisms can increase the security of your device by helping to keep out unauthorized access.

Metal Enclosure Types:

Metal enclosures are suitable for anything from junction boxes to control panels for outdoor applications. Enclosures are available in a variety of durable materials like aluminum, steel and stainless steel. Let’s take a closer look at each of these materials: Aluminum Enclosures: Aluminum is a great option for many enclosure applications. It is extremely durable and one of the least conductive metals. And because aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant it’s a good choice in for projects exposed to moisture. Polycase offers both extruded aluminum enclosures and diecast aluminum enclosures for outdoor use.Stainless Steel Enclosures: One of our most dependable material options for metal boxes, stainless steel enclosures are the premium solution if you’re seeking durability and aesthetics for your project. Made from 304 stainless steel, these enclosures are waterproof and corrosion-resistant meeting NEMA 4X and IP66 requirements.Carbon Steel Enclosures: Carbon steel enclosures from Polycase are a less expensive alternative to stainless steel. Constructed from robust 16-gauge powdered-coated carbon steel, these enclosures feature a watertight gasket in the hinged cover providing NEMA 4X protection for your equipment inside.For a more in-depth overview of steel and stainless steel, check out our buying guide for sheet metal enclosures.

Benefits of Metal Enclosures:

When comparing the pros and cons of metal enclosures to their plastic counterparts, there are several benefits of using a metal box for your project including:

• High temperature tolerance and naturally flame-retardant
• Extremely durable and impact-resistant
• Naturally blocks RFI and EMI
• Corrosion resistant (aluminum, stainless steel, and powder-coated/painted steel)

Whether you’re in need of a heavy duty metal electrical enclosure or a simple metal project box, Polycase has a metal enclosure solution to fit your needs!