March 15, 2023
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What Is a Water-resistant Enclosure?
A water-resistant enclosure is a protective container that keeps the contents inside dry, even when the enclosure is exposed to moisture. It typically has a seal or coating that prevents water from entering, making it suitable for storing sensitive equipment, including electronics. These enclosures must meet NEMA and IP requirements.
Remember that a water-resistant enclosure can repel water penetration, but it is not completely waterproof. The degree of water resistance may depend on factors such as the type of material used, the overall design and the conditions under which it is being used.The best way to select a water-resistant enclosure is by its IP rating. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed a rating system called the ingress protection (IP) ratings. These two-digit ratings determine how resistant an enclosure is to moisture.Find Out More About Water Resistance RatingsThe first digit in the IP rating indicates how well the enclosure keeps out solids like dust and debris. This has a scale of zero to six. The second digit rates how well the enclosure keeps out water. This has a scale of zero to nine. An IP rating of 65, for example, has a maximum rating of six against solids and a rating of five against water. For water-resistant ratings, only the second number is relevant.At Polycase, our water-resistant enclosures have an IP rating between IPx3 and IPx6. An IPx3 rating, for instance, means the junction box is protected against spraying water, whereas an IPx4 rating means the enclosure is protected against splashing water from any direction. An IPx5 rating indicates protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction, and an IPx6 rating indicates protection against powerful water jets from any direction.What Is a Waterproof Enclosure?
A waterproof enclosure is a protective casing or housing designed to keep water and moisture out, even under submersion or high-pressure conditions. It can be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber or silicone. It may include gaskets, seals and other features to prevent water from penetrating the enclosure.
A waterproof enclosure is often used to protect electronic devices or other sensitive equipment from damage due to exposure to water. Like water-resistant enclosures, the level of waterproofing is indicated by an IP rating with higher numbers. At Polycase, we offer waterproof enclosures that are designed for outdoor, indoor and underground purposes.Our waterproof enclosures usually have an IP rating of IPx7 or IPx8. An IPx7 rating protects against the effects of temporary immersion in water, whereas an IPx8 rating protects against the effects of continuous immersion in water. An IPx9 rating protects against high-pressure and water jets, but enclosures with this rating are rarely used.What Is an Outdoor NEMA Enclosure?
A National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rating applies to protective casings designed for electrical equipment and machinery use. NEMA enclosures are categorized by their level of protection against various environmental factors, including dust, moisture and impact.Our outdoor NEMA enclosures are durable, UV stable and corrosion resistant. They are specifically designed to be used in outdoor environments where they may be exposed to rain, snow and other harsh weather conditions. These enclosures often have a higher level of protection against water and moisture than indoor NEMA enclosures.The NEMA rating system ranges from NEMA 1 to NEMA 13. Some common NEMA ratings for outdoor NEMA enclosures are as follows:- NEMA 3: This rating indicates protection against rain and sleet and is the right choice for outdoor use in areas with moderate exposure to moisture.
- NEMA 4: This rating means protection against water splashing and dripping, making it sufficient for outdoor use in areas with heavy exposure to moisture.
- NEMA 4X: The "X" points out protection against corrosive environments, which means it can be used for outdoor use in harsh environments with heavy exposure to moisture and corrosives.
- NEMA 6: This rating marks protection against temporary submersion in water, making it suitable for outdoor use in areas where the equipment may be submerged in water, such as near rivers, lakes or the ocean.
- NEMA 7: This rating demonstrates protection against flammable gasses, making it applicable for use in hazardous locations.
- NEMA 9: This rating indicates protection against water spray from any direction, which makes it suitable for outdoor use in areas with heavy exposure to water jets.
Outdoor NEMA enclosures are used in industries and businesses that require the protection of electrical equipment and machinery in harsh environmental conditions. These are some of the examples of industries and businesses and the type of equipment that may need outdoor NEMA enclosures:- Telecommunications: Switches, routers and network interface devices
- Utilities: Transformers and control panels
- Manufacturing: Machinery and control systems used in industrial applications, such as processing plants and factories
- Construction: Generators, lighting systems and control panels
- Military and defense: Field communications systems, navigation equipment and radar systems
- Outdoor recreation: Lighting systems, speakers and sound systems used in parks and outdoor concerts
How Do Waterproof and Water-resistant Enclosures Function?
Waterproof and water-resistant enclosures keep out water through a combination of design features and materials. The following are some common methods used to keep water out of an enclosure:- Gaskets and seals: These are typically made of rubber, silicone or other water-resistant materials. They create a tight barrier between the enclosure and potential water entry points, such as where doors, hinges or panels meet.
- Watertight construction: The enclosure itself may be designed to be watertight with sealed or molded joints, seams and corners to prevent water from entering.
- Drainage provisions: Some waterproof and water-resistant enclosures may have built-in drainage systems that allow water to flow out of the enclosure, preventing it from building up inside.
- Material selection: Plastic, metal, rubber, silicone and glass-filled polyester are the materials that are often used for waterproof and water-resistant enclosures.
Shop Our Waterproof EnclosuresWhat Kinds of Materials Are Used for Waterproof and Water-resistant Enclosures?
As mentioned above, waterproof and water-resistant enclosures can be made from a variety of materials, including:- Plastic: Plastic materials, such as polycarbonate, ABS and polypropylene, are commonly used for waterproof and water-resistant enclosures due to their durability, resistance to moisture and affordability.
- Metal: Metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and coated steel are also used for waterproof and water-resistant enclosures due to their strength and resistance to corrosion.
- Rubber: Rubber is often used as a gasket material or sealant in waterproof and water-resistant enclosures to provide additional protection against water.
- Silicone: Silicone is a durable material commonly used in waterproof and water-resistant enclosures due to its resistance to moisture and temperature extremes.
- Glass-filled polyester: Glass-filled polyester is a composite material that is often used in waterproof and water-resistant enclosures due to its high strength and impact resistance, as well as its resistance to moisture and UV radiation.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Waterproof or Water-resistant Enclosure?
The benefits of having a waterproof or water-resistant enclosure include the following:- Protection of equipment: By keeping water and moisture out, waterproof and water-resistant enclosures protect sensitive equipment and electronics from damage, ensuring that they remain functional and reliable.
- Increased durability: These enclosures are typically made of durable materials and are designed to withstand exposure to water and harsh environmental conditions, making them more resistant to wear and tear.
- Improved safety: Waterproof and water-resistant enclosures can help prevent electrical hazards by protecting electrical components from water damage, which can lead to short circuits and other safety hazards.
- Enhanced functionality: By allowing equipment to be used in outdoor or wet environments, waterproof and water-resistant enclosures can enhance the functionality of equipment and extend its operational life.
- Compliance with safety standards: Many industries have specific regulations and safety standards that require the use of waterproof or water-resistant enclosures for equipment exposed to moisture. By using enclosures, companies can ensure that they comply with these standards and regulations.
Does Polycase Customize Enclosures?
If your industry needs are specific and you need a waterproof or outdoor enclosure that will house sensitive equipment under extreme conditions, Polycase can provide customized enclosures. We can help you decide on the size you’d like, the graphics and the engineering technicalities. We also provide precision machining with tolerances of +/-.005 inches.Getting the Right Enclosure for Your Business Needs
Choosing the right enclosure for sensitive equipment can save you and your business a lot of money. Accidents happen, but you don’t want accidents to cost you thousands of dollars in damaged equipment. When you select an enclosure that’s NEMA rated or one that comes with a high IP rating, you’ll have peace of mind that your equipment is well protected.Image CreditsButusova Elena/Shutterstock.com0 Comment