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When you need to protect sensitive electronic equipment from moisture, dew or water, you will need a water-resistant enclosure, a waterproof enclosure or a durable outdoor enclosure. However, you might be wondering what are the differences, and how are these enclosures rated. This guide will answer those questions and provide a water resistance rating guide to help you choose what’s best for your needs.
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.
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The 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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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As mentioned above, waterproof and water-resistant enclosures can be made from a variety of materials, including:
The choice of material for a waterproof or water-resistant enclosure will depend on the specific requirements of your business. This may include the level of protection needed, the environment in which the enclosure will be used, and your cost constraints.
The benefits of having a waterproof or water-resistant enclosure include the following:
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.
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.
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