Can an enclosure be submerged, and can resin make it watertight?
Short answer
An enclosure can be submerged if it carries an ingress protection rating of IP68, which means it resists prolonged immersion in at least one metre of water. The most cost-effective and reliable way to achieve this is to fill the enclosure with silicone or resin, which prevents moisture reaching the internals. Our Abox XT junction boxes use this method and withstand submersion in up to 10 metres of water. Each box is supplied with a cast resin bag and a funnel, and has two holes, one to pour the resin in and one to let the air out.
Yes. Where an electrical enclosure may be submerged, we recommend an ingress protection (IP) rating of IP68, as this ensures the enclosure can resist prolonged immersion in at least one metre of water. There are a number of applications where this matters, such as areas at risk of flooding, where the enclosure may be partially submerged.
To meet that requirement it is possible to rely on extremely well specified components, such as gaskets, seals, hinges and lids. However, the most cost-effective yet reliable solution is to use silicone or resin protection within the enclosure. This material protects the internals by preventing the penetration of any form of moisture.
Our Abox XT series of junction boxes uses this method to withstand submersion in up to 10 metres of water. Each box is supplied with a cast resin bag and a funnel. To support the process, the enclosures feature two holes, one to pour the resin in and the other to let all the air out. Once the gel sets, the boxes are ready for use, and can be combined with cable glands and other accessories.
This approach also offers particular flexibility, supporting retrofitting and repurposing, because the casting resin can be easily removed and new resin applied afterwards.
Does your installation not quite fit this answer?
Ask a follow-up — we’ll reply within one working day.