What is the best enclosure for outdoor use all year round?
Short answer
For a year-round outdoor installation, specify a polycarbonate enclosure as a minimum for high UV protection, or GRP where you need a higher level of impact resistance. Water ingress is only one of the hazards outdoors: UV exposure, fluctuating temperatures and impact damage from flying debris in strong winds all matter too. Position the enclosure where it gains some natural shelter, such as under the eaves of a roof. Unless you are installing in the middle of a flood plain you probably do not need an IP68 enclosure, which adds expense to the project and hassle to the installation.
The best enclosure for a year-round outdoor installation is one specified for every hazard it will face, not just water. When making an electrical installation outdoors, people instinctively worry about water ingress, but UV exposure, fluctuating temperatures and impact damage caused by flying debris in strong winds should also be considered.
There are a lot of enclosures that are theoretically suitable for outside applications, but before you make your choice you should think about location, location, location. If possible, install the enclosure in a position that provides a degree of protection against sunlight, strong winds and fluctuating temperatures. Under the eaves of a roof is a perfect position, offering plenty of natural protection from the elements.
Having chosen your location, you can think about which enclosure is best. Unless you are making your installation in the middle of a flood plain, you probably do not need an IP68 enclosure. Such a highly specified housing will add expense to the project and hassle to the installation. Our video on IP ratings explains the differences in more detail.
You will also want to think carefully about the enclosure material, to make sure it will stand the test of time. As a minimum, we recommend you specify a polycarbonate enclosure for high UV protection. In some cases you may also want to consider GRP, which has a higher level of impact resistance. We offer an extensive range of enclosures in all shapes and sizes in both materials, and our online product finder will help you identify which is best for you.
Another way to improve the reliability of an enclosure that will be positioned outside is to make sure it is customised for the job. If you know your precise requirements, we can find an enclosure that is the perfect size and produce custom entry points that meet your needs and improve installation efficiency; our customisation service covers exactly this. Specified correctly, an enclosure should provide many years of reliable service in even the most hostile of outside environments.
Does your installation not quite fit this answer?
Ask a follow-up — we’ll reply within one working day.