What material should an outdoor enclosure be made of, and does it need IP68?
Short answer
For outdoor enclosures we typically recommend polycarbonate (PC). UV resistance is the primary factor in material choice, and polycarbonate serves the majority of outdoor applications while offering a cost-effective solution. Plastic is also the better choice over metal if the enclosure needs specific entry points. An IP68 rating is not usually necessary: that level of protection is typically only needed if the enclosure will be fully submerged or installed underground. Depending on the precise location, an IP64 rating might suffice, and most applications require no more than IP66. Our GEOS range offers excellent UV and weather resistance, with the Drain Protect sealing system guarding against rain, cold and heat.
For outdoor use our recommendation is typically polycarbonate (PC), which best serves the majority of outdoor applications while offering a cost-effective solution. Deciding on the material for an outdoor enclosure is crucial and depends on several considerations, but the primary factor is UV resistance.
The choice of material also correlates with your design considerations. For instance, if your enclosure needs to have specific entry points, choosing plastic over metal would be more beneficial.
On the ingress protection (IP) level, it is essential to clear up a common misunderstanding. While many believe that an IP68 rating is mandatory for outdoor use, this high level of protection is typically needed only if the enclosure is expected to be fully submerged or installed underground.
Depending on your enclosure’s precise location, an IP64 rating might suffice, with most applications requiring no more than IP66. To better understand IP ratings, you can refer to our Ingress Protection Techniques video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nektIAD2ROk
When it comes to selecting a suitable solution for environmental protection, our GEOS range, with its excellent UV and weather resistance, may be the ideal choice. Enhanced with our Drain Protect sealing system, this range guarantees optimum protection against various environmental influences such as rain, cold and heat.
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