Integrations rarely stay indoors. Outdoor living spaces demand AV and internet, security cameras extend to the edges of properties, automated gates require connectivity, and remote buildings rely on network access. All of these connections drive the need for outdoor equipment enclosures.

Future Ready Solutions’ partner Altelix designs and manufactures a wide variety of weatherproof equipment enclosures in the United States based on common configurations and custom project requirements. They specialize in protecting electronics, cable, and connections from harsh weather and other environmental factors.

However, as a full line manufacturer, Altelix’s options are wide and choosing the proper enclosure can be daunting. We’re often asked what’s best construction material: fiberglass, polycarbonate, or steel? How do I handle power? What about extreme temperature fluctuations and security? This article addresses those questions and more.

Popular Altelix solutions are available on the brand page and Future Ready Solutions offers their complete line, including custom built products and turnkey engineered kits. Please contact info@futurereadysolutions.com for assistance selecting an off-the-shelf or engineering a custom-built enclosure.

Environment

The first step in choosing an outdoor enclosure is understanding the environment in which it will be installed. Environmental protection, formally qualified as a NEMA or IP rating, determines the level of protection from water ingress, dust and pollen ingress, and corrosion from UV, salt, and other natural and chemical material exposure. Most outdoor enclosures carry a NEMA and/or IP rating, and we’ve summarized the levels of protection below.

Size and Mounting Options

Next, it’s important to understand where the enclosure will be secured and what equipment it will protect.

Altelix provides two size specifications for every enclosure: an outer dimension which provides the overall enclosure size and its footprint for mounting, and an inner dimension which provides the interior space allowed for securing equipment. In most applications, the interior space must also accommodate cable routing, connectivity hardware, mounting hardware, and airflow and it’s critical to choose an enclosure with an inner dimension larger than the electronics it will secure — especially if thermal management or future expansion is required.

Enclosures also accommodate a variety of mounting types, the most common being wall mount, pole mount, and pad mount. Mounting type can influence an enclosure’s size and overall construction.

Material Construction

Outdoor enclosures are available in a variety of construction materials, the most common being fiberglass, polycarbonate, powder-coated steel, and stainless steel.

Fiberglass enclosures are lightweight, durable, and offer excellent protection against UV and corrosion. Additionally, they are non-conductive and safe around high-voltage power lines and equipment. This protection does come with a price, and fiberglass enclosures tend to be more expensive than polycarbonate constructions.

Polycarbonate enclosures are manufactured from an extremely tough thermoplastic polymer that balances lightweight construction and strength with an overall low cost. However, polycarbonate offers weaker protection against UV and other environmental factors and it can yellow over time.

Steel enclosures are the strongest constructions commonly available. Stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant, whereas powder-coated steel can rust over time. While steel does offer the most secure protection for internal components, it is heavier, harder to mount, and typically more expensive than fiberglass and polycarbonate constructions.

Ventilation and Thermal Management

Enclosures that house active electronics will often generate heat and, depending on the environment, built-in vents, fans, louvers, and/or heat exchangers may be required — especially if the mounting location is exposed to direct sun.

Altelix manufacturers enclosures with both passive (vents and louvers) and active (fans and heat exchangers) thermal management. Note that power is required for active requirements.

Before selecting an enclosure, it’s important to understand the internal electronics’ temperature range and compare that to intended enclosure environment.

Power

Power is also a consideration for both thermal management (as described above) and the electronics installed within the enclosure. Altelix offers enclosures pre-wired with AC and DC power distribution that ship ready for installation and hook-up. Note that a licensed electrician may be required depending on the installation parameters and local codes.

Cable Entry and Management

Outdoor enclosures require secure access for cable entry and management, and Altelix enclosures are available with pre-drilled cable glands and knockouts. Depending on the NEMA and/or IP rating, factory-supplied grommets and waterproof fittings are required to protect against rain, meltwater, and insect intrusion.

For custom applications, Altelix will modify enclosures at the factory or installers can drill and outfit enclosures in the field; however, custom modifications are typically done to fiberglass and polycarbonate enclosures as described above.

Security and Access Control

Finally, enclosures are available with a variety of locking mechanisms, including keyed locks, padlock rings, and tamper-resistant latches. Doors are available in single and dual constructions and, depending on the enclosure, they can be fixed swing-mount or removable.

For public and security sensitive applications, it’s best to choose an enclosure with tamper-resistant and access controlled features.

Future Ready Solutions offers the complete line of Altelix enclosures and popular solutions are available on the brand page. Please contact the Future Ready Solutions engineering team at info@futurereadysolutions.com for design or purchasing assistance.