Selecting outdoor vandal resistant cabinets, whether for distribution, control, or switching operations presents its own set of unique challenges. Unlike indoor installations, outdoor setups must contend with factors like harsh weather, security threats, and potentially vandalism. How do you ensure your outdoor cabinet is not only resilient to the elements but also vandal-proof?
Issues such as preventing damage to equipment from vandalism. Or what measures to take to ensure top-notch cyber security for outdoor installations are common concerns for anyone involved in outdoor infrastructure.
In this blog article, we will help you with the essential aspects of physical security for outdoor vandal resistant cabinets used in both industrial and ICT applications. From understanding the construction of vandal resistant cabinets to selecting the right protection class. We will also provide you with the knowledge you need to ensure your equipment remains secure and operational, no matter where it is located.
Location Matters
Outdoor enclosures serve a wide range of applications, from bridge controls to 5G networks. Each has specific requirements, but proper installation is paramount. You should carefully consider the foundations, collision protection, and accessibility.
The most common position for placing cabinets is on a wall or buried concrete base, but it is also possible to place it on other foundations. The design and construction of the outdoor housing accommodate this. For example, the mounting bolts are only accessible when the housing door is open. Moreover, the design of the entire construction is suitable for use in places where there may be lots of movement. In this case, another question is whether there is a need for collision protection, for example, from accidental vehicle damage.
Understanding Protection Classes
The IEC 62208 standard outlines enclosure requirements, including corrosion, UV resistance, and ingress protection (IP). Impact resistance, measured by the IK value, is often confused with vandalism resistance. While IK indicates the energy an enclosure can withstand without compromising IP, it does not guarantee protection against deliberate damage.
In practice, you see outdoor applications where dents have appeared in the sheet metal due to, for example, machine mowing on the verges. Does this have direct consequences for the degree of protection of the cabinet? Not always, but it is important to periodically assess the situation on site. Regular inspections are crucial to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, timely maintenance ensures the cabinet’s continued protection and performance.
Selecting outdoor vandal resistant cabinets
Are you curious what else you should pay attention to when selecting the right outdoor cabinet for your application? In this eBook Rittal explains what you should pay attention to when choosing an outdoor housing to provide the best protection in the long term.
Contact us at BPX for more information on how the range of Rittal enclosures and accessories can address a wide range of indoor and outdoor enclosure needs.
