Weatherproof NEMA Enclosures: Keeping Your Network Safe and Dry

Rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on your networking and electrical equipment, causing costly downtime and repair bills. That's where weatherproof NEMA enclosures come in. These sturdy, protective boxes shield your equipment from external hazards, ensuring that your network stays up and running, no matter the weather.

So, how do these NEMA enclosures work, and what are their benefits? Today, we'll discuss the role of weatherproof enclosures in protecting your network infrastructure from environmental hazards.

Understanding Weatherproof NEMA Enclosures

NEMA enclosures are specially designed protective boxes that house networking and electrical equipment, protecting it from exposure to the elements. They are made of durable materials, such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass, that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures.

Weatherproof enclosures come in various sizes and styles, such as NEMA or IP-rated boxes. For instance, you can check the 24-inch SMC-NEIA-FL-6609 outdoor network cabinet, which is IP66-rated and contains 120VAC 10A fans to prevent overheating due to extreme temperature and operational workloads.

Industry-standard Ratings for Weatherproof NEMA Enclosures

To ensure that weatherproof enclosures meet specific requirements, manufacturers use industry-standard ratings such as NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and IP (Ingress Protection). These ratings provide a standardized method of measuring an enclosure's level of protection against various environmental factors, including water, dust, and impact.

For example, the 14x12x6" UL® Listed Polycarbonate enclosure is NEMA Type 4X / IP66 rated, meaning it can withstand high-pressure water jets from any direction and is ideal for use in extreme weather conditions.

3 Benefits of Weatherproof NEMA Enclosures in Network Infrastructure

Weatherproof enclosures offer a myriad of benefits for your network infrastructure, as follows:

  1. Protecting network equipment: Weatherproof enclosures provide a physical barrier between the equipment and the outside environment, creating a sealed compartment that prevents water, dust, and other contaminants from entering.
  2. Maintaining temperature: One of the essential features of weatherproof enclosures is their ability to maintain a consistent internal temperature. Enclosures designed for extreme temperatures may include heating or cooling systems to regulate the temperature inside the enclosure. Additionally, ventilation systems are often included to ensure the equipment inside the enclosure does not overheat.
  3. Security: Most enclosures have security features such as key-lock mechanisms, tamper-proof seals, and even motion sensors alerting you to unauthorized entry attempts. This 18x16x10" UL® Listed Polycarbonate weatherproof enclosure has gasket lids and stainless steel latches with padlock eyes.

Different Types of Weatherproof NEMA Enclosures

  • Placement and mounting: Depending on your enclosure's intended placement, they can be wall-mounted, freestanding, or pole-mounted. You can also attach enclosures to a pole using a pole mount bracket with heavy-duty U-bolts and rails.
  • Ventilation and cooling: Vented enclosures use natural airflow to dissipate heat generated by networking and electrical equipment. ENCL ABS 14x10x6" 120VAC, for example, is your ideal choice for a vented enclosure. Alternatively, cooled enclosures use air conditioning or cooling systems to maintain a consistent internal temperature.
  • Powering options: 120V AC-powered enclosures are typically used where an electrical outlet is readily available. PoE-powered enclosures use Ethernet cables to power equipment, making them ideal for remote locations where electricity is not easily accessible. Non-powered enclosures do not have power sources and are typically used to house battery-powered equipment. This 14x10x4” enclosure has a PoE interface and fan and is ideal for hotspot, LAN, and Wi-Fi applications.

Connect with Customer Support to Choose the Right Enclosure

By following best practices and consulting with customer support, you can choose the suitable NEMA box for your networking and electrical equipment and keep it safe and dry for years. So, invest in a weatherproof box today and safeguard your network from unpredictable weather.

ShowMeCables offers a big selection of weatherproof NEMA enclosures. Most of our 25,000+ items are in stock and available for same-day shipping. If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you at 1-888-519-9505.