How to Prevent Deterioration of Electrical Equipment in Outdoor Enclosure

7/30/2019 How to Prevent Deterioration of Electrical Equipment in Outdoor Enclosure

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Control Panel

Technical Guide

How can the deterioration

of electrical equipment installed

in an outdoor enclosure be prevented?


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"You have questions aboutinstalling electrical enclosures

outdoors. Here are the expert

answers you have been

waiting for".


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Accidental or early degradation

of outdoor electrical enclosures

is not always due to exceptionalclimatic events and/or the quality

of the enclosure.

Our experience shows that in most cases, unusual enclosure deterioration is closely

related to design errors:

Noinstallationenvironmentinformationcollectedorinsufcientinformationcollected

Inappropriatechoiceofmaterialand/orthermalmanagementsolutions

nsufcientknowledgeofproductsspecicallydesignedforoutdoorinstallation

Seekingcheapproductstothedetrimentofenclosurequalityandequipmentprotection

etc.

To help you implement your outdoor installation

project and take the right decisions, we have

compiled the "Outdoor electrical enclosures"

guide.

This technical guide contains a mine of

Schneider Electric's experience and know-how

and was based on the questions our customers

ask ... or do not think of asking. The answers are

the keys to a successful "installation environment/electrical enclosure" combination.

It also proves that an enclosure installed outdoors does not always call for

a maximum degree of IP.


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Installinganelectricalenclosureoutdoorsnecessarily

involvesexposingitcontinuallytomanyfactors:

Moisture

Ingressofsolidbodies(e.g.dust)andliquids

(e.g.rainwater,stagnantwater,roadcleaningwater,

etc.)

Sun(UVrays)

Ambientairquality

(e.g.salineenvironment,pollution,etc.)

Climaticevents(wind,hail,snow,etc.)

Mechanicalimpacts(vegetation,treebranches,

roadcleaningvehicles,etc.)

People(primaryvandalismorintrusion)

Animals(birddroppings,dogandcatfaeces)

Serious

Prematuredegradationoftheenclosureand

thedevicesinstalledinside:shorterinstallation

servicelife

Interruptedcontinuityofservice:malfunction,

installationoutage

Lossofprotectionforequipmentandpeople

Expensive

Frequentcurativemaintenance

Correctiveactionimplementation

Devicereplacement

e.g. In the metallurgical industry,

one hour of outage = 50,000

Outdoor installation:parameters and consequences

"Why

is an enclosure

that is perfectlysuitable for indoor

installation not always

appropriate for outdoor

installation?"

"What are

the possible

consequences ofchoosing the wrong

enclosure?"

Because when it is installed

outdoors, the electrical

enclosure is exposed for long

periods to a large number

of aggressive conditions

that are liable to damage it

Service outage

Degradation/Replacement

of devices inside

the enclosure

(and the enclosure itself)

Overview

of the protection

requirements

of outdoor enclosures

Sun

Climatic

events

Rain

Pollution

Mechanical

impacts/

Vandalism

Vegetation

Equipment protection:

Thermalmanagementsystem

(doorcontactandthermostat).

Environmental protection:

Canopy.

Saety o people:

Groundingaccessories.

ClassIIinsulation.

Saety o people and intrusion

protection:

Dooraccessories(lock).


Cableentry.


Thermalmanagementsystem

(heatingresistor,air-conditioning).


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The installation environment

Theinstallationsite(geographicallocation,marketsegment,onlandoratsea,

etc.)anditsenvironment(exposuretoweather,UVrays,aggressivesubstances,

airquality,etc.)

Installation protectionEnclosurematerialproperties

Tightnesslevel(IPdegree)

Impactresistance(IKdegree)

Saety o people

Safetyoftheinstallation

Protectionagainstelectricalhazard

Protectionagainstrehazard

Enclosure thermal management

Estimatedthermaldissipationrequirementandanticipationofthermalmanagementsolutions(activeorpassive)

Apartfromthethermaldissipationrelatedtoelectricalandelectronicdevices,

thermalmanagementlimitstheclimaticeffectsontheswitchgearandonthe

enclosure:operatingtemperature,condensation,etc.

"What parameters

should be taken into account when

choosing an outdoor enclosure?"

4 main factors

should be taken into account:

The installation environment

Installation protection

Safety of people Enclosure thermal management

Traps to be avoided

Choosing your electrical

enclosure without

carrying out a detailed

assessment of the

installation site and its

requirements in terms

of the protection of

equipment and people.

Concentrating onthe price. At the risk

of missing the most

important point:

the service life

of the installation.

Expert advice

No parameter should be ignored.

Take the time to analyse the situation and, if need be, ask for help in making your decision.

Choosing the wrong solution can be costly in the long run

(e.g. maintenance costs and corrective actions).


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Climatic conditions

Temperaturelevels(seasonalmeasurements)

Historyofclimaticevents

Rainfallrecordedonthesite

ExposuretoUVrays

Windstrength

etc.

Air quality

Moisturecontent

Pollutionlevel(corrosivesubstances)

Presenceofmicroscopicdust

Exposure to aggressive substances

e.g.dogurine,birddroppings,roadsalt,chemicals(exposuregenerallyrelated

tothemarketsegment:petrochemical,solventmanufacture,textileindustry,etc.).

Exposure to impacts

Fallingstones,branches,treetrunks,etc.thatmayhitanddamagetheenclosure

(paintwork)

Plantsinthevicinityoftheinstallationthatareamajorsourceofhumidity

Actsofvandalism

Assessingthe installation environment

"What aspects of the outdoor

environment should be considered?"

None should be ignored.

But priority should be given to:

Climatic conditions

Air quality

Exposure to aggressive substances

Exposure to mechanical impacts

Expert advice

Gather as much information as possible about the installation

environment. If no useful data is available, it is best to use

an enclosure made from insulating material by default.

For electrical enclosures installed outdoors, the natural ventilation

of the enclosure is often more important than a high levelof tightness.

Examples of the effects

of the environment

on the installation:

Water = loss of tightness

Humidity = risk of

corrosion of the enclosureand oxidation of

the components

Lush vegetation

= deterioration of

the surface treatment,

source of humidity

Air pollution = reduction

in the lifetime of

the installation

Vandalism = damage

to the enclosure and

internal components,

reduces the safety level

of the installation.


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Theplacewheretheenclosureistobeinstalledandtheoutdoorconditionstowhichitwillbeexposed

willinuencethechoiceofenclosuremodeltobeused.Andparticularlyitsmaterial.

Materials Advantages Market segment To be avoided

Standard steel

+ polyester based

paint

(standard onSchneider Electric

enclosures)

Moreeconomical

Idealforindoor

installation(standard conditions)

Mechanicalindustry

Outdoorenvironment

orindoorenvironment

with a high moisturecontent (> 80%)

Salineatmospheres

Standard steel

+ special surface

treatment

(on request onSchneider Electric

enclosures)

Idealforindoor

installation

(harsh conditions)or outdoor installation

(sheltered)

Specicindustries.

e.g. cement, bottling, etc.

Sitesexposedtomechanicalimpacts:

vegetation,ying

stones, contact withthepublic(riskof

scratchesorimpacts),

actsofvandalism,etc.

Stainless steel

(304L*)

Idealforlocationswith

strict hygiene rules

Transportinfrastructures,ports,streetlighting,

biotechnology, medical,

water distributionnetworks,agro-foodand

drinksindustry,etc.

Salineatmospheres

Presenceofchlorine

Stainless steel

(316L**)

Idealforlocationswith

strict hygiene rulesSalineatmosphere

resistance

Ports,oil&gas, industry,agro-food

ABS

or Polycarbonate

Light

Electricalhazardprotection

Corrosionprotection

Transportinfrastructures,ports,oil&gas,street

lighting, water distribution

networks,marineindustry,

etc.

Fibreglass-

reinforced

polyester

Harshindoorandoutdoor

environments

Salineatmosphereresistance (corrosion)

LightHighimpactresistance

Electricalhazardprotection(insulating

material)

Transportinfrastructures,ports,oil&gas,street

lighting, water distributionnetworks,marineindustry,

etc.

Just read on!

* Composition: 18%chromium and 8% nickel.

** Composition: 16%

chromium, 10% nickel

and 2% molybdenum.

Nickel and molybdenum

are more resistant to

chemical aggression,

whilst chromium provides

a surface protection film.

The resistance properties

of stainless steel are

related to its chemical

composition.

Expert advice

Stainless steel enclosures are particularly appropriate for corrosive environments or locations

where specific hygiene rules must be observed.

In the event of a high moisture content: avoid standard steel (without surface treatment).

In the event of exposure to mechanical aggressions: avoid standard steel enclosures.

Even with a special surface treatment.

Whatever the material, avoid exposing the electrical enclosure to direct sunlight

(limit the internal T).

"What enclosure material should be preferred,

depending on the type of environment?"


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Some basic rules or reducing dust inltration

and the eects o pollution:

Provide the required minimum ventilation

Notmorethantheamountneededforthermal

dissipation(seeProClimasoftware+Heat

optimisationguide).

A high IP degree o protection ispreferable

SchneiderElectricenclosuressupportadegreeof

protectionuptoIP54.

Use an air-conditioning system with lters that

are appropriate or polluted environments

Fit a protective canopy to the enclosure

Aslopingcanopytopreventwaterstagnationand

dustaccumulationonthetopoftheenclosure.

Assessingthe installation environment

Moderate ventilation

IP54

Air-conditioning with

anti-pollution filters

Fit a canopy to

the enclosure

"How can the equipment

inside the enclosure

be protected againstpollution?"


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Degree of protectionrequired for the installation

Outdoorinstallationsareparticularlyexposedtothephenomenonofcondensation.

However, a high IP degree o protection is not the solution to the condensation problem.

On the other hand, it may be the cause:

Theneedforprotection(IPdegree)canbeoverestimatedwithrespecttothephysicalconstraintsofthe

installationenvironment(e.g.lightrainfall,ventilatedarea,etc.).

hephenomenonofcondensationisgenerallyencounteredoninstallationswherethedegreeofprotectionisIP

54.

Causes o the condensation phenomenon on outdoor installations

Climaticconditions

Highairmoisturecontent

Moisturecontentinsidetheenclosure

Temperaturereduction(e.g.day/night,ground/externalT,etc.)

Lackofventilation

Most common sources o humidity

Theatmosphere

Waterinltrations

Waterinracewaysand/orcableducts

Presenceoflushvegetationaroundthe

installation

Sources o temperature variations

Unforeseenclimaticevents

Excessivecooling

Missingheatingcontrolsystem

"Does a high degree of protection (IP)

preserve the devices inside the enclosure

from degradation?"

No, not necessarily.

Expert advice

Do not ignore humidity that may arise from the cable entries.

Remember

An electrical enclosure

installed outdoors does

not always imply

a maximum degree

of IP.


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"Which criteria provide us with information

about the resistance level of the enclosure?"

Three main elements:

The material of the enclosure

Its degree of protection (IP degree)

Its impact resistance (IK degree)

FOCUS ON...

The properties of

polyester

In comparison with other

materials, polyester

presents uniqueadvantages for installing

electrical enclosures

outdoors (and indoors):

Non-conductive material

(protection against

electrical hazard)

High resistance:

against impacts, climatic

conditions, chemicals,

temperature, mechanical

aggressions, etc.

Self-extinguishing

Light

Easy to modify/machine

as required

Maintenance free

Conforms to the RoHS

and REACH directives

Material strength comparison

Standard steel

Standard

steel + surace

treatment

Stainless steelABS or

Polycarbonate

Fibreglass-

reinorced

polyester

Oxidation

strength

Mechanicalstrength

Electrical

strength

Degree o protection (IP degree)

TheIPspeciesthedegreeofprotectionofpeople

againstdirectcontactsandthedegreeofprotection

ofdevicesagainstcertainexternalinuences:ingress

offoreignbodies(1stdigitoftheIPcode0to5)andtheharmfuleffectsoftheingressofwater(2nddigitof

theIPcode0to8).Irrespectiveofwhereitisinstalled

(indoorsoroutdoors).

Examples:

IP 43

"Solidforeignbodies"protection=4:protection

againstsolidforeignbodies>1mmindiameter

(e.g.thintools,newires)

"Water"protection=3:Protectionagainstfallingdrops

ofwaterupto60fromthevertical

IP 54

"Solidforeignbodies"protection=5:protection

againstdust,withnoharmfuldeposit

"Water"protection=4:protectionagainstwaterspray

fromalldirections

Degree o impact resistance (IK degree)

TheIKspeciesthedegreeofprotectionof

theenclosureagainstmechanicalimpacts

(e.g.fallingoryingstones,branchesoftrees,kicks,etc.).

ThetwodigitsafterthelettersIK(from00to10),indicatethedegreeofresistancetoimpactforwhich

theenergyisexpressedinJoules.

Examples:

IK 08

Theequipmentisprotectedagainstanimpact

equivalenttoa1.25kgweightfallingfromaheightof

40cm(impactenergy=5Joules).

Remember

The IP degree of

protection does not refer

to protecting equipment

against corrosion.

For further information...

See the full IP and IK degree table on

page 21 of the guide.


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A ew measures that can be taken against the ormation o water rom condensation inside

the enclosure:

Increase the air fow

Naturalventilationandpassivesolutionsshouldbepreferred.Anotherpartialsolutionistouseblowers

toincreasetheairow.Withthistypeofsolution,evenifthedewpointisreached,condensation

willformmainlyonthepoorlyventilatedareas.

Ideally, a heating system should be installed, depending on the humidity

Aheatingresistorcombinedwithahygrothermisstillthesurestwaytoreducethemoisturecontent.

Ensure that the enclosure is drainedTodothis,somecustomersdrillaholeinthebottomoftheenclosure.Ifnecessary,theyinclinetheenclosureandallowthecondensationwatertoowtowardsthehole.Thismayappearaverymakeshiftsolution,

butitstillworks.Theuseofadrainplugisstronglyrecommended.

N.B.:methodtobeavoidedforsteelenclosures(riskofcorrosion).

Limit sources such as:

Stagnant water

Lushvegetation(sourceofhumidity)

"How can condensation be prevented

from forming inside the enclosure?"

Firstly: by controlling the temperature and the moisture

content inside the enclosure

Expert advice

If the installation environment allows, limited IP degrees of protection (IP 43 or IP 54)

are preferred to encourage natural ventilation of the enclosure

(Passive thermal management solution).

Maintain the internal temperature above the dew point to prevent the air from becoming

moisture-laden. To control it: install a thermostat and a heating resistor or a moisture

controller (for advanced temperature control). With respect to air-conditioning: always place your trust in a recognised provider and clearly

define your needs (e.g. temper, cool certain areas, etc.).


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Eveniftheresistanceandservicelife

oftheinstallationmustbeyourpriorities,an electrical enclosure installed outdoors does

not necessarily require a maximum degree o IP.

Four essential parametersmustbeincluded inchoosingtheIPdegreeofprotection:

Theriskofingressofliquids(e.g.whetherornottheareaisexposedtorainwater,groundwashing,

etc.)

Theriskofingressofsolidbodiese.g.whether ornottheatmosphereisdusty)

Thelevelofprotectionofpeople

(e.g.whetherornotpeoplepassthrough)

Thefragilityofelectricalandelectronicdevices

(internal)andtheirsensitivitytodust

AnelectricalenclosureconformingtoIEC

62208 must indicate its degree of resistance to

mechanicalimpacts(IKdegreedenedbyIEC62262).

Example o IK10: theequipmentisprotectedagainstanimpactequivalenttoa5kgweight

falling from a height of 40 cm

(impactenergy=20Joules)


"What IP degree

of protection is required

for an outdoorinstallation?"

The IP must first and

foremost be defined

with respect to

the characteristics

of the environment and

the devices installed within.

Remember

The IP of the installation

corresponds to the lowest

IP of the accessories

installed.

Expert advice

Do not base everything on the IP.

For example, most Schneider Electric

fibreglass-reinforced polyesterenclosures are only IP44 rated, whereas

they are designed to withstand harsh

outdoor environments.

Expert advice

By default, the maximum IK degree

of protection is IK 10.

You can go as low as IK 08 ifthe installation is not exposed to

the public or if you are using

a transparent door.

40 cm

5 kg

Maximum degree

of protection: IK 10.

"What IK degree

of protection is required

for an outdoorinstallation?"


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By choosing the right material or the seal

Thepurposeofthesealistoensuretightnessbetweentheenclosureanditsdoors/accessoriesoveralong

periodoftime.Thatiswhyitisimportanttochoosethematerialcarefully.Itseffectivenessandservicelifedependuponit.

ComparedtomaterialssuchassiliconeorEPDM(Ethylene-Propylene-DieneMonomer),polyurethanesealsofferuniqueadvantages:

Abrasionresistance

Better tear resistance

Weatherresistance

Excellentnoisebarriermaterial

By tting a protective canopy

Thecanopy,ttedatthetopoftheenclosure,willprotectthesealonalong-termbasis:nowaterinltration,

lessiceformation,limitedingressofforeignbodies,lessexposuretosunlight(topoftheenclosure),etc.

"How can the IP degree of protection

be maintained throughout the life cycle

of the installation?"

With quality seals and opting for a protective canopy

Expert advice

Regularly, and after exceptional climatic events, check the amount of wear on the O-ring.

Do not wait for it to leak before replacing it.

Do not forget to maintain the seal and canopy to ensure that their protective function is not

impaired. Even temporarily. Never clean the seal with a detergent or aggressive substances.


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The protection o people is ensured:

Bytheconstruction:insulatingenclosure

Bytheinstallation:earthingandequipotentiality,circuitbreakerorRCDprotection.

The installation site

Avoid:

Thoroughfares

Areasthataretoovisibletothepublic

Insulating properties o the enclosure

Standard steel Stainless steelABS or

Polycarbonate

Fibreglass-reinorced

polyester

Electrical

insulation

Saety o the installation

Door closing devices:forexamplea3-pointlock.

Hinges: themoretheyareconcealed,themoreyouimprovethesecurityleveloftheinstallation.

Level of safetyof people

"How can the safety of people (and that of the installa-

tion) be maximised?"

By preferring installation sites away from the public

By choosing a self-extinguishing, non-conductive material

(electrical hazard) for the enclosure

By making access to the installation more secure

By fitting grounding straps to earth the metal enclosures

Expert advice

As far as possible, avoid installing enclosures in areas frequented by a large number

of passers-by (public site) or by employees (private site).


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Assoonasanelectricalenclosureistobeinstalled

outside a building, the installer has to come to

terms with new thermal actors:exposuretosunlight,theambienttemperature,therisksof

condensation,temperaturevariations,etc.

Thethermalchallengeinvolvesrecreatinginsidetheenclosuretheoptimumconditionsinwhichthe

equipmentwithincanoperate.

How can the "ideal" environment be recreated?

BychoosingtherightIPdegreeofprotection(not

toohightoallownaturalventilation)

Bychoosingtherightsizeofenclosure

By choosing the right material for the enclosure

Byoptingfortherightthermalmanagement

solution

Main causes o increases in the internal

temperatures o outdoor enclosures:

Heatemissionsfrominternaldevices

Absorptionofcaloriesemittedbythesun

Thelackofventilation

Thermal management o enclosures is essential to:

Ensurecontinuityofservice:preventoutagesandmalfunctionscaused

byoverheatingelectricalandelectronicdevices

Reducecosts:relatedtoshuttingdownmanufacturingprocesses

or to installation maintenance

Increasethelifetimeofinternalcomponents

Beore any type o solution can be envisaged, the thermal conditions inside

and outside the enclosure should be measured and analysed:

air temperature, moisture content, etc.

Overview o thermal management solutions

"Passive" management solutions

Inexpensiveandnatural,dened

upstream

Choiceofequipment

Enclosuresize

Enclosure location

Wallinsulation

Powerloadarrangement

Relocationof"passive"electricalloads outside the enclosure

Cablearrangement

Airowmanagement

Ventilationornaturalconvection

Naturaldissipationandairagitation

"Active" management solutions

Correctivesolutions,requiringspecial

dimensioning,canbeexpensive

Heatcontrolequipment

Forcedconvection

Forcedventilation

Airconditioners

Air/waterexchangers

Air/airexchangers

Heatingresistors

Thermalmanagement

"How does the thermal

managementof outdoor

enclosures differ fromthat of indoor

enclosures?"

Because installing

the electrical enclosure

outdoors involves other

thermal parameters

Two main solution categories:

"Passive" solutions

"Active" solutions

"What solutions

can be used to reduce

the temperatureinside the enclosure?"

Traps to be avoided

Believing that an outdoor enclosure

does not need thermal management

solutions and that it is always ventilated

naturally.

Expert advice

Maximise "Passive" solutions before envisaging an "Active" one.

Polyester is a better heat insulating material than metal

or stainless steel, which absorb and conduct heat.

It is very important to divide the power loads into different groups:save energy, avoid unnecessary hot spots, lower the average

temperature of the enclosure and be able to adapt the thermal

management solution in the best possible way.


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"What is material

"Tropicalisation"?"

A process by which

the resistance of a device

is adapted to its working

environment.

In the electrical field and with

respect to enclosures, it means

protecting the interior and

exterior against oxidation.

"Is the protective canopy

really necessary?"

YES. Depending on the

environment, fitting a protective

canopy can be very effective:

It covers the seal located

between the door and

the enclosure (no water

infiltration, less ice formation, etc.)

It protects the top of

the enclosure from the rays

of the sun (reduces the T

inside the enclosure and

the need for ventilation)

It prevents the stagnation

of water on the top of the

enclosure (and reduces corrosion)

What are the IEC 62208

compliance tests?

(related to outdoor

installation)

Weather resistance: exposure

of the enclosure for 500 h

(rain + UV lamp)

Corrosion resistance

(for outdoor installation):

alternate cycles of humidity

(95%) and salt mist during

24 cycles of 24 hours.

N.B.: the IEC 62208 standard requires

the IP and IK to be declared

and verified.

"What is the difference be-

tween IEC 60529and NEMA 250? "

IEC 60529:

defines the IP degrees

of protection relating to

the levels of protection

of people and to protection

against the ingress of solid

bodies and water.NEMA 250: defines a system

for classifying enclosures for

indoor or outdoor use, known

as the "Type".

NEMA 250 addresses:

the protection of people,

protection against the ingress

of water and solid bodies,

formation of ice, corrosion,

seal strength, etc.

Frequentlyasked questions


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"How can

water be evacuated?"

By installing a water drain

plug. You are reminded that

Schneider Electric provides

IP 55 rated drain plugs

with its polyester enclosures.

"Is the colour

of the enclosure

important?"

YES. The percentage of radiation absorbed by the enclosure and emitted

to surrounding objects is closely related to the finish and colour

of the surface of the enclosure.

The metal surface absorbs some of the heat dissipated by a source

of temperature such as a heating resistor, which consequently increases

the temperature inside the enclosure.

The capacity of the enclosure to dissipate the internal heat (in W/K)

is generally less for bright smooth surfaces than for other types

of surfaces.


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Frequentlyasked questions

There are three classes of equipment, depending on their insulation level:

Class 0 and the next two classes:

"In terms of exposure to sunlight,

are UV rays the only factors

to be considered?"

"What does

Class II equipment

mean?"

NO. UV rays are not the only limiting factors. There is even more radiation

in the visible and infrared spectrum than in UV rays and this should also

be taken into account.

See the solar radiation distribution table below (as per IEC 60068-2-5):

Spectral

range

Ultraviolet

B

Ultraviolet

AVisible Inrared

Irradiance 5W/m 63W/m 200W/m 186W/m 174W/m 492W/m

Remember

Polyester enclosures,

which are fully insulating

by design, are used

for Class II installations

(full insulation

corresponds to Class II

- see IEC 61439)

Class II equipment:

equipment for which

protection against indirect

contacts is provided by

double-insulated orreinforced insulation

components.

Class I equipment:

equipment with design

regulations, allowing its

accessible metal parts

to be earthed.


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Remember

The degrees of

protection provided

by enclosures are defined

by IEC 60529 (IP) and

IEC 62262 (IK).

The letters IP followed

by 2 characteristic digits

are used to represent

the degrees of protection.

The digits indicatethe degree of protection

provided by the enclosure

against access to

the dangerous parts and

the ingress of solid bodies

(1st digit) and against

the ingress of liquids

(2nd digit).

The letters IK followed

by 2 characteristic digits

are used to represent

the protection against

external mechanical

impacts.

N.B.: many European

standards (EN) are

harmonised with

the IEC international

standards.

That is the case with

the enclosure protection

standards:

EN 60529 = IEC 60529.

EN 62262 = IEC 62262.

0

Noprotection

1

Protectionagainstsolid

objects larger than 50 mm

(e.g. accidental hand

contact)

2



(e.g.ngers)

3


objects larger than 2.5 mm

(tools, wires)

4



(thintools,newires)

5

Protectionagainstdust

(noharmfuldeposit)

6

Fullprotectionagainst

test dust

IP IK First digit

Protectionagainst

solid objects

Second digit

Protection

against liquids

Mechanical

protection

0

Noprotection

1

Protectionagainstvertically

fallingdropsofwater

(condensation)

2

Protectionagainstfalling

dropsofwaterupto15from

thevertical

3

Protectionagainstrainwater

upto60fromthevertical

4

Protectionagainstwater

sprayfromalldirections

5

Protectionagainstjets

ofwaterfromnozzlesfrom

all directions

6

Protectionagainstpowerful

jetsofwaterfromnozzlesfrom

all directions

7

Protectionagainst

the effects of immersion

8

Protectionagainst

theprolongedeffects

ofimmersionunderpressure

0

Noprotection

01

Impactenergy:0.150Joule

02


03


04


05


06


07

Impactenergy:2.00Joules

08


09


10


"What are the different IP and IK

degrees of protection?"

7.5 cm

10 cm

17.5 cm

25 cm

35cm

20 cm

40 cm

29.5 cm

20 cm

40 cm

200g

200g

200g

200g

200g

500g

500g

1,7kg

5kg

5kg


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Collect as muchdata as possible about

the environment

Start by making a detailed

assessment of the environment

(as accurately as possible).

The data collected will allow you

to assess the levels of protection

required: against the ingress

of solid bodies or liquids, impacts,sunlight and its UV rays, cold,

heat, wind, etc. Protection against

graffiti, noise pollution, access

by people.

Ru le

no.1Consider outdoorequipment

requirements

How will the enclosure be installed

(on a wall, a base, etc.)?

How will it be protected against its

environment (need for a canopy,

a padlock, etc.)?

How will the cables enter the

enclosure (preferably from below)?

How will it be taken to its location

(e.g. lifting system)?

etc.

Rule

no.3

Assess and integrate

the particular requirementsof the application

Where will the enclosure

be installed: in a refinery,

a water treatment plant, etc.,

on a pavement, in a car park,

on an off-shore platform?

Does the installation require

mounting plates, a modular frame,a 19" rack?

Does the enclosure need to be

raised and placed on a base

(to reduce water spray, rising

damp and damage in the event

of a flood)?

Rule

no.4

Make a detailed

inventory of the devicesinside the enclosure

What is happening inside

the enclosure is as important

as what is happening outside.

The characteristics of the

enclosure, and particularly its

size, are also dictated by the type

of devices it contains (this also

applies when the enclosureis installed indoors):

Their dimensions

Their level of thermal dissipation

Their level of resistance

(e.g. to cold, heat, water, dust, etc.)

Their thermal management

requirements

(e.g. heating, cooling, etc.)

The need for easy access

(maintenance)

Ru le

no.2

Worksheet

H o w c a n a n e l e c t r i c a l e n c l o s u r e b e

The enclosures you are

going to install must

be able to withstand

any natural or human

aggression. They will

have to protect the

devices they contain

as effectively and

as long as possible.

By observing a few basic

rules (recommended

below), you will be takingno chances and be sure

to successfully install

your electrical enclosure

outdoors.


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23

Determinethe correct size

of the enclosure

What devices will be installed

inside?

Where will they be installed

in the enclosure?

Are there any constraints in

terms of size and weight

(e.g. will it be installed on a ship,

in town, on a platform, etc.)

etc.

Rule

no.5Get the"Thermal management"

reflex

Whether the enclosure is

installed indoors or outdoors, it

is an accepted fact that efficient

thermal management maximises

the performance and service life

of the electrical and electronic

components. Whereas it is vitalto manage and dissipate the heat

accumulated, in some cases the

inside of the enclosure has to be

heated.

Ask yourself a few essential

questions:

What is the temperature of the

outdoor environment?

What can the temperature insidethe enclosure be (heat emissions

from installed loads)?

What is the heat resistance level

of the enclosure (material)?

What is the size of the enclosure?

What surfaces encourage heat

transfer?

What are the thermal dissipation

requirements?

What type of system do I need

(prioritise passive solutions)?

Rule

no.7

Pay attention

to the weight

Where the weight of the enclosure

is concerned, you must consider

the weight of the devices AND

the weight of the enclosure, such

as it will ultimately be configured.

Most "non-metal" materials

weigh less than metal ones.

It is essential to know the weightbefore envisaging the handling

and fixing solutions, particularly

those involving wall-mounting

(is the wall strong enough? will

the fastening system withstand

the weight? and so on).

Rule

no.6

u c c e s s f u l l y i n s t a l l e d o u t d o o r s ?

FOCUS ON ...

Spacial.pro software

Spacial.pro offers

various solutions, based

on the standard Spacial

products.

Within a few minutes,

the software will tell you

the cost of your project

in the form of several sets

of tables and generate

an estimate as well as 2D

diagrams (front and side

views).

FOCUS ON... ProClima v5.0 software

ProClima v5.0 will allow you to estimate your thermal

management needs. From the data you have collected

and entered in the software, ProClima v5.0 will proposesolutions to match the characteristics of the installation

(environment, indoor electrical and electronic

equipment, etc.). And only these!


24/28

7

24

Choosethe appropriate

enclosure material

The material you choose for

the enclosure should ideally have

four intrinsic qualities:

Be able to protect the devices

against the external aggressions

you have identified

Have thermal properties

(e.g. it must not absorb heat)

Protect people against electrical

hazard and the risk of fire

(non-conductive material,

self-extinguishing)

Provide sufficient adaptability

to allow the enclosure to be easily

modified (e.g. by drilling holes,

etc.), without damaging its level

of protection.

For example fibreglass-reinforced

polyester is particularly valued

for its capacity to be easily

modified and repaired on site.

Due to its hardness, stainless

steel is very difficult to cut and

consequently, it is not very flexible.

Ru le

no.8Do not ignorethe cable

entries

The cable entries can be a

considerable source of humidity...

and corrosion.

The range is wide: from basic cable

entries to separate sealed cable

entries.

Practical advice:

To avoid corrosion on metal

enclosures, do not machine them.

Ru le

no.9

Fichepratique


25/28

25

Think aboutaccessing

the installation

For current use:

door contact, door stop,

document pocket, etc.

For maintenance:

easy-to-remove doors to make

it easier to access the filters, air

outlets, etc.

Rule

no.10Above all, do not forgetto make the installation

access points secure

No unauthorised persons

are allowed to access

the devices. To ensure

the maximum safety of people

and of the electrical installation,

all solutions must be considered:

door lock, padlock, etc.

Rule

no.11


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8

26

Overview of Schneider Electric universalenclosures

SDB Steel junction boxes IP 55

S44 Steel industrial boxes IP 66

S57 Steel screw-fixed cover boxes IP 66

S24 Steel safety boxes IP 55

Spacial Steel

CV-CA Ventilation and

air-circulation systems

Mounting Power

distribution

Cable

management

CE Exchangers CUCooling unit

Boxes

From7

4x74mm

to720x540mm

Wall-mounting

enclosu

res

From3

00x200mm

to1200x1

000mm

ClimaSys

Thermal

conditioning

Accessor

ies

S3D Wall-mounting steel enclosures

S3DB Terminal enclosures

S3DBFL Terminal enclosures with FL21 cut-out

S3DM Modular distribution enclosures

VDM 19" enclosures

S3DEX For potentially explosive atmospheres

S3HF Electromagnetic protection

SM Floor-standing steel compact enclosurer

SFFloor-standing steel suitable enclosure

Compartmentalised enclosure

Electronic application

Prisma Plus application

Automotive enclosure

S3CM Control enclosures with

suspension system

SD Compact control desks

SDF Control desk with console

SF application

Floor-standing

enc

losures

From

500x500mm

to22

00x1600mm

Human-machine

interface

enclosures


27/28

27

S3XWall-mounting stainless

steel enclosure

S3XEX For potentially

explosive atmospheres

Spacial Stainless steel Thalassa insulating materials

PLS Modular insulating boxes

TBP Polycarbonate industrial boxes

TBS ABS industrial boxes

PLM Wall-mounting

polyester cubicle

PLMEX For potentiallyexplosive atmospheres

PLAFloor-standing

polyester enclosure

PLDFloor-standing

polyester DIN enclosure

CR Heating resistors CC Thermal

control

Lighting

and power outlet

Door

accessories

Earthing

accessories

ProClima 5.0

Thermal software

SMXFloor-standing

stainless steel compact

enclosure

SFXFloor-standing

stainless steel suitable

enclosure

SDXStainless steel

control desk

SMXPC Application


28/28

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How to Prevent Deterioration of Electrical Equipment in Outdoor Enclosure