Electrical enclosures installed in outdoor environments are exposed to highly variable weather conditions — rain, solar radiation, wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, windblown dust, high altitudes, corrosive atmospheres such as coastal or industrial areas, and, in some cases, even vandalism.
Regardless of the installation environment, the devices inside the enclosure must be able to operate continuously, safely, and reliably over time.
Which risks should be considered when designing an outdoor electrical enclosure?
To ensure consistent performance and operational safety, it is essential to consider from the design stage the main risk factors and corresponding technical requirements.
Temperature, humidity, and condensation
Outdoor thermal fluctuations can be significant — with subzero temperatures at night and high peaks during the day, amplified by direct exposure to sunlight.
Moreover, humidity is one of the main causes of failure in outdoor electrical enclosures. It can result from strong temperature variations or water infiltration, leading to condensation, oxidation, and short circuits.
To maintain a stable thermal balance inside the enclosure, it is essential to adopt dedicated climate control solutions such as anti-condensation heaters, filtered ventilation systems, or industrial cooling units.
The choice of materials and surface coatings is equally crucial to prevent premature aging and ensure long-term reliability: proper enclosure insulation and UV-resistant materials are key to durability and consistent performance over time.
Dust and water
The protection rating defines the ability of the enclosure to resist the ingress of dust and liquids.
For outdoor applications, protection levels of at least IP55 or UL Type 3R, 4, or 4X are recommended, depending on exposure and corrosion resistance needs.
An adequate sealing degree prevents water and contaminants from entering the enclosure, protecting internal components and extending their service life.
Corrosive environments
In desert, coastal, or heavy industrial settings, protecting the enclosure from corrosive agents — such as chemicals or salt in the air — is essential.
The use of stainless steel, combined with specific protective coatings and surface treatments, ensures greater durability and resistance over time.
Mechanical strength and vandalism
In public or exposed installations, it is advisable to choose enclosures with an IK rating according to EN/IEC 62262, providing higher resistance to impact and tampering.
Fandis solutions for outdoor applications
To meet the thermal management needs of outdoor environments, Fandis offers a complete range of certified, reliable solutions:
- CCU series air conditioners, available in different power ratings and configurations, are ideal for cooling electrical enclosures exposed to high outdoor temperatures. They keep the internal air circuit completely separated from the external environment, ensuring maximum efficiency and safety.
- FF UL Type 3R filter fan units, specifically designed for outdoor applications, are made of materials resistant to UV radiation and weathering, ensuring long-lasting performance and color stability.
- MRH protective hoods, available in powder-coated steel RAL 7035 or AISI 304 stainless steel with FDA-compliant silicone gasket, further enhance enclosure protection up to IP56 / UL Type 4 and 4X.
This solution provides effective defense against heavy rain, dust, and high-pressure water jets, without compromising ventilation performance.
Protection, reliability, and long service life
The combination of high-quality materials, advanced design, and dedicated thermal management solutions makes it possible to build electrical enclosures capable of operating continuously even in the most demanding environments.
With Fandis’ technical expertise and support, designers can rely on optimized systems for every condition — ensuring protection, efficiency, and long-term operational continuity.
Discover all our solutions for outdoor applications on our website or contact our technical team for personalized advice.