Outdoor & UV

For demanding outdoor applications we recommend our GEOS range. GEOS enclosures are designed specifically for outdoor use, offering excellent protection against UV radiation, rain and extreme temperatures ranging from -35°C to 80°C, and they are resistant to corrosion and chemicals, which makes them suitable for industrial or coastal environments. The range also has a high IK09 impact rating, so it can handle mechanical shocks and heavy use without cracking or compromising the safety of the equipment inside. That durability is tested in our UL-certified lab against international standards including EN 62262 for impact resistance.

Outdoor enclosures can protect solar components from UV damage, provided the enclosure itself is built for it. Our GEOS range uses high-grade polycarbonate for improved protection against UV radiation, corrosion and other environmental damage, and every model is certified to multiple international standards. GEOS enclosures carry IP66 or IP67 ratings, making them dust-proof and resistant to powerful water jets, or suitable where temporary immersion of up to 30 minutes in one metre of water is likely, and they have an IK09 impact rating. They withstand -40°C to +80°C and can incorporate BEL Air M40 ventilation to prevent condensation and pressure building up without affecting the IP rating.

For harsh outdoor conditions where an enclosure is also at risk of being knocked, we recommend our GEOS series. GEOS enclosures tolerate temperatures from -35°C to 80°C, as well as a 24-hour ambient temperature of up to 60°C, and they resist corrosion, chemicals and prolonged exposure to UV rays. They also carry an IK09 impact rating, which means they have been tested to withstand substantial mechanical stress, and we carry out that IK impact testing in our own laboratory using controlled impacts from multiple angles.

To protect electrical equipment from rough environments, vandalism or other mechanical impacts, look for a high impact protection, or IK, rating. IK is a 00 to 10 code system defined by the DIN EN 50102 (VDE 0470-100) standards. The lowest values mean the product offers limited to no resistance to impact energy, while IK10 means the enclosure is protected against 20 joule impacts, equivalent to a 5 kg mass dropped from 400 mm above the impacted surface. The North American equivalent is f1 or f2 certification to UL 746C. We offer enclosures from IK05 to IK10.

For urban environmental monitoring, our GEOS range is designed for this kind of outdoor installation. GEOS enclosures are rated IP66 for protection against dust and water jets, and IK09 for high impact resistance, which matters in public spaces where vandalism is a concern. They are made from materials that withstand the corrosive effects of urban pollution. GEOS can also be fitted with partition walls, so each sensor has its own designated space and crosstalk between devices is avoided.

For solar equipment installed outdoors, we recommend our GEOS industrial and outdoor enclosures, which are crafted from high-grade polycarbonate, a material known for its excellent UV-resistant properties. Prolonged UV exposure can degrade the material of an enclosure, compromising its integrity and the safety of the components inside. The GEOS range comes with either an IP66 or IP67 ingress protection rating, withstands a temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, and incorporates BEL Air ventilation to prevent condensation building up inside while maintaining the IP rating. A secure locking mechanism and flexible mounting options and internal configurations accommodate circuit breakers, grounding equipment and other components.

To stop an outdoor enclosure overheating, fit adequate ventilation. As the air inside heats it expands, and the resulting pressure can damage components and reduce the enclosure's protection; vents equalise natural heating and cooling without affecting protection levels. Ventilation also releases the heat generated by the components themselves and stops trapped moisture condensing inside. The vents must allow airflow without letting hazards such as dust in, so choose a rated element: our ventilation range includes IP44 and IP65 options, designed for vertical installation in enclosure walls.

To protect an outdoor enclosure from direct sunlight and constantly changing temperatures, choose polycarbonate (PC) and, where possible, a sheltered installation position. Plastic enclosures cannot dent, corrode or rust the way metal ones can, and PC offers optimum UV protection, minimising discolouration and fading as well as resisting elevated temperatures: our TK PC enclosures are suitable for average ambient temperatures of up to 60°C and tolerate extremes between -35°C and 80°C. PC also copes well with high temperature changes, lowering the risk of surface cracking that can nullify the IP rating. Adding a pressure compensation device helps reduce condensation forming inside.

For external use on a camping or caravan site, an enclosure needs a minimum ingress protection rating of IP44 to keep water away from the electrical conductors, and a minimum impact protection rating of IK08, as per BS EN 62262. In the UK, camping and caravan sites have their own section in the BS7671:2018 wiring regulations, primarily because of the more complex earthing arrangements required. Our Abox-i, Abox Pro, AKi, GTi, STV and GEOS ranges all meet or exceed these specifications and suit external installations.

For a year-round outdoor installation, specify a polycarbonate enclosure as a minimum for high UV protection, or GRP where you need a higher level of impact resistance. Water ingress is only one of the hazards outdoors: UV exposure, fluctuating temperatures and impact damage from flying debris in strong winds all matter too. Position the enclosure where it gains some natural shelter, such as under the eaves of a roof. Unless you are installing in the middle of a flood plain you probably do not need an IP68 enclosure, which adds expense to the project and hassle to the installation.

Enclosures used on camping and caravan pitches must meet DIN VDE 0100-708. Equipment with protection class 0 is not permitted, and enclosures need a minimum ingress protection rating of IP44 to protect against splashed water and small objects, rising to IP45 where the equipment is likely to be sprayed with high-pressure cleaners. The enclosure must also protect the electrical circuits within from mechanical stress, with a minimum impact protection rating of IK07. Our Abox, Abox-i, RK, RKA, AK, AKi, GTi, STV and GEOS ranges all meet these requirements.

To prevent UV damage to an outdoor electrical enclosure, specify a UV-resistant material and shelter the installation wherever possible. UV radiation degrades the materials used in standard enclosures, which can in turn affect the internal electronic components and cause failures and operational disruption. Ideally, mount the enclosure on the sheltered side of a building, away from direct sunlight and the worst of the elements. Our GEOS industrial and outdoor range is constructed from high-grade polycarbonate and is highly resistant to UV radiation and harsh weather; it has passed the 1000-hour weathering test to DIN EN ISO 4892-2 and the UL 746C weathering tests.

For outdoor enclosures we typically recommend polycarbonate (PC). UV resistance is the primary factor in material choice, and polycarbonate serves the majority of outdoor applications while offering a cost-effective solution. Plastic is also the better choice over metal if the enclosure needs specific entry points. An IP68 rating is not usually necessary: that level of protection is typically only needed if the enclosure will be fully submerged or installed underground. Depending on the precise location, an IP64 rating might suffice, and most applications require no more than IP66. Our GEOS range offers excellent UV and weather resistance, with the Drain Protect sealing system guarding against rain, cold and heat.

For outdoor use, look for an enclosure that resists UV radiation, extreme temperatures and moisture, and that carries a high impact protection (IK) rating. IK ratings are defined by EN 62262 and IEC 62262 and run from IK00, meaning no protection, to IK10, the highest. Our GEOS enclosures are rugged enough for outdoor use: they resist sunlight, wind, rain and other harsh conditions, operate in temperatures from -35°C to 40°C, carry a high IP rating against dust and water ingress, resist corrosion and chemicals, and offer IK09 impact protection.

Outdoor conditions and mechanical stress call for a robust enclosure that resists UV radiation, high and low temperatures and moisture, and that carries a top impact protection (IK) rating. IK ratings are set out in EN 62262 and IEC 62262, running from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (the highest). Our GEOS range is built for this: it withstands solar radiation, wind, rain and other precipitation, tolerates temperatures between -35°C and 40°C as well as corrosion and chemicals, and offers IK09 impact strength.

For outdoor use, our polycarbonate (PC) range is the best option. Polycarbonate is sturdy and lightweight, built to endure harsh outdoor environments and to protect against UV light. The range carries IP66 protection, giving excellent resistance to dust, heavy rainfall and powerful water jets, and it withstands extreme temperatures from -35°C to 80°C with high resistance to flammability. An impact strength of IK08 handles the shocks and impacts commonly encountered outdoors, and the enclosures are sealable and stackable, with durable polyamide, glass-fibre reinforced cover screws.

Coastal and marine installations call for corrosion-resistant, UV-stable materials such as polycarbonate or glass-reinforced polyester (GRP), rather than metal enclosures or fixings that are prone to salt-air corrosion. A NEMA 4X rating, roughly equivalent to IP66, indicates an enclosure has passed 200 hours of salt-spray testing for corrosion resistance.

Outdoor enclosure lifespan varies widely depending on UV exposure and humidity, but durability is maximised by choosing a protected installation location, a UV-stable material such as polycarbonate or GRP, and an IP65 or higher rating. Enclosures certified to DIN EN or UL standards offer verified resistance to specific environmental conditions.

For an outdoor enclosure sized around 400 x 260 x 170mm, suitable options include the TKPC3625-16-o, an empty polycarbonate enclosure measuring 361 x 254 x 165mm, or a GRP enclosure measuring 325 x 425 x 180mm. Both are available as empty enclosures ready for custom fitting.

Polystyrene is not recommended for outdoor enclosures, as it is prone to UV damage and degrades faster than polycarbonate or glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) when exposed to sunlight. It remains a cost-effective, reliable choice for indoor applications, where UV exposure isn't a factor.

Outdoor enclosure specification depends mainly on ingress protection and material: full IP68 submersion protection is rarely needed, with most applications requiring no more than IP66. Polycarbonate is generally the best UV-resistant material for outdoor use, though GRP, stainless steel and aluminium suit applications needing extra impact protection.

No formal standard governs the slope of protective roofs on outdoor electrical enclosures, though a minimum pitch of 20-30° is commonly used to ensure snow and rain drain away rather than collect. Standards such as DIN VDE 0100-712 require a roof to protect against weather but do not specify an exact angle.

TK enclosures withstand different temperatures depending on material and fittings: empty TK PC (polycarbonate) and TK AL (aluminium) units tolerate up to 60°C average ambient temperature, dropping to 35°C once fitted with components. TK PS (polystyrene) enclosures are rated to 35°C average in both empty and fitted configurations, and ventilation sets are available to reduce internal heat.

For outdoor enclosures, UV resistance is often more critical than IP rating, since most external applications need no more than IP54 protection unless subject to pressure-washing or submersion. Polycarbonate offers substantially better UV resistance than polystyrene, typically lasting five to ten times longer before showing signs of sun damage.

Condensation is minimised by specifying only the IP rating actually needed, since higher-rated enclosures trap more moisture-laden air during temperature swings. Correctly positioned cable entries and ventilated designs, such as Spelsberg's AK Air distribution box, further reduce the risk of internal moisture build-up.