Utility products include indoor and outdoor electrical enclosures which house electrical connections. Electrical enclosures are essential to keep people and animals away from electrical connections. Outdoor Electrical enclosures are constructed to meet the following standards:

• NEMA Type 3 – Type 3 enclosures are suitable for outdoor use and will protect the contents of the enclosure from the elements including falling rain and sleet.
• NEMA Type 4 – This type of enclosure protects personnel and public from hazardous components. The enclosures are also designed to protect against water ingress from rainfall, snow and sleet. The enclosures or prevent entry of dust, dirt and other contaminants.

The rest of the article will discuss the different types of electrical enclosures, their uses and the metal fabrication techniques used to make them.

The Different Types of Electrical Enclosure

Electrical enclosures are available in different types and sizes to accommodate different applications of use. Examples of the types of enclosures include the following:

• Wall mounted outdoor electrical enclosures.
• Pad mounted external enclosures.
• Outdoor electrical utility enclosures.
• Outdoor marshalling boxes

Outdoor electrical enclosures come in different shapes and sizes, making them suitable for use in different industries.

Applications and uses of outdoor electrical enclosures

From power distribution to telecommunications, you will find the need for outdoor electrical enclosures. When you walk down the street in any city or town, you will come across different cabinets and enclosures housing different types of electrical connections. Other common uses include the following:

• Utilities applications.
• Control and instrumentation uses.
• Telecommunications and broadband cabinets.
• Electrical substations.
• Windfarms and solar farms.
• Trackside cabinets for transport applications.

Next we discuss some of the fabrication processes and construction materials used to make outdoor electrical cabinets.

Metal fabrication processes for outdoor electrical enclosures

A variety of materials are used in the fabrication of outdoor electrical and utility products. These include polycarbonate, glass reinforced polythene, stainless steel and mild steel. Although lightweight materials, polycarbonate and glass reinforced polythene have high tensile strength. They are usually moulded unlike metallic enclosure which require metal fabrication and welding processes.

Laser cutting, bending and seam welding processes are utilized to create metal outdoor electrical enclosures. These fabrication processes contribute to the weatherproof properties demanded of cabinets for outdoor use. Seam welding makes the enclosures waterproof while powder coating and galvanizing protect the enclosures from rust. Hinged doors, cut outs and ventilation louvres come as optional extras for the different types of utility products.