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5G and IoT equipment is notoriously delicate and sensitive to external conditions. Modern connectivity and communication technologies depend on a plethora of reliable interconnected parts, which are easily damaged by moisture, the elements and temperature changes. This means that wireless equipment requires robust enclosures and reliable real-world interfaces in order to sustain efficiency and avoid problems when working in extreme environments. Very few outdoor solutions provide enclosures and real-world interfaces (power, I/O, antenna etc.) that are both IP67 and achieve EN60950-22 rating as standard, which guarantees longevity in the field.
With regards to specifically the enclosures … the difference between the very best and those that are merely adequate, can be found in the types of enclosure coating and integrated vents.
A high-quality enclosure coating – or passivation – is essential for your enclosure to be fully resistant not just to water damage, but to contamination from dust, dirt, animal droppings and other small debris. Most, lower-cost enclosures use hexavalent passivation, which cuts costs but limits the environments in which the enclosure can be safely used.
In extreme, icy or marine environments, these coatings aren’t robust enough to 100% exclude all contaminants and water.
To provide a higher level of protection and security, we use SurTec650 passivation on our enclosures. This is a chromium-free trivalent coating, suitable for aluminium enclosures. SurTec650 provides superior protection against water immersion and dust and is heat-resistant up to 100°C, effectively safeguarding your equipment from the impacts of harsh outdoor environments. This very same coating is used to protect the aircraft runways on board aircraft carriers at sea!
All GTT enclosure designs have integrated vents that primarily release water condensation from inside the enclosure. However, the vent also plays a role in regulating pressure as-well as keeping external contaminants out and protecting your equipment from further moisture ingress – roles of equal importance to the coating on the enclosure. Why? Humidity can be sealed into an enclosure when it is assembled, and when out in-the-field, changes to pressure and temperature inside of an enclosure can increase further the risk of condensation. Further, a sudden drop in temperature outside can create a vacuum in the enclosure, potentially ruining delicate and expensive equipment.
To offset this, vents are needed to dissipate excess condensation (and at the same time keeping contaminants out), and further relieve internal pressure which otherwise could cause problems with the enclosure seals. The more sensitive the wiring and components within the enclosure, and the more extreme the environment, the more robust, responsive and reliable the vent needs to be. A substandard vent, or one not properly calibrated to the environment, can cause the seals to fail or wear out, increasing damage from corrosion and condensation.
This is why we use GORE® vents on our enclosures. These work hand in hand with our sophisticated coatings to provide an unbeatable level of protection for electronic enclosures, regulating pressure and maintaining the integrity of enclosure seals. With GORE® vents, air and condensation passes out, liquid and particles are repelled, and stress is removed from seals.
Our GTT Wireless outdoor enclosures for electronics provide best in class protection for sensitive electronics in all conditions, from busy production facilities, to cold, dusty and saline environments. Each of our mSmart-Box enclosure range are IP 67 rated and conform to EN 60950-22 standards, keeping you and your customers connected. All our enclosures are treated with SurTec650 coatings and fitted with GORE vents, to safeguard against condensation and contamination.
For durable enclosures, reliable external connections and a fast time to market, please call one of our wireless connectivity specialists today on 01572 338011.
Image Source: Unsplash
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