What Kind of Cabinets Can Be Used Outside?
Outdoor areas are more prone to damage than indoor environments. The elements of heat, rain, dust, insects, humidity, and vandalism are all able to ruin standard enclosures that aren't designed specifically for outdoor use. This is why selecting the best outdoor cabinet is essential for protecting equipment that is sensitive equipment nd for the longevity of performance.
If you're considering installing telecom, networking, or server equipment outside, this guide will help you know the types of cabinets that can be used outdoors, which characteristics are important and how to pick the best option to meet your requirements.
We are Iceberg Cabinet, we specialize in server cabinets and telecommunications rack cabinets designed to work in the most demanding of environments. Let's take it all into simple words.
Why Regular Cabinets Don't Work Outdoors
Indoor cabinets are made for controlled conditions. If exposed to outside conditions, they may fail rapidly because of:
- Infiltration of moisture and water
- Extreme temperature variations
- Airborne and dust-like particles
- Corrosion and corrosion and
- Vandalism or access that is not authorized
This is why outdoor installations need specifically designed outdoor cabinets that provide security, protection from heat, as well as toughness.
What Is an Outdoor Cabinet?
A cabinet for outdoor use is an enclosure made of weatherproof material designed to house network, electronic or power devices outside of structures. They are designed to withstand the environmental stresses and maintain the stability of internal conditions.
Cabinets for outdoor use are typically employed to:
- Telecommunication equipment
- Network routers and switches
- Power distribution units
- Industrial control systems
- Security and CCTV equipment
Types of Cabinets That Can Be Used Outside
1. Outdoor Telecommunication Cabinets
Telecommunications cabinets for outdoor use are among of the most popular options for installations outside. They are designed specifically to shield telecom equipment from semi-open or open environments.
The key features are:
- Construction with weather-proof construction
- UV-resistant coatings
- Protection against moisture and dust
- Doors that can be locked for security
Cabinets are commonly used to build cell towers, base stations, roadside installations remote telecom installations, and base stations.
We at Iceberg Cabinet, our telecommunication cabinets are built to withstand the harsh conditions of outdoor life without compromising the quality of the equipment.
2. Outdoor Server Rack Cabinets
Server rack cabinets are able to be used outside, but only if they're designed to be used outdoors.
Cabinets for outdoor server racks vary from the indoor racks a variety of ways:
- Steel with a higher gauge or aluminum construction
- The integrated cooling or ventilation systems
- Advanced sealing to block water from entering
- Anti-corrosion coatings
These cabinets are perfect for remote computing, edge data centers, as well as IT infrastructure that is outdoors.
3. Weatherproof Electrical Cabinets
Cabinets for electrical power that are weatherproof are typically used to house electrical equipment breakers, control panels, outside.
The reason they're so effective outdoors:
- It is designed to withstand dust, rain and dust exposure
- Most often, they are rated for utility and industrial use.
- Can be customized using internal mounting options.
Although not all electrical cabinets can be used for IT equipment, a lot of them can be modified to telecom or networking applications.
4. Stainless Steel Outdoor Cabinets
If resistance to corrosion is your top priority, stainless steel cabinets make an excellent choice for outdoor use.
The best for:
- The coastal areas
- High-humidity zones
- Industrial zones
The stainless steel cabinets are resistant to corrosion, chemicals, as well as salt, better than conventional steel cabinets.
5. Aluminium Outdoor Cabinets
Aluminium cabinets are light but sturdy, which makes them suitable for specific outdoor installations.
Benefits include:
- Natural resistance to corrosion
- Installation is simple
- Good heat dissipation
They're typically used when the weight of the person is an issue or when moderate exposure to environmental elements is anticipated.
Key Features to Look for in Outdoor Cabinets
Weatherproof Rating (IP or NEMA)
Outdoor cabinets must meet certain safety standards:
- IP rating (Ingress Protection) shows the resistance to water and dust
- NEMA ratings define enclosure protection for outdoor use
Cabinets for outdoor use equipped with IP55, IP65, or higher are typically recommended.
Temperature Control and Cooling
Outdoor conditions can become extremely cold or hot. Proper temperature control is essential to ensure that equipment does not fail.
Cabinets for the outdoors could comprise:
- Ventilation systems
- Heat exchangers
- Air conditioners, fans or fans
- Insulation for thermal energy
Iceberg Cabinet offers outdoor cabinets built with thermal control in mind.
Material and Finish
The cabinet's materials directly affect the longevity of the cabinet outdoors.
Common outdoor cabinet materials:
- Steel coated with powder
- Galvanized steel
- Steel made of stainless steel
- Aluminum
A high-quality finish can help protect against UV damage and corrosion.
Security and Access Control
Cabinets in outdoor areas are more susceptible to being tampered with, which is why it is vital to have security.
Check for:
- Lockable doors
- Reinforced hinges
- Tamper-resistant designs
Customization Options
Each outdoor installation is unique. The features that are custom-designed can include:
- Points of entry for cables
- Rails for mounting
- Power distribution units
- Accessories for cooling
The customisation of your cabinet will ensure that it fits with the surroundings and equipment.
Where Are Outdoor Cabinets Commonly Used?
Cabinets for outdoor use are found in various industries, such as:
- Telecom infrastructure
- Smart city projects
- Transportation systems
- Industrial automation
- Sites for renewable energy
Every application that needs equipment to function reliably outdoors can benefit from a custom-built cabinet.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Cabinet
Before you decide on an outdoor kitchen cabinet you should ask yourself:
- How will the equipment be stored within?
- What kinds of environmental challenges are they likely to face?
- What is the amount of cooling needed?
- What degree of security is required?
A trusted supplier such as Iceberg Cabinet ensures you get the correct solution without over-engineering or under-protecting your system.
Why Choose an Iceberg Cabinet for Outdoor Cabinets?
In Iceberg Cabinet, we design and provide telecommunication cabinets and server racks that can meet real-world outdoor requirements.
Our cabinets are renowned for:
- Durable construction
- Weather-resistant designs
- A reliable thermal performance
- Flexible options for customization
No matter if you require a compact portable outdoor telecom box or an enormous rack cabinet for servers outdoors, we offer solutions designed to last.
Also, check What is the difference between a server cabinet and a network cabinet?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can server rack cabinets be used outside?
Yes, however, only outdoor-rated server racks and cabinets can be placed outdoors. They're designed with cooling, weatherproofing, and security features, which standard indoor racks don't have.
2. Which IP rating is the best for outdoor use?
For the majority of outdoor use, IP55 or IP65 is highly recommended. These ratings are strong enough to protect against the ingress of water and dust.
3. Do outdoor cabinets need cooling systems?
In a majority of instances, there are many cases. Outdoor cabinets usually require heat exchangers, fans or air conditioners in order to ensure safe operating temperatures for the equipment.
4. What material is ideal for cabinets for outdoor use?
The most suitable material is determined by the climate. Steel is ideal for coastal or harsh environments, while powder-coated steel and aluminium are suitable for moderate climates.
5. Are outdoor telecommunication cabinets customizable?
Absolutely. Outdoor telecommunication cabinets are personalized by adding cable entry points, coolers, options to mount and security features to meet the specific requirements of your business.
