Control Panel

Technical Guide
How to define the right outdoor solution
and optimize its durability
The trend is to install
• More and more electrical offer
and electronic equipment is
installed outdoors, to be closer
to applications and their users.
• A growing number of electrical
and outdoor panel projects involve
installation in harsh conditions.
• Customers’ requests are more
and more specific (regarding
resistance, size of the enclosure,
aesthetics, etc.).
This “outdoor trend”
Enclosures
• Enclosures are subjected more intensively to weather conditions
and human interactions. Standard outdoor enclosures available on the
market are becoming insufficient to meet new customer expectations.
• Many outdoor factors such as the sun’s radiation or cold conditions, for
instance, are not taken into account during the enclosure design phase.
• The energy efficiency aspect of the installation is not sufficiently allowed for.
• Optimizing sizing and heating/cooling solutions is essential to improve
the installation’s reliability … for a long time. So, architectures are becoming
more complex.
Note: Historically, the trend has been to oversize the material and equipment
on each outdoor enclosure.

2 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

enclosures outdoors
has a direct impact on…
Customer How to design
expectations and install enclosures
• More compactness for better integration • New factors to be taken into account: weather conditions and human
(particularly in public places). interactions, exposure to machines, cars, etc.
• High flexibility to adapt to the actual conditions • New enclosure design methods: material selection, sizing, heating/cooling
of the outdoor application. architectures, etc.
• Effective and long-lasting protection against • New installation process: taking into account the installation’s location
weather conditions. (quick to install), transport solutions, lifting system, cable entries, etc.
• Advanced solutions to prevent human
interactions (human safety, anti-burglary, tamper-
proofing, etc.).
• Appropriate heating and cooling architectures.
• Optimized total cost of ownership:
from installation to panelboard maintenance.

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 3

Outdoor installation: difficulties
“Almost all consequences can be limited
(and even avoided) by an appropriate outdoor enclosure.”

Constraints related to outdoor enclosure installation

Weather Installation Human
conditions constraints interactions

Extreme temperatures, temperature Related to the equipment installed Enclosures installed in public areas
variations, rainfall, snow, climatic events, inside, the installation location (air quality, (railway stations, airports, streets)
ambient humidity, UV radiation, etc. exposure to chemical substances, dust, with no protection from people.
etc.), and maintenance operations.

Potential consequences
• Corrosion • Corrosion • Electrical and fire risks
• Overheating of devices • Overheating of devices • Billboarding
• Condensation • Enclosure damage during installation • Burglary
• Malfunctions (e.g. unsuitable lifting system) • Vandalism
• Break-down of sensitive equipment • Malfunctions • Noise pollution
• Longer installation time and delay
in installation delivery
• Difficulties lifting enclosures
• Lack of accessibility from roof and/or
plinth area (for cables)

Examples of effects of the environment on the

• Water = reduction of tightness • Air pollution = shorter installation lifetime • Vandalism = damage to the enclosure
• Equipment break-down due to • Reduced life of fans and the system and internal components, reduces
overheating or condensation the installation’ safety level.

Whatever the type of outdoor

constraint, the consequences
can be serious and costly:

4 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

and consequences

Mechanical Urban Mistakes

shocks attacks at enclosure
selection
Falling trees, branches, vegetation, Bird droppings, animal faeces, Mistakes of material, of size, of heating/cooling
industrial machines (private location), etc. road cleaning vehicles, snow architecture, etc.
clearance vehicles, etc.

• Damage liable to weaken • Corrosion due to droppings, • Lack of mechanical strength

the enclosure’s protection from its
environment (e.g. climatic events,
ingress of solid bodies and liquids,
human intrusion, etc.).
road salt, etc.
• Humidity due to water
splashing, stagnant water, etc.
• Lack of space (or too much useless space)
• Lack of UV resistance
• Lack of security
• Lack of thermal balance (humidity or condensation
inside the enclosure)
• Lack of technical assessment

installation:
• Lush vegetation = deterioration of • Humidity = risk of corrosion
the surface treatment, source to the enclosure and oxidation
of humidity of components

Serious Costly
• Premature deterioration of the enclosure and • Frequent curative maintenance operations
the devices installed inside (shorter service life) • Corrective actions
• Interrupted continuity of service: malfunctions, • Device and/or enclosure replacement
installation outage
• Loss of protection for equipment
• Loss of safety for people

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 5

“Golden rules” to succeed in
In almost all cases, unusual and premature deterioration
of an enclosure installed outdoors is closely linked to an
underestimation of the enclosure required.

1 Collect as much data as possible concerning the installation environment

Everything starts with a precise diagnosis (as accurate as possible) of the environment.
The data collected will allow you to assess the levels of protection required: against the ingress of solid
bodies or liquids, external mechanical impacts, sunlight and its UV rays, human interactions
(identify threats due to an installation in public areas versus private spaces), humidity level, wind, etc.

2 Consider outdoor equipment requirements

E.g. how will the enclosure be installed (on a wall, on the floor)? How will it be protected against its
environment (need for a canopy, a padlock, etc.)? How will the cables enter the enclosure
(preferably from below)?

3 Make a detailed inventory of the devices inside the enclosure

What happens inside the enclosure is as important as what happens outside. The characteristics
of the enclosure, and particularly its size, are also dictated by the type of devices it contains:
their dimensions, their level of thermal dissipation, their level of resistance, etc.

4 Determine the correct enclosure size

Depending on the type of devices that will be installed inside and their location in the enclosure,
constraints of size and weight, etc.

5 Allow for the specific equipment required (universal mounting plate, 19’’ rack, etc.).
e.g. Where will the enclosure be installed: in a refinery, a water treatment plant, etc.?
Does the installation require mounting plates, a modular frame, or a 19” rack? Does the enclosure need
to be raised and mounted on a base (to reduce water spray, rising damp and damage in the event of a flood)?

Do NOT assume that…

• All enclosures can be installed outdoors;
• All outdoor enclosures offer the same advantages whatever the outdoor
conditions;
• The highest IP level is systematically required, even in the most extreme
environments.

Note: A very high IP level often entails difficulties of thermal management.

6 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

installing outdoor enclosures
6 Pay attention to the weight
Allow for the weight of the devices and the weight of the enclosure, as it will ultimately be configured,
and plan for transport and lifting systems beforehand.

7 Get the “thermal management” reflex

It is an accepted fact that efficient thermal management maximizes the performance and service life
of electrical and electronic components.

8 Choose the appropriate enclosure material

The material you choose for the enclosure should ideally have four intrinsic qualities:
• Minimizes the effects on equipment of identified external impacts.
• Thermal properties (e.g. it must not absorb heat).
• Human protection against electrical hazards and fire risks.
• Sufficient adaptability to allow easy enclosure modification, without detracting from its level of protection.

9 Do not neglect cable entries

Cable entries can be a major source of humidity and corrosion.

10 Think about accessing the installation

• For routine use: door switch, door stop, document pocket, etc.
• For maintenance operations: accessibility to all components must be easy for the operator without
any risk. Doors must be able to be opened and held in the correct position even with strong winds
(e.g. near motorways). Choosing the correct place to install the enclosure is important for future
maintenance tasks.

11 Think about protecting the installation

No unauthorized persons should be allowed to access the devices. To ensure maximum safety of people
and the electrical installation, all solutions should be considered. If necessary, add anti-burglary and
tamper-proofing accessories.

Remember that…
• Some factors must be taken into account systematically in enclosure selection:
- The installation environment
- Protection of the installation
- Risk to humans
- Thermal management of the enclosure
- The position of the enclosure on the installation site
• Efficient thermal management maximizes the performance and service life of electrical and electronic
equipment.

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 7

The “outdoor Heavy Duty
enclosures” concept
by Schneider Electric
We consider that, to be effective, an outdoor enclosure must provide comprehensive and appropriate
responses to each of the following three outdoor parameters:

1 Weather conditions

2 Installation constraints

3 Human interactions

The new outdoor enclosures offer designed by Schneider Electric has been built based on this unique,
comprehensive concept.

Humidity

Benefits
of “Outdoor Heavy Duty Sun
radiation Power
enclosures”: supply
on site

“Be careful to make the right Locking

choice for high resistance!” system

Water
• Comprehensive approach to outdoor constraints
• Unique “Resist” concept
• Enclosures tested and certified for toughest conditions
• Enclosures tested and certified for human interactions
• Advanced and differentiated solutions dedicated to outdoor applications
• Longer service life (x2 versus standard enclosure)
• Energy efficiency management (less “active” thermal solutions needed)

8 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

 Installation
Constraints

Human
Interactions

Weather
Conditions

Condensation Heat

Cold
Space
capacity Heat
extraction
Support capacity
equipment

Noise Sensitivity
Billboarding pollution of equipment Snow
Outdoor
HD enclosure
Burglary
Vandalism Cable entries
Aesthetic management
design
Rain
Plinth
management
Low
maintenance Weight
Pollution

Sand Salt mist

storms

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 9

Standards and certifications:
Integral part of the “Heavy Duty
Outdoor enclosure standards
Tested and certified according to Tested and certified according to IEC 60.529
IEC 62.208 standard standard
Enclosure resistance is tested in extreme This standard defines the IP degrees of protection
conditions of exposure: relating to the levels of protection of people
• Weather resistance: and to protection against the ingress of solid
Exposure to rain + UV lamp for 500 h bodies and water.

• Corrosion resistance:
Exposure to alternate cycles of humidity (95%) Tested and certified according to IEC 62.262
and salt mist during 24 cycles of 24 hours. standard
This standard defines the degrees of protection
Note: the IEC 62.208 standard requires provided by enclosures for electrical equipment
the IP and IK to be declared and verified. against external mechanical impacts.

Note: IK10 is required for plain door. IK08

for glass door.

Corrosion
resistance
Tested and certified according to ISO12944
(level C4H)
• C = class of corrosion
• 4 = “high level” of protection for industrial
and coastal environments (moderate salinity),
and chemical processing plants
• H = class of durability “high” (> 15 years to first
major maintenance)
Before test After test

Risk of electrical shock

Electrical protection Class II (according to IEC 60.950-1): The enclosure has reinforced insulation,
with no accessible metallic parts. The handles of Class 2 equipment shall have no earth loop.

10 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

enclosures” concept
Tested and certified according to IEC 61.439-1 standard
Low-voltage switchgear and control panels are tested to verify that no single
failure can result in the appearance of a dangerous voltage that could cause
an electric shock. This must be achieved without relying on an earthed metal
casing. The solution is usually at least partly to have two layers of insulating
material surrounding live parts or to use reinforced insulation.
Tested and certified according to UL508 (Underwriters Laboratories)
The basic standards used to investigate products in this category are UL
508A, “Industrial Control Panels,” CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 14, “Industrial Control
Equipment,” CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 94-M91, Special Purpose Enclosures and
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 73, Electrically Equipped Machine Tools.
Anti-vandalism
solutions
Tested and certified according to IEC 61.439-5 standard
• IK10 resistance (impact energy: 20 Joules)
• Shock load resistance (15 kg)
• Resistance to sharp-edged objects
Note: This series of tests is a real challenge for an enclosure.
Heavy Duty enclosure anti-vandalism accessories have been
successfully declared ENV16127
That means the enclosure is able to resist to an attack with tools
(hammer, screwdriver, etc.).
Tested and certified according to IEC 60.297-
3-100 standard
Part 3-100 of IEC 60.297 standard defines the
basic dimensions of front panels, sub-racks,
chassis, racks and cabinets.
Tested and certified according to IEC 61.696-3
standard
• Climatic test: Solar radiation, extreme
temperatures, damp heat, etc.
• Biological test
• Resistance to chemically active substances
• Mechanical tests (IEC 61.439-5) + dynamic tests
+ lifting and stiffness tests (IEC 61587-1)
• Injury aspects (IEC 60.950_Burrs) + locking
devices (optional) + tamper-proofing (optional)
+ bullet resistance
Anti-burglary
solutions
Heavy Duty enclosure anti-burglary kit has
been successfully declared ENV1627
That means the enclosure is able to resist
to an attack with tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc.).
Control Panel • Technical Guide | 11
 How to take into account
Applications Main Your goals
the most concerned weather when selecting
conditions an outdoor enclosure
to consider
By definition, outdoor applications are subjected • Rain Limit the effects of weather conditions on
to weather conditions, sometimes extreme. • Cold (down to -40°C) the enclosure, and especially on the devices
But this doesn’t mean that all outdoor enclosures • Heat (up to 80°C) inside:
• Solar radiation (UV)
are suitable for any application. Each outdoor
• Fast change of
environment has specific parameters. • Choosing the right material
temperature
• Choosing the right IP
• Sand storms
• Choosing the right thermal solutions
• Fog
• Choosing the right heating/cooling architecture
• Climatic event (storm,
• Choosing the right cable entries to keep the
snow, frost, etc.)
same IP level as the enclosure
• Air salinity
• Choosing the most appropriate plinths (height,
• Humidity (up to 95%)
material, design)

12 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

 Zoom on…
The main properties to look for in the Heavy Duty enclosure’s two materials.

Heavy Duty Heavy Duty

Polyester
• High impact resistance (IK10)
• Light material, easily scalable
• High electrical hazard protection (strengthened
insulation)
• Saline atmosphere resistance (corrosive
environments)
• Good resistance to water and ambient moisture
• Solar radiation protection (RAL 7035 paint)
• Suitable for public locations (with human
interactions): road equipment, rail transport,
harbours, public electricity distribution, telecoms,
video control, potable water pumping, airports, renewables (e.g. solar farms),
OEM (hoisting, etc.)
Double layer of fiberglass
Steel
• Made from carbon steel protected against corrosion (certified C4H ISO 12944)
• Different levels of imprimation for high durability
• SFHD range • S3HD range
The structure will be made from profiled The whole steel Spacial S3HD
and laser-welded galvanized steel with enclosure will be made from
a cataphoresis protection coating and laser-welded carbon steel with
a primary coating of 100% polyester a cataphoresis protection coating
powder and a primary coating of 100%
• Suitable for private locations: tunnels, polyester powder, single-piece body
(cross-shaped structure).
industry (MMM, Oil & Gas, etc.), water
distribution and treatment plants, etc.

Moulded polyester Structured finish, 100% polyester powder

Anti-corrosive

Steel

“weather conditions”
Outdoor Heavy Duty
enclosures resist Heavy Duty materials vs
weather conditions Aluminium material
HD Aluminium
• Corrosion resistance certification (according to Polyester
ISO12944 level C4H) • Ingress protection • Ingress protection rating: varies according
• The most appropriate IP level as a standard rating: IP65 (IP55 for to models
feature to solve problems of choice of IP (e.g. floorstanding models) • Mechanical protection rating: varies according
IP55 or IP66) • Mechanical protection to models
• Metal parts protected against corrosion rating: IK10 • Thermal insulation: generally bad for aluminum.
• RAL7035 paints to minimize solar radiation • Thermal insulation: Need to design complex “double-skin” enclosures
• Painted parts 720H (Salt Spray), scratch-proof relatively good to avoid this problem.
• Metallic external exposed parts 720H (Salt Spray) • Electrical insulation: very • Electrical insulation: relatively bad. Aluminium,
• Slim ventilation unit offering various good (class II) like most metals, is a good electrical conductor.
combinations (3 different cooling architectures) • Investment cost: • Investment cost: relatively bad due to high cost
• Advanced thermal management solutions relatively good of raw material and technology.
(passive and active)
• Comprehensive range of accessories

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 13

Focus on…
thermal solutions for outdoors
Thermal management of enclosures is strongly recommended to:
• Help ensure continuity of service: helps to prevent outages and malfunctions caused by overheating/underheating of electrical
and electronic devices;
• Reduce costs: related to shutting down manufacturing processes or to installation maintenance;
• Increase the lifetime of internal components.

Overview of thermal management

solutions for outdoor enclosures
"Passive" "Active"
management solutions management solutions
• Choice of material • Heat control equipment
• Enclosure size • Forced convection
• Enclosure location • Forced ventilation
• Wall insulation • Air conditioners
• Power load arrangement • Air/water exchangers
• Relocation of "passive" electrical loads outside the enclosure • Air/air exchangers
• Cable arrangement • Heating resistors
• Air flow management
• Ventilation or natural convection
• Natural dissipation and air agitation

“Inexpensive and natural, has to “Corrective solutions,

be defined upstream” requiring special dimensioning,
can be expensive”

• Maximize “Passive” solutions before considering an “Active” one (cheap Capex and Opex).
• Polyester is a better heat-insulating material than metal or stainless steel, which conduct heat.
• It is very important to divide the power loads into different groups, to achieve energy saving,
avoid unnecessary hot spots, lower the average temperature of the enclosure and allow optimal
adaptation of the thermal management solution.

14 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

ProClima v6.0
software
ProClima v6.0 will allow you to estimate your
thermal management needs. From the data you
have collected and entered in the software,
ProClima v6.0 will propose solutions to match
the characteristics of the installation
(environment, indoor electrical and electronic
equipment, etc.).

• First free thermal software in the market

dedicated to outdoor calculations.
• User-friendly and easy to use.
• Complete thermal solutions database.
Provides access to a global climatic database to
enhance and optimize your thermal calculations.
• Only solutions matching the installation’s
characteristics are proposed by the tool.
• Optimized thermal solutions for the equipment.

Passive

Active

Passive

Passive

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 15

 How to take into account
Applications Your goals Outdoor
the most when selecting Heavy Duty
concerned an outdoor enclosures
enclosure meet installation
constraints
Applications have their own installation • Material has to be appropriate for • Integrated lifting solution
constraints. They are of course more the installation location (e.g. IK and, • Cooling architecture flexibility
most important, IP resistance) • Aluminium cable gland plate to manage
specific and demanding in the case
• Security system has to be adapted cable entry
of outdoor installation.
to potential human interactions • Door retainer
• Size and weight have to be adapted • 19” support up to 2 m high
to support internal devices • Integrated plinth
• Transport and lifting systems have • Plastic document pocket (A4 size)
to be planned beforehand

16 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

“installation constraints”
Main installation
constraints
to consider

Related to “equipment” Related to “installation location” Related to “maintenance operations”

• Protection of sensitive equipment • Cable entry management (number • Access control
and/or functions of cables, cross section, rigidity, etc.) • Access to devices and functions
• Heat extraction capacity • Access to the installation location • Spare parts availability
• Features of devices: size, load, (to plan shipping solutions and how
thermal dissipation, etc. to protect the enclosure during
• Weight of the equipment (to anticipate shipping)
lifting needs) • Availability of power supply on site
• etc. • Presence of pests on site (e.g. insects,
rodents, etc.)

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 17

 How to take into account
Applications Main human
the most concerned interactions to consider
Public locations: Related to “people”

Road equipment, rail transport, harbours, public • Billboarding

electricity distribution, telecoms, video control, • Burglary
potable water pumping, OEM (hoisting, etc.) • Vandalism

Related to “installation”

• Aesthetic design
• Access control
• Noise pollution

18 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

“human interactions”
Your goals Heavy Duty Polyester
when selecting enclosures are an answer to human
an outdoor enclosure interactions
Human safety: To protect people from To guarantee “human safety”
the installation and to avoid health hazards • Insulation certification Class II (strengthened insulation)
• Electrical and fire risks • Fire resistance
• Noise pollution • Noise < 60 dB
• Visual pollution • Aesthetics and discreet installation

Equipment security: To protect the installation To guarantee “equipment security”

from people and allow continuity of service • Discreet installation
• Discreet integration into its environment • Fire resistance
• Anti-billboarding • Strengthened locking system (with 1242E type key)
• Anti-burglary • Maximum level of protection against external mechanical impacts: IK10
• Anti-vandalism • Anti-billboarding door
• Anti-vandalism certification (pressure and shock tests according
to IEC 61439-5)
• Anti-burglary certification (tests according to EN1627 type C2)

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 19

Overview of Outdoor Heavy

S-Line
A : IP55 metal grille
B : Fanbox A
C : Roof ventilation module
D : Ventilated plinths
E : IP54 grille B

Composition of Outdoor Heavy Duty enclosure

+ 1 to 4 Fanboxes
+ 1 to 4 IP55 metal grilles
+ filters

This architecture works in forced air mode.

Note
The whole ventilation system must be IP55.
Architecture benefits
• Most common and competitive architecture
• Maximum heat dissipation to extract 800 W - 1000 W per ∆T of 5ºC
• Easy access to mount-dismount fanbox
• Air flow in horizontal axis

20 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

Duty thermal architectures

T-Line I-Line
C

1 D E

+ Roof ventilation module + Roof ventilated module

+ 1 to 3 Fanboxes + 1 to 3 Fanboxes
+ 1 to 4 IP55 metal grilles + filters
+ filters + 1 to 3 IP54 grilles
+ Ventilated plinths
This architecture works in extraction mode. This thermal integrated architecture works in extraction mode.

The whole ventilation system must be IP55. The whole ventilation system must be IP55.

• High heat extraction capacity up to 1500 W • Integrated architecture particularly suitable for public areas
• Noise level with 1 fan: 55 dB when installed inside the upper • High heat extraction capacity up to 1500 W
ventilation module • Noise level with 1 fan: 55 dB when installed inside the upper
• ∆T° of 5°C ventilation module
• Air flow in vertical axis
• Good extraction flow rate power
• Air flow in vertical axis

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 21

Selection guide
Outdoor harsh environment
Public areas Private areas
Material Heavy Duty Polyester Heavy Duty Steel
Thalassa PHD Spacial S3HD, SFHD
Schneider Electric Ranges

Groundwater tapping
Water treatment
Water distribution/drains
Sewage treatment/purification
Water Rainwater collectors
& waster sewage Flood protection
Environmental measuring
Signal control, static
Signal control, mobile
Traffic light systems, traffic sign gantries
Recording systems/speed
Transport Information systems
Car park management
Public transport

Cable distribution, passive

Cloud Cable distribution, active

computing and
telecoms FTTx

Transformation
Low-voltage distribution
Photovoltaic power
Wind power
Line monitoring
Electric utilities
Lights
Stationary distributors

22 | Control Panel • Technical Guide

Sheltered outdoor environment Indoor
Private areas Private areas
Polyester Steel Polyester Steel
Thalassa PLM, PLA Spacial S3D/CRN, Thalassa PLM, PLA Spacial S3D/CRN,
SF/SM SF/SM

Control Panel • Technical Guide | 23

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