In today’s interconnected world, the Internet of Things (IoT) has taken center stage, driving advancements in autonomous cars, augmented reality, 5G, and other cutting-edge technologies. These innovations demand high throughput, low latency, network reliability, and security at unprecedented levels, creating new challenges for IT systems administrators and data center managers. With IoT pushing the limits of traditional data centers, organizations are extending their networks to the edge—closer to the devices where data is processed. This expansion introduces unique environmental considerations that must be addressed to ensure successful deployments.
Understanding the Shift to the Edge
Edge locations vary widely, from warehouses and commercial areas to oilfields, roadsides, and manufacturing floors. Unlike the environmentally controlled settings of traditional data centers, these nontraditional spaces expose equipment to dust, liquids, temperature extremes, and even corrosive elements. Planning for these challenges requires a clear understanding of environmental factors and the selection of robust solutions tailored to meet these demands.
IT systems administrators, along with BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designers, must navigate the complexities of specifying equipment for such environments. This involves selecting specialized industrial enclosures, cooling systems, and cable entry methods that provide protection from environmental hazards. The goal is to ensure uninterrupted operations while minimizing maintenance and equipment failures.
Choosing the Right Enclosures: The First Line of Defense
A key aspect of deploying a successful edge network is selecting enclosures that protect sensitive equipment from dust, liquids, and temperature fluctuations. Unlike standard IT enclosures, industrial enclosures are fully sealed to prevent ingress of harmful elements. The primary difference lies in their construction and sealing methods. For instance, enclosures with formed-in-place foam gaskets—applied robotically—offer superior durability and reliability compared to adhesive-backed foam tape.
Enclosure classifications, such as those defined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL®), simplify the selection process by providing standardized protection ratings. These ratings outline the enclosure’s ability to withstand specific environmental challenges. For example, NEMA Type enclosures are self-certified by manufacturers, while UL Type enclosures undergo rigorous third-party testing to validate their performance.
Simplifying Selection: The Three Enclosures You Need
For nonhazardous environments, most requirements can be met with three types of enclosures:
- Modular Enclosures: These feature a frame with bolt-on panel work, allowing for flexibility in configuration and expansion. They are ideal for multi-enclosure bays and can accommodate various door and side panel combinations.
- Free-Standing Enclosures: Designed as single monolithic structures, these enclosures provide robust protection for standalone applications. They often feature both front and rear doors for easy access.
- Wall-Mount Enclosures: These enclosures save valuable floor space by mounting equipment on walls or columns. They are perfect for areas with limited room.
Each enclosure type can be further customized with accessories such as filter fans, air conditioners, vents, and drains to address thermal concerns. Special cable entry grommets maintain a seal around cables, ensuring the enclosure’s integrity. When specifying enclosures, it’s crucial to ensure all accessories share the same protection rating and maintain the enclosure’s seal.
Addressing Hazardous Locations
For environments like oilfields, mines, grain elevators, and munitions storage—where a spark could trigger combustion—hazardous location enclosures are required. These enclosures adhere to strict electrical codes and require expertise from electricians or electrical engineers to ensure compliance. Robust construction and third-party certification are critical to meet the demands of these high-risk areas.
Preparing for the Elements: Hot, Cold, Wet, and Corrosive Environments
Whether it snows, rains, rusts, or gets extremely hot or cold, edge deployments must be planned with the environment in mind. Corrosion protection is essential in areas near chemical processing plants, food manufacturing, or outdoor locations exposed to the elements. Fully-welded steel construction and robotically-applied sealing foam are features to look for when selecting enclosures for these challenging conditions.
Additionally, understanding the differences between NEMA and UL ratings is vital. Both standards provide guidance on protection levels, but UL’s third-party verification adds an extra layer of assurance. Selecting vendors that offer UL-listed enclosures ensures compliance and reliability.
Key Considerations for Enclosure Selection
To ensure your edge deployment is successful, look for vendors that provide:
Beyond Enclosures: Holistic Environmental Planning
While enclosures play a critical role, other factors must be considered for edge deployments. Cooling methods, such as NEMA-rated cooling units and fans, prevent overheating in sealed enclosures. Remote power management systems allow IT administrators to monitor and control equipment without opening the enclosure, reducing exposure to environmental hazards.
Cable entry systems also deserve attention. Advanced grommets that maintain seals around cables are essential to preserving the enclosure’s protection rating. For minimal cable requirements, basic gasket seals can suffice.
Embracing the Uniqueness of Every Deployment
No two edge deployments are the same. The combination of environmental challenges, equipment needs, and location-specific factors creates unique requirements for each project. To simplify deployment and gain a competitive advantage, seek industrial enclosure vendors that offer:
Planning for the Future
As Gartner’s research indicates, IoT technology is rapidly becoming ubiquitous in new product designs. Businesses extending their networks into nontraditional spaces must prioritize equipment protection to thrive in this digitalized world. By understanding the environment and selecting the right enclosures and accessories, IT systems administrators can overcome the challenges of edge deployments and unlock the full potential of IoT.
Ready to learn more? Download CPI’s white paper, “Extending the Network Into Nontraditional Spaces: An Enclosure Selection Guide for IT Systems Administrators That Support IoT,” for comprehensive guidance on navigating these challenges.