As more wireless networks extend into nontraditional, “edge” environments, the need to properly plan for and protect equipment that may be placed in indoor or outdoor locations where power washing is a possibility or necessity.
In the past, there simply was no set standard or method to test for power wash protection, leaving the matter of equipment protection up to chance. Now, thanks to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), there is finally a specification dedicated solely to testing for this assurance.
NEMA Type enclosures can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, steel, fiberglass, polycarbonate or other constructions. Now more than ever, these enclosures are being used to protect and secure sensitive electronic edge compute and IoT (Internet of Things) equipment such as Wi-Fi Access Points (APs), 5G small cells, Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches, UPSs, industrial control gear and more.
Understanding NEMA Type Enclosure Ratings for Edge Applications
NEMA has a widely accepted enclosure standard that covers various requirements to protect equipment against environmental conditions.
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NEMA Type 1: Basic protection for indoor use, offering protection against dust and light debris but not against liquids or harsh environmental conditions.
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NEMA Type 2: Provides indoor protection against light dust and dripping water, typically used in office or light industrial settings.
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NEMA Type 3: Suitable for outdoor use, offering protection against rain, sleet, and wind-driven dust. It also prevents damage from external ice formation.
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NEMA Type 3R: Similar to Type 3, but without protection against wind-driven dust. Commonly used for outdoor equipment such as electrical transformers.
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NEMA Type 4: Designed for indoor or outdoor use, it offers protection against windblown dust, rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water, making it ideal for harsher environments.
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NEMA Type 4X: Offers the same protection as Type 4 but adds corrosion resistance, suitable for applications in chemical plants, food processing, or coastal areas.
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NEMA Type 12: Primarily for indoor use, it protects against dust, dirt, and non-corrosive liquids, making it suitable for industrial settings.
The New NEMA Standard for Power Washable Enclosures
A new designation in the NEMA 250-2018 standard is the Power Wash or PW Ancillary Rating. This rating indicates that the enclosure has been designed for exterior cleaning with high pressure power washers, and satisfactorily tested to the standard.
The PW Ancillary Rating can only be added to certain NEMA types, such as NEMA 3, 3X, 3S, 4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12, 12X, and 13. For example, if an enclosure is rated for both NEMA Type 12 (which protects against dust and non-corrosive liquids) and has been tested for power wash durability, it would be listed as NEMA Type 12, 4 PW. This means it provides Type 12 protection and is also suitable for environments where power washing is necessary.
Where is a Power Washing Rating Needed?
Equipment installed or mounted in any environment subject to high pressure power washing should be protected in a suitably rated product. Those environments include stadium seating areas, courtyards and patios, parking decks and garages, and indoors in certain industrial, food service and medical environments.
Enclosures protecting wireless gear and antennas are typically constructed of fiberglass, polycarbonate or other non-metallic materials. These non-metallic enclosures should also provide the PW rating in the environments listed above.
Oberon Products with Power Wash Ratings for Wireless Infrastructure
Oberon, a division of Chatsworth Products, and longtime leader in Wi-Fi infrastructure solutions, offers a variety of Power Washing-rated products through its Skybar Collection, including NEMA non-metallic enclosures that are designed and have been tested to satisfy the NEMA 250-2018 standard for NEMA 4 and 4X (watertight and corrosion resistant respectively).
Oberon’s model 1020 and 1022 NEMA 4X non-metallic Wi-Fi AP enclosures are designed for areas that may be power washed such as beneath seats in stadiums, or on walls in courtyards and garages. These products feature an engineered gasket, captured hardware, and a molded-in gasket barrier that helps to protect the gasket in higher pressure, power wash environments.
Oberon’s Skybar NEMA enclosures are comprised of a low loss, corrosion resistant, paintable polycarbonate material. They are designed to have minimal impact on wireless signal and venue aesthetics. And now they have been designed and tested to provide an extra degree of protection for power wash environments.