Waterproof Aluminium Enclosures for Electronics: Advanced Protection and Interference Resistance.
Waterproof aluminium enclosures are a reliable and robust solution for protecting electronic components in harsh environments. At Electrónica Embajadores, we offer a range of enclosures designed to protect devices from dust, water, and electromagnetic interference. These enclosures, mostly made of die-cast aluminium, are also noted for their resistance to RFI/EMI interference, ensuring the stable operation of electronic equipment.
Features of Aluminium Waterproof Enclosures
Our aluminium waterproof enclosures are perfect for applications requiring advanced protection from the elements and interference. Most enclosures in this category are made of die-cast aluminium, a highly resistant and durable material. Others, made from extruded aluminium profiles through a process known as extrusion, include small plastic parts, making them more versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for a wide range of applications.
In terms of protection against water and dust, the enclosures offer IP ratings ranging from IP65 to IP68, depending on the model:
- IP65: Protection against dust and water jets from any direction, making them suitable for outdoor or moderately demanding industrial environments.
- IP66: Full protection against dust and powerful water jets, suitable for more demanding applications.
- IP67: Capable of withstanding temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep.
- IP68: Enclosures with this rating can be submerged in water at greater depths for extended periods, ideal for underwater applications or extremely humid environments.
RFI/EMI Interference Resistance
A key advantage of aluminium waterproof enclosures is their ability to protect electronic devices from Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). These interferences, which can come from nearby electronic devices, radio transmitters, or industrial machinery, can disrupt the operation of sensitive electronic equipment. Die-cast aluminium acts as an excellent shield against such disturbances, ensuring that the devices function without interruptions.
What are RFI/EMI Interferences?
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) occur when an external source emits electromagnetic waves that interfere with the operation of electronic devices. These waves can distort signals or even cause failures in circuits. Common sources of RFI and EMI include radio transmitters, high-power electrical equipment, motors, and other machines that generate electromagnetic fields.
Aluminium waterproof enclosures, thanks to the properties of the material, offer excellent immunity to these interferences, protecting internal equipment from signal distortion or malfunction caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Advantages of Aluminium Waterproof Enclosures
- Protection from the elements (IP65 to IP68): Depending on the model, our waterproof enclosures offer protection levels ranging from IP65, to guard against dust and water jets, to IP68, designed for prolonged immersion in water. This ensures that each enclosure is suitable for the specific environment in which it will be installed.
- Immunity to RFI/EMI interference: Die-cast aluminium provides an effective barrier against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, which is essential in applications where the stability of electronic signals is critical, such as in telecommunications, industrial control, and medical equipment.
- High strength and durability: Die-cast aluminium offers superior robustness against impacts, vibrations, and harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, many of our enclosures are coated to protect against corrosion, extending their lifespan even in aggressive environments.
- Thermal dissipation: Aluminium is an excellent material for heat dissipation, helping to prevent overheating of the electronic devices housed inside, ensuring optimal performance.
- Versatility in applications: Thanks to the combination of plastic parts in some models, these enclosures offer a flexible solution that can adapt to a variety of electronic applications, from automation projects to monitoring systems.
Applications of Aluminium Waterproof Enclosures
Aluminium waterproof enclosures are widely used across various industries due to their ability to provide environmental protection and interference resistance. Some of the environments where they are used include:
- Industrial environments: Protection of control and automation systems in factories and production plants.
- Telecommunications: Protection of sensitive equipment against RFI/EMI interference in communication towers and data transmission systems.
- Automotive industry: For electronic components in vehicles exposed to extreme weather conditions and vibrations.
- Underwater applications: IP68-rated enclosures are ideal for electronic devices that need to function submerged in water for extended periods.
- DIY electronics projects: The enclosures are used by hobbyists and professionals seeking high-quality solutions to house their electronic devices, especially in outdoor environments.
Certifications and Standards
All aluminium waterproof enclosures available at Electrónica Embajadores comply with the most stringent international standards, ensuring environmental protection and RFI/EMI interference resistance in accordance with quality regulations. The IP ratings range from IP65 to IP68, guaranteeing that devices are fully protected against dust, water jets, or prolonged immersion, depending on the model.
Additionally, some specific models are ATEX certified, ensuring they are suitable for use in explosive atmospheres. This is crucial in industrial environments where there is a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or dust. ATEX enclosures are designed to prevent the ignition of these hazardous atmospheres, providing additional protection in critical locations such as petrochemical plants, mines, or storage areas for flammable products.
What is ATEX?
Some of our boxes for electricity or electronics comply with ATEX regulations. But what is ATEX?...
ATEX is the abbreviation for “ATmosphères EXplosives” (Explosive Atmospheres). At the same time, it refers to a safety standard, a set of European Union directives that regulate all equipment installed in potentially explosive atmospheres (both gas and dust).
- Directive 2014/34/EU (formerly known as 94/9/EC): This directive refers to equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres. It includes product certification and establishes the essential requirements that manufacturers must meet to ensure the safety of this equipment.
- Directive 1999/92/EC (also known as "ATEX 137"): This regulates the safety of workers operating in zones with explosion risks. It defines the employer's responsibilities, such as classifying hazardous areas and adopting measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of explosions.
ATEX harmonizes various technical and legal requirements at the national level in Europe to ensure a very high level of safety.
The objective of Directive 2014/34/EU is to allow the free trade of ‘ATEX’ equipment and protection systems within the EU, eliminating the need for separate testing and documentation for each member state.
How is a potentially explosive atmosphere defined according to ATEX?
An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of flammable substances in the form of gases, vapors, mists, or dusts with air under atmospheric conditions, where, after ignition, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture.
An atmosphere that could become explosive due to operational conditions is called a Potentially Explosive Atmosphere.
Classification of explosive atmospheres
| |
Category |
Atmosphere |
Zones |
Presence of
Explosive
Atmosphere |
|
Group I
(Mining
Industries)
|
M1 |
Gas and Dust
|
Equipment will be
energised |
| M2 |
El equipo será desenergizado |
|
Group II
(Surface
Industries)
|
1 |
Gas |
0 |
Always |
| Dust |
20 |
| 2 |
Gas |
1 |
Occasionally |
| Dust |
21 |
| 3 |
Gas |
2 |
Rarely |
| Dust |
22 |
Areas of ATEX application
ATEX applies to industries that work with gases, vapors, dust, or flammable materials, such as sectors like:
- Petrochemicals
- Refineries
- Mining
- Chemical industry
- Food industry (in cases of flammable dust)
Why Choose Aluminium Waterproof Enclosures?
If you are looking for a reliable solution to protect your electronic devices from harsh environmental conditions, electromagnetic interference, and radio frequency interference, aluminium waterproof enclosures are the ideal choice. At Electrónica Embajadores, we offer a wide selection of enclosures that guarantee maximum durability, protection, and versatility. Additionally, some models with ATEX certification are perfect for applications in hazardous environments. Explore our range of products and choose the best solution for your needs.
