Install LV Network Switch and Patch panel in outdoor non IP rated enclosure

[UNG]

So now 15 posts into this thread it is not just a cabinet we now find out it has an attached pole which now makes a bit more sense with regard to the IP rating issues

So now you need an IP rated enclosure or enclosures that will fit into the base cabinet and will take the equipment that is being installed quite a simple fix really that I did many times when I was installing data radio kit some years ago

 

[Deano72]

So now 15 posts into this thread it is not just a cabinet we now find out it has an attached pole which now makes a bit more sense with regard to the IP rating issues

So now you need an IP rated enclosure or enclosures that will fit into the base cabinet and will take the equipment that is being installed quite a simple fix really that I did many times when I was installing data radio kit some years ago

Except the client is insistent it does not need an IP enclosure inside the metal cabinet, they insist it is fine as it is and to just go ahead and install, we will be instructed to install to the cabinet. So yes 16 posts on and some pictures the question remains the same, are they in breach of a regulation by deciding to not use a proper IP rated cabinet? Feel free to say you don't know, if you don't know.

 

[DPG]

Except the client is insistent it does not need an IP enclosure inside the metal cabinet, they insist it is fine as it is and to just go ahead and install, we will be instructed to install to the cabinet. So yes 16 posts on and some pictures the question remains the same, are they in breach of a regulation by deciding to not use a proper IP rated cabinet? Feel free to say you don't know, if you don't know.

I wouldn't be happy unless an IP enclosure was used. You probably won't find a specific regulation, other than workmanship/good practice or however it's worded.

Can't be much additional cost surely.

 

[Deano72]

I wouldn't be happy unless an IP enclosure was used. You probably won't find a specific regulation, other than workmanship/good practice or however it's worded.

Can't be much additional cost surely.

I think you've mirrored what the installer said, i was hoping to find a reg. that clarifies matters over and above best practise in case there is a risk of electrocution to the public. As the cabinet is very small for the intended equipment, either they will specify a smaller switch or a larger cabinet but the project is back to the same issue of breaching best practise at the very least, or health and safety at worst. Unles i can quote a specific regulation, i can only provide a warning that is 'may' not be suitable.

 

[DPG]

I think you've mirrored what the installer said, i was hoping to find a reg. that clarifies matters over and above best practise in case there is a risk of electrocution to the public. As the cabinet is very small for the intended equipment, either they will specify a smaller switch or a larger cabinet but the project is back to the same issue of breaching best practise at the very least, or health and safety at worst. Unles i can quote a specific regulation, i can only provide a warning that is 'may' not be suitable.

I really can't see how you would get such a specific reg to match your situation though.

 

[loz2754]

Looking at the photos would indicate that section 714 applies - Outdoor Lighting Installations, which also includes highway power supplies and street furniture.

714.411.2.201 Provisions for basic protection -
The enclosure must have an IP rating of at least IP2X.

714.512.2.105 Electrical equipment shall have, by construction or by installation, an IP rating of at least IP33.

 

[UNG]

Except the client is insistent it does not need an IP enclosure inside the metal cabinet, they insist it is fine as it is and to just go ahead and install, we will be instructed to install to the cabinet. So yes 16 posts on and some pictures the question remains the same, are they in breach of a regulation by deciding to not use a proper IP rated cabinet? Feel free to say you don't know, if you don't know.

So you clearly believe there is a reg so have you looked at all the various regs other than the BS7671 book relating to IP ingress for an answer?

From a quick look at the BS7671 regs Appendix 1 lists BS EN 60529:1992 +A2:2013 and that references Appendix AD2 with regard to water ingress

May be you need to do some tests with the enclosure and mast setup and spray some water from a hosepipe on it and at it and see what water ingress you get. If your client has other similar setup's installed some time ago maybe you need to get the clients permission to inspect a few to ascertain if there has been any water ingress, any degradation of the equipment has occured and the suitability of the setup for the application you have

 

[Avo Mk8]

When the IT products (that are going in this) were designed, they were designed to meet (probably ISO/IEC) product standards, to gain approval from an accredited test house - CE marking and all that! The MI's should specify if the product is IP rated, and if so what rating. If IP rated, compliance would be tested by the test house as part of product approval.

I would expect this platform side mast/box combo to be similarly designed to meet necessary standards. If not ISO/IEC etc, maybe Network Rail or whoever have their own standards. I find it surprising that there doesn't appear to be a specification for this platform box - that is where the IP rating would typically be found.

The correct design and construction of this thing should be lead by the applicable (generic) product standard, and/or the client specification. As mentioned by UNG, this is where I would expect IP requirements to come from, not our wiring regulations.