Enclosures protect our mission-critical equipment within, but what are the lines of defence for our enclosures?
At PSA, we stock a range of IP66 powder-coated steel enclosures that are robust against the elements, resist dust and moisture, and protect against dings from mild debris found on a worksite. Our enclosures' powder coating is an outdoor RAL 7035 light-grey finish, a high-quality coating that provides resistance to harmful UV rays and corrosion from high-salt air and moisture.
RAL 7035 coatings are recognised as an industry standard and undergo rigorous testing to ensure each batch meets these requirements. It encompasses UV testing, thermal testing and a 1000-hour salt spray test, ensuring corrosion protection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does powder coating differ from liquid paint coatings?
Edges and corners within steel enclosures are typically the first places where corrosion begins. By applying powder coating, you can prevent moisture and salt from pooling in these areas (yes, even from the air). This is because powder is electrostatically charged and will effectively ‘wrap around’ these areas, preventing moisture from finding spaces to penetrate.
Powder coatings create a thick, uniform skin (up to 80 microns!) and remain highly resistant to chipping.
This differs from liquid paint, as paint can degrade faster in sunlight, drying out and becoming increasingly brittle. Small bumps on this layer can create cracks, allowing moisture and salt from the air to begin corroding your enclosure and negatively impacting mission-critical systems within.
How are Powder Coated Steel Enclosures affected by Heat?
Standard light-grey powder-coated enclosures keep internal components 10° to 15°C cooler than darker enclosures. This cooling helps prevent thermal shutdown in outdoor settings. The RAL 7035 coating lets the steel substrate radiate heat efficiently and reflects sunlight's heat.
Can I achieve a proper earthing with a powder-coated surface?
At PSA, our powder-coated enclosures come with earthing kits and pre-cut holes, so you don’t need to damage your new enclosure to earth it adequately.
Ready to integrate powder-coated enclosures into your next project? Contact the PSA team today with your questions through our contact page or call us at 1800 632 693. We're eager to assist you from start to finish!