Integra polycarbonate enclosures are known for their durability in outdoor applications. Offering a minimum NEMA 4X rating on all models and 6P rating on many, Integra enclosures will survive the toughest outdoor conditions. Compared to its fiberglass equivalents, polycarbonate offers superior impact and UV resistance, making it an ideal material for open-air applications, such as outdoor WiFi.
Frequency Friendly
Polycarbonate is a common material used in outdoor WiFi applications due to its superior benefits when compared to other common enclosure materials. When an enclosure is deployed in an outdoor application, every cut and hole
becomes a potential entry point for water and insects. Polycarbonate reduces the number of holes required due to its radio frequency characteristics. Radio waves pass through polycarbonate with minimal attenuation or interference. This property allows the WiFi antenna to be housed within the enclosure, eliminating the need for external antenna mounting and additional holes. Additionally, while polycarbonate is extremely rigid, it is also flexible enough to allow for a 100% non-metallic hinge and latch design, further minimizing the risk of corrosion and RF interference from metal hardware. Integra Enclosures offers 100% non-metallic enclosures and our enclosures have been found to allow better RF penetration than other polycarbonate enclosures on the market.
Thrives in Outdoor Environments
Polycarbonate enclosures are up to 40% lighter than their fiberglass equivalents and offers excellent UV and environmental resistance. On fiberglass enclosures, the UV protection is a coating that attempts to protect the fibers from deterioration but inevitably fails once the elements or external damage compromises it. With polycarbonate, the UV inhibitor is inherent in the formulation and uniform throughout the material, allowing for complete protection regardless of abrasion or external cosmetic damage.
Structurally, polycarbonate is stable and, compared to other materials, maintains its tensile strength across a broad temperature range (-40° F to 265° F.) Additionally, Integra’s Premium Line enclosures are designed to deflect rain and ice with the slightly convex molding at the top of the enclosure. This design protects the enclosure allowing it to optimally perform in the field over time.
Ease of Modification
Finally, polycarbonate can easily machined with common, off-the-shelf tools to fit your application. Most outdoor WiFi applications typically require at least one weatherproof cord-grip to be added for a network wire running PoE. This hole can easily be cut in the field without the risks associated with cutting fiberglass.
For a more streamlined installation process, ask Integra to modify your enclosure for you. We offer precise machining and multiple decoration methods on all enclosures. Additionally, your enclosure can be pre-fitted with many common pieces of hardware. Options such as cord grips, air vents, fan shrouds, filters, DIN rails, latches, back panels, and pole-mount kits are available on most models.
