Electric vehicles are now a vital element of modern transportation systems, which has led to chargers being installed in homes and businesses. However, outdoor chargers are prone to serious risks like rain, dust, and extreme heat that can cost a lot of money in no time. Without proper protection, expensive repairs and downtimes will be unavoidable.
This guide will show you how your worries about outdoor EV chargers can be reduced with an outdoor EV Charger cabinet. It will save your money and reduce repair breakdown stress.
1) What Is an Outdoor EV Charger Enclosure?
“An Outdoor EV charger box is an accessory that fully encapsulates your charger for protection. It protects the charger against rain, snow, direct sunlight, dust and even intentional damage”.
If you are charging your car at a public station or if you are setting a charger outside your house, enclosures serve the purpose of keeping it functional for a longer duration.
Well, outdoor housings differ from indoor housing. For indoor locations, the chargers face no threats since they are enclosed by walls and a roof. The protection for outdoor chargers is tougher since they encounter harsh weather conditions, unlike indoor ones.
Therefore, outdoor chargers require stronger sealed protection as they are prone to harsh weather, unlike indoor ones.
And, most outdoor enclosures use sturdy materials. These include stainless steel, aluminium, and polycarbonate. Steel is very tough and an excellent choice for busy and public areas. Aluminium resists rust while being lightweight. Apart from these, polycarbonate is a high-impact plastic that withstands the sun and heat well.
These enclosures can be found in multiple locations. Homeowners cover their chargers in driveways. Businesses put them in parks, shopping centres, and even office buildings. Besides this, they have many more applications that we will discuss in the coming section.
Regardless of where the enclosures are situated, the intention for their use remains unchanged: To protect the charger and make sure it’s reliable and durable. As more individuals adopt electric vehicles, incorporating a proper enclosure will help in protecting your investment.
2) Why Are Enclosures Important for Outdoor EV Chargers?
Now that we know what an outdoor EV charging enclosure is, let’s discuss the reasons for it to be of great importance when protecting your investment.
- Protection from Weather: EV chargers are prone to rain, snow, and sun. Water has the ability to disrupt electrical systems and components, snow may freeze, and UV light can damage plastics. All these elements can be avoided by using enclosures, preserving the charger dry and safeguarded.
- Preventing Theft and Vandalism: EV chargers are important equipment that are often the targets of infrastructural vandalism within public spaces. You know a well-designed enclosure with a locking mechanism prevents the charger from being tampered with and keeps it fully secured.
- Fire Safety and Risk Mitigation: Chargers that are not properly covered can pose a risk of a fire or an electric shock because of the moisture, insects, and dust that can penetrate them.
- Extending Use of Chargers: Enclosures will improve the charging device’s performance with minimum repairs by reducing exposure to extreme conditions, which helps prevent increased wear and tear.
- Legislative and Compliance: Most municipalities enforce safety regulations for the outdoor installation of electrical devices. Proper enclosers allow you to comply with building codes while also avoiding penalties or fines.
- Enhanced Performance Capabilities: Equipment enclosed in well-protected environments tends to perform more consistently, for example, stabilising internal temperatures to prevent overheating. This allows the charger to better endure extreme conditions while performing optimally.
3) Key Features to Look for in an EV Charger Enclosure
With regard to the EV charger outdoor box, certain features are critical in ensuring optimal function of the charger while protecting it from external factors.
- Weatherproof Ratings (NEMA, IP Ratings): Avoid manufacturers that do not indicate NEMA or IP ratings on their enclosures. Higher NEMA ratings, such as 3R or 4x, denote protection against rain and snow, while IP ratings of 65 or 66 denote dust and water proofing.
- Ventilation and Heat Management: Proper ventilation aids in avoiding overheating. For this reason, enclosures without vents or heatsinks are unlikely to help air circulation and maintain internal component cooling.
- Locking Mechanisms: Every secure enclosure requires a reliable lock that makes the compartment resistant to theft. Keyless entry or tamper-proof locks help to prevent vandalism, thereby keeping your charger secure.
- Cable Management Features: It helps protect the cables from wear and breakage. It is better to pick enclosures with cable channels or hooks that hold the cables and help in the careful ordering of the messy wires.
- Mounting Options (Wall-mounted, Pole-mounted, Pedestal): Your preferred style of mounting enclosures affects your ease of installation. Pedestal-mounted and pole-mounted units are flexible for the larger spaces, while wall-mounted units save floor space in small rooms. Select the one that most meets your preferences and objectives.
4) What are the applications of EV charger enclosures?
EV charger enclosures have numerous uses. They mainly focus on safeguarding the chargers from damage, severe weather conditions, illegal attempts to access the charger, or tampering. Below are seven key applications where these enclosures are essential:
a) Residential Homes
Homeowners tend to mount chargers on walls or place them on driveways. Walkable enclosures for these units are equally important to shield them from the rain and the sun while also protecting the unit from accidental bumps in the open area. They also protect children and pets from tampering with the chargers.
b) Apartment Complexes
Multi-family buildings utilise enclosures in order to protect shared chargers. Bluetooth-enabled smart chargers are usually placed on communal parking lots. Therefore, containment from elements of misuse and neglect and the weather is equally important.
Chlorinated enclosures wrapped around these chargers ensure that there is protected access and that the chargers are out of reach and condition for all the users in the complex.
c) Public Charging Stations
These units experience a lot of public use. They are located at the malls, parked next to highways or public parking lots. Enclosures protect these chargers against tampering that heavily damages the charger itself, rough handling, and various outdoor elements.
As more and more people rely on public chargers, enclosure plans provide more service opportunities, sustainable outlets, and reduce their downtime.
d) Commercial Properties
Offices, hotels, and shopping centres that serve EV charging offer it as an additional amenity. Enclosures provide a neat appearance and shield the units from damage and theft. They also ensure that these high pedestrian areas are safe and remain open for easy access by customers.
e) Fleet Depots
Companies operating with electric delivery vans or company cars rely heavily on outdoor chargers. Enclosures assist in keeping these vehicles functioning optimally under heavy use and weather. They also help in streamlining the mid-session refrain, helping manage the process efficiently for the staff.
f) Industrial Areas
In factories or warehouses, charges are likely to be mounted in close proximity to bulky moving parts. Sufficient mitigation against constituent wear, such as dust and debris, as well as mechanical impacts offered by enclosures.
With a little more overdesign, these enclosures become durable enough to withstand the harsh environment without the risk of interrupting the charge function.
g) Educational and Healthcare Facilities
Colleges and even primary schools, together with hospitals, mount charges for their employees and visitors. Enclosures mitigate the risks of chargers becoming unavailable in active surroundings.
h) Public and Government Buildings
Encashment areas within civic amenities sited at public terminals where chargers are offered to the public require enclosures. These spaces must endure prolonged public use while adhering to safety requirements. Enclosures in these areas are fundamental for ascertaining protection, and well-kept public space surfaces.
In each of these environments, enclosures are pivotal for protection EV chargers have along with maintenance of durability, repairs, and downtime relative expenses.
5) Choosing the Right EV Charger Enclosure for Your Needs
Every setup or configuration has its own distinct requirements. Proprietary setups tend to provide better long-term results, performance, and protection. The following are some factors that need careful balance while picking the right enclosure.
i) Decide Location: Determine the type of space where you intend to position the charger. Commercial settings have higher usage demand, so they likely require larger, heavy-duty units that can accommodate increased users. In contrast, residential spaces may require wall-mounted or compact enclosures.
ii) Charger Compatibility: Verification of an enclosure fitting perfectly with the charge model is essential. Also, ensure there’s adequate room for wiring, cooling, and any sizable additional parts. Failing to meet the required conditions will result in a substandard enclosure that underperforms.
iii) Budget: The quality constructs matter more than the cost. A well-constructed enclosure may appear pricey initially, but it reduces repairs, damages, and premature replacements, lowering costs in the long run.
iv) Aesthetics: If the charger is located in tensioned areas where it can easily be noticed, a modern and clean enclosure is favourable. A sleek, sophisticated unit contributes to the branding of your home or business.
v) Space and Mounting Type: Purchase space that will cover mounting needs. Determine whether a Pole, Wall or Pedestal mounted unit will fit best based on spatial constraints and ease of access.
vi) Environmental Conditions: In exposed coastal, dusty, or industrial locations, one is required to have an enclosure that protects against rust, moisture and debris. Additional protection is offered by weather-rated Stainless Steel or sealed plastic materials.
vii) Forecast and Adaptable Configurations: Focus on achieving an increase in chargers, along with plans to upgrade them to more powerful units. A flexible and scalable enclosure will help eliminate future purchases, allowing the system to shift towards your increasing demands effortlessly.
Selecting and customising the right enclosure will help in addressing any problems that may occur while optimising the efficiency of the EV charger for extended periods.
6) Installation and Maintenance Tips
Installation and routine maintenance of the enclosure for your EV charger ensures that its optimal safety, efficiency, and durability are maintained. To assist you in achieving these goals, here’s a collection of handy tips.
- Site Selection and Accessibility
The charger’s location should allow easy access and servicing on a day-to-day basis. The location should be away from high-traffic and impact areas, with stable ground and proper drainage. Avoid placing the charger next to sprinklers or other flood-prone areas.
- Professional Vs. Do It Yourself Installation
DIY projects are often preferred by some individuals, but having an enclosed unit installed by a licensed charger technician is usually the better choice. Professionally done work means that all local codes and circuit connections have been secured, and the unit is fixed to avoid loose connections. This minimises the risk of damage or malfunction.
- Routine Inspections and Cleaning
Periodic visual inspections should be done, looking out for cracks, rust, and broken fittings. Cleaning the enclosure with soft rags and mild soaps is an effective way of eliminating dust, dirt, and insects. Surface maintenance helps defend against corrosion while keeping air vents free of obstruction.
- Avoiding Water Collection or Condensation
Ensure the enclosure is drained correctly or at least has a slight tilt to prevent water from collecting in pools. Make sure vents or seals are not obstructed, and use moisture-absorbing materials within the enclosure to minimise condensation in humid atmospheres.
These simple steps for maintenance and installation will help extend the life of your EV charger as well as keep it operational under all conditions.
7) Saipwell: Your Trustworthy Supplier of Outdoor EV Charger Enclosures
When it comes to designing outdoor EV charger enclosures, we at Saipwell understand that it must be strong, smart, and certified all at once. It is the combination of advanced manufacturing, high-quality materials, and flexible Saipwell customisations that delivers all of this.
Premium Materials
Hot-dip galvanised steel, aluminium-zinc plated steel, aluminium magnesium alloys, and stainless steel of grades 304, 316, and 316L are the materials supplied by Saipwell. Additionally, these materials also have good resistance to corrosion, moisture and harsh weather.
Certifications
Saipwell’s enclosures provide global certifications along with meeting international safety standards such as UL, CE, CB, TUV, UKCA, ISO, and ROHS. These ensure lasting performance, electrical safety, and environmental compliance.
Cutting Edge Technology
We offer custom solutions such as locking mechanisms, size adjustments, different cable entry positions, and alternate mounting styles. Everything is tailored specifically to fit your place and meet space requirements effortlessly.
Proprietary Customisation
Saipwell uses cutting-edge equipment such as CNC stamping, robot welding and laser cutting. Our MES system in real-time monitoring provides consistent and accurate precision across all types of reliable manufacturing.
Protecting Charger Setups for all Environments
Saipwell’s sleek enclosures protect the charger setups, offering unmatched reliability and a modern aesthetic. You can use them in homes, businesses, public spaces or any growing EV infrastructure.
8) Future Trends and Innovations
With the increase in electric vehicle use, the need for smarter, more efficient EV charger enclosures is on the rise. Here are some exciting trends shaping the future:
Smart Enclosures with Monitoring Systems
New enclosures are coming out that have monitoring and sensor systems integrated. They check the temperature, humidity, the status of the doors, energy use, and many other things. And, in the case that something goes awry, you can get notified on your phone, which makes avoiding damage and downtime easier.
Off-grid and Solar-Powered Solutions
For regions where power is pricey or limited, there is a growing preference for solar-powered enclosures. These units are environmentally friendly and perfect for remote or rural areas because the solar panels enable them to run the charger.
Integration with Energy Management Systems
Coming enclosures will interface with smart grids and residential energy systems. This means they will help manage electricity consumption, curtail peak-time charging, and even store energy for later use. Some configurations may permit users to sell surplus energy back to the grid.
With these new technologies, charging electric vehicles will become more energy efficient and easier for consumers. As technology evolves, enclosures will do more than safeguard your charger, they will also enable smarter energy usage.
9) Conclusion
Investing in outdoor EV charger enclosures will go a long way in protecting your investment. Not only do they withstand the elements, minimise theft, and safeguard damage, but they also enhance safety and longevity. Meeting your unique charger requirements guarantees optimal performance and savings over time.
The EV charging landscape is promising, with intelligent capabilities and eco-conscious features coming soon. Take the time to examine your components carefully, explore, and strategise for optimal protection, performance, and efficiency of your EV charger on a day-to-day basis.
