Bud Industries
Bud has many options for selecting an outdoor weatherproof electrical enclosure. Outdoor waterproof enclosures have all the protection of indoor only NEMA or IP rated enclosures but also protect against the extremes of weather such as rain, snow or sun while protecting circuit boards, wiring, and electrical components from environmental hazards.
All weatherproof boxes feature a specifically tested gasket and sealing approaches. However, not all waterproof electrical enclosures are suitable for outdoor use. The waterproof protection must be strong enough to protect against severe wind, moisture, and temperature extremes. (See our guide to IP and NEMA ratings.) In addition, the enclosure should resist corrosion. Finally, plastic enclosures must be made of UV-rated plastic to withstand the degrading effects of sunlight.
Bud offers outdoor enclosures in polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. These find use in a wide variety of applications, including solar energy, telecommunication, infrastructure, agriculture, marine, oil fields, outdoor lighting, security, and wastewater treatment.
Screw-down or hinged covers A cover secured with screws provides a tight, even seal against the ingress of moisture and wind-blown dust. If the enclosure needs frequent access in the field, then hinged covers are available that secure tightly with screws or latches. Our IP68 DPH Series box is a hinged version of our DPS Series box with a screw-down cover.
Opaque or clear covers: For many series of plastic enclosures, such as our popular PN Series, clear covers are available. They provide users the ability to see indicators and displays without opening the cover and exposing the electronics to water and weather.
Special purpose designs: Some outdoor weatherproof enclosures are specially designed for specific applications, such as signal terminations and fiber optic cable connections. Others have knockouts making them ideal for use as junction boxes.
RF considerations: Plastic boxes are permeable to radio signals and therefore are suitable for outdoor Wi-Fi and wireless communications applications. Bud also offers an aluminum enclosure with a shielded gasket for RF and EMF immunity.
Mounting options: Some box enclosures feature threaded mounting holes in the rear, simplifying their installation on equipment. Other outdoor electrical enclosures, like the AN-A Series with flanges, are designed with mounting flanges for easy wall mounting. Optional mounting brackets are available as well as pole-mounting brackets that fit most series.
Accessories: No enclosure is useful without cutouts for power and signal wiring at a minimum. Of course, any opening could compromise the waterproof rating. Bud offers cable glands that slip around cables and connectors to seal openings.
For applications where condensation and air-pressure changes are a concern, we offer a vent that allows airflow but blocks water.
Also, Bud offers interior accessories such as mounting panels and DIN rails that make it easier to mount internal components.
Outdoor electrical enclosures come in a variety of materials and designs, each tailored to meet specific needs and environmental conditions. Polycarbonate plastic enclosures are lightweight and UV-resistant, making them ideal for applications where exposure to sunlight is a concern. Fiberglass enclosures offer excellent corrosion resistance and are suitable for harsh environments such as marine or chemical processing facilities.
Aluminum enclosures provide a good balance between strength and weight, making them versatile for various outdoor applications. Stainless steel enclosures, on the other hand, offer superior durability and resistance to corrosion, making them perfect for extreme conditions and long-term outdoor use. Each type of enclosure is designed to protect electrical components from environmental hazards, ensuring reliable performance in any setting.
Many of our outdoor, waterproof enclosures are covered by our exclusive 5-Day Modifications program, the fastest in the industry. Using robotic CNC machining, Bud can economically make cutouts to your specifications in as few as five days. Combined with our unusually large inventory, our program helps you deploy faster and get products to market faster.
Other modifications available include digital printing, custom-color finishes, and pre-assembly.
DIY-ers may be tempted to weatherproof a standard electrical box by sealing conduits and screw holes with foam, caulk, or electrical gel. However, the proper solution is to purchase an electrical enclosure that is designed for outdoor locations. This is the only way to be sure the electrical components inside the enclosure will not be damaged by moisture.
Look for enclosures having a NEMA 4X / IP65 rating or higher. These meet testing standards for outdoor use, including wind-driven rain. Outdoor weatherproof enclosures are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and stainless steel.
Connections to the electrical box should use cable glands to seal out moisture. Outdoor electrical enclosures are designed so that the holes for mounting screws are located outside the interior of the box, maintaining the integrity of the seal.
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