Monday, September 18, 2017

Outdoor Active Cabinets

Surge protective devices are critical to the protection of computerized equipment against long term damage from small daily surges and fluctuations, as well as large-scale damage from surges caused by things like lightning strikes.  Equipment in the field has to contend with power surges and fluctuations just like typical equipment does, as well as a host of additional potential damaging issues that present themselves 24 hours a day.  Quite simply, some equipment utilized in industries such as telecommunications must be positioned within the public space, making it vulnerable to damage from weather, vandalism, rodent infestation and a variety of other causes.  Technical protection of equipment using surge protection devices is critical, and less technical protection of that equipment using things like outdoor active cabinets is equally crucial.

Outdoor active cabinets are specifically designed enclosures that allow for equipment placed int eh field to be protected against the elements.  The enclosures are generally designed and configured with specific industries and needs in mind, so as to allow for protection and functionality to both be considered.  The telecommunications industry is one of the primary users of outdoor active cabinets, as connections to towers and transmitters by users is the entirety of the service.  These cabinets must hold thousands of dollars worth of technically advanced equipment which must be able to function without overheating the enclosure itself and creating issues, while also being protected from the elements.  Lightning strikes and vandalism are thwarted by using high density aluminum, which prevents electricity from being conducted through the structure while still remaining strong.  Weak points where wires and cables must pass through to the outside are reinforced with grommets and other materials so as to prevent moisture penetration.  These points are also targeted by rodents looking for nesting opportunities, so additional attention must be placed on the areas to avoid damage by holes being chewed followed by moisture penetration.  In addition to these protective aspects, adequate air transfer must also happen to allow for cooling to be effective and prevent overheating.

The design of outdoor active cabinets to fit the needs of specific industries is best accomplished by the same companies providing protection on a variety of fronts, especially surge oriented protection.  Weather damage and lightning damage are the primary causes of replacement costs, as well as the costs associated with loss of customers due to connectivity issues when damage occurs.  Specifically designed and built outdoor active cabinets (street cabinets) are the best defense against the world.

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