STRAUBENHARDT – With outdoor applications, environmental factors such as sand, dust, insects, rodents, vandalism and vibration must always be taken into consideration. Similar in importance are the influences of cold, heat and direct sunlight.

Schroff now offers a new generation of outdoor cabinets for such applications featuring improved climate control. These cabinets are available in the standard 'Modular' and 'Unibody' formats. The Modular version is based on a frame in aluminium profile that offers considerable flexibility of cabinet dimensions and, thanks to its 'modular' inner cladding, allows good access from all sides. The low-cost Unibody version features a one-piece aluminium inner enclosure that is particularly suitable for small dimensions and wall, pole and ground mounting.

The two cabinet versions have a double-wall construction. The outer cladding helps to reduce excessive heat build-up from direct sunlight, while the inner enclosure is sealed (IP 55) to prevent the ingress of moisture, dirt or small animals. The air gap between the two walls provides ventilation via slots in the outer cover, without the use of fans. Optionally, the inner walls of the 'modular' cabinet may be constructed in a meandershaped profile. The increased surface area thus offered allows a greater quantity of heat to be removed from inside the cabinet to the ventilated air gap between the walls. With this design, heat generated inside the cabinet can be removed reliably and noiselessly, requiring no maintenance and no energy input. By adding fans in the air gap between the walls, however, a greater cooling capacity is obtained.

A still higher level of cooling performance may be achieved by introducing fresh cool air into the interior of the cabinet. Special filter mats with a water-repellent surface allow IP 55 protection to be maintained. Where such cooling is still insufficient, however, heat exchangers or air conditioners may be fitted.

Both cabinet versions offer flexible expansion options for 19" and other components, including non-standardised items. Cover components are treated with a weather-resistant powder coating and may optionally be given an anti-graffiti coating. The cabinets comply with the standard proposed by leading telecommunications companies of break-in resistance to category WK2. The removable top cover design allows easy installation, and the cable entry is also protected against the entry of rodents and insects at the base. These cabinets, based on IEC 61 969, also comply with the guidelines and standards for shock and vibration resistance tested to IEC 68-2-6 and 27 and earthquake resistance to IEC 68-2-57.