Challenges
Challenges for outdoor enclosures
Telecommunications enclosures are often left unprotected in public spaces or at exposed locations such as cell towers. The biggest challenge here is corrosion: salty air, constant moisture, and extreme UV radiation take their toll on the materials over the years and can impair the function of the locks.
Since the enclosures contain valuable equipment, they are also often the target of vandalism or targeted break-in attempts. This calls for resistance classes (RC) that can withstand physical force.
Another challenge is internal thermal management: The enclosures must be completely sealed against driving rain and dust (IP rating), but must not interfere with the often complex ventilation systems used to cool the electronics. This requires precise coordination between the positioning of the fasteners and the geometry of the seals within a very confined space.