Consumer units and equipment outdoors

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Always make a small drain hole at the lowest point. It allows natural aspiration and prevents condensation buildup. I try to use the bottom entry knockouts only. This is Chris's suggestion….

 

BG Metal Garage Consumer Unit IP65 2 Way (toolstation.com)

Z.

Especially for outdoor installations, making a drain hole even 1 mm wide just lets insects in, or, in places exposed to wind, a lot of dust and detritus which, even in areas not by the coast, causes corrosion and early failure of equipment.

I've seen the results in many installations. 

The recommended approach is an IP55 drain plug (sometimes known as a “breather vent” or “vent drain”).

Where enclosures require natural ventilation for cooling or to prevent accumulation of battery gas, one is fitted one side of the enclosure at the bottom or lower side, and another (with appropriate baffle or “periscope”) on the top or upper, at the opposite side.

Zoomup: 
 

Always make a small drain hole at the lowest point. It allows natural aspiration and prevents condensation buildup. I try to use the bottom entry knockouts only. This is Chris's suggestion….

 

BG Metal Garage Consumer Unit IP65 2 Way (toolstation.com)

Z.

Especially for outdoor installations, making a drain hole even 1 mm wide just lets insects in, or, in places exposed to wind, a lot of dust and detritus which, even in areas not by the coast, causes corrosion and early failure of equipment.

I've seen the results in many installations. 

The recommended approach is an IP55 drain plug (sometimes known as a “breather vent” or “vent drain”).

Where enclosures require natural ventilation for cooling or to prevent accumulation of battery gas, one is fitted one side of the enclosure at the bottom or lower side, and another (with appropriate baffle or “periscope”) on the top or upper, at the opposite side.