Consumer units and equipment outdoors

Alcomax: 
 

 As the issue from some seems to be a simple drain hole compromises the IP65/66 rating, what would appear to be an IP55 “drain vent plug” will do that anyway. But that is not really the point is it, as the decision on what you do to the enclosure is formed by the likely site conditions and its intended use and this is reflected in the notes in the manufacturers instructions.

In any event, why be tied to “5mm hole”?  It is not something I mentioned. A smaller hole may suffice.  Why this fixation with conduit? My alledged generalisation  will be familiar to those that have been asked to install an outside socket on the rear of houses, usually back to back to an existing internal one with the slope of the cable run being to the outside and then the new socket being the lowest part….

 

All boils down to what IP rating you need.

Drilling the hole, even a 0.5 mm hole, drops the IP rating to IP4<something> - possibly IP45 if the hole is suitably placed. Quite simply, because IP5x requires filters (or solid panels) and dust seals.

Whilst we often talk about “IP43 minimum” for outdoors, I think you're missing completely the fact that in many cases this is woefully below what is needed in the real world - it's OK under a shelter in some places.

Around the outside my house, and in the garden, we've found IP43 and IP44 totally useless - stuff only lasts a couple of years at the most. The wind sees to that, even where the vents or small openings are on the rear.

Alcomax: 
 

 As the issue from some seems to be a simple drain hole compromises the IP65/66 rating, what would appear to be an IP55 “drain vent plug” will do that anyway. But that is not really the point is it, as the decision on what you do to the enclosure is formed by the likely site conditions and its intended use and this is reflected in the notes in the manufacturers instructions.

In any event, why be tied to “5mm hole”?  It is not something I mentioned. A smaller hole may suffice.  Why this fixation with conduit? My alledged generalisation  will be familiar to those that have been asked to install an outside socket on the rear of houses, usually back to back to an existing internal one with the slope of the cable run being to the outside and then the new socket being the lowest part….

 

All boils down to what IP rating you need.

Drilling the hole, even a 0.5 mm hole, drops the IP rating to IP4<something> - possibly IP45 if the hole is suitably placed. Quite simply, because IP5x requires filters (or solid panels) and dust seals.

Whilst we often talk about “IP43 minimum” for outdoors, I think you're missing completely the fact that in many cases this is woefully below what is needed in the real world - it's OK under a shelter in some places.

Around the outside my house, and in the garden, we've found IP43 and IP44 totally useless - stuff only lasts a couple of years at the most. The wind sees to that, even where the vents or small openings are on the rear.