KDM IP45 Enclosure

KDM IP45 enclosure complies with international standards. Proper use and application of standards are monitored carefully. Our quality IP45 enclosure will definitely stand up even under the most rigorous conditions. Consider KDM IP45 standards enclosure might fulfill your requirements and make it suitable for your specific applications.

IP45 Enclosure 1

IP45 Enclosure 2

Our IP45 enclosure is available in various sizes, configurations, design, materials, innovative features, etc. The variety of IP45 enclosure allows you to find the product that fits perfectly to your needs. These enclosures in stock available for rapid distribution and will help you meet your urgent requirements.

KDM provides a vast range of IP45 enclosure including wall-mounted, free-standing and data-rack-cabinets and more. We can also work with you to design and manufacture custom electrical enclosures to meet your specific needs. Electrical enclosure accessories including inner doors, lighting, fans, and filters are also available. In KDM, you have a lot of enclosure great options both home and industrial settings.

When you need custom IP45enclosures, you can count on us for help. We can provide custom enclosure design support tailored for your application. Custom IP45 products can be painted in any number of colors or color combinations, special colors in powder coats are also provided. In addition, whenever your application calls for unique materials or finishes, holes or cutouts, special sizes or shapes, we can help you meet those expectations. We can also handle custom finishes on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

KDM has over 10 years of expertise in manufacturing top quality IP standard enclosures. So you can assure that your enclosure will reflect the advanced system configured to match your requirements. Our services designed to support each of our client’s desire.

KDM IP45 enclosure offers a convenient and consistent way to our customers to assess the performance of our enclosure according to their specific applications and environments. KDM has an expert technical team to support and assist in your IP45 enclosure needs.

At KDM, we aim to save you time and reduce your costs. That is why we are providing to our customers, an assembly service. We can supply electrical enclosures pre-fitted with a wide range of electrical and automation components. If you are interested in one of our IP45 standard enclosure, please feel free to reach us and hope can contact you further.

The Ultimate FAQ Guide to IP45 Enclosures

What does the IP code mean?

The IP code stands for Ingress Protection. It is also known as IEC standard 60529, and EN 60529 in Europe.

It consists of 2 numbers following IP.

The first number corresponds to the level of protection against the ingress of solids, whereas the second digit corresponds to the ingress of liquids.

Dust rating of the IP code

For dust, the numbers go from 1 to 6, and for liquids, they go from 1 to 9K.

Enclosures with a dust rating of 1 would protect against anything that is bigger than 50 mm, or 1.9 in.

On the other hand, enclosures that are fully dust-tight protect against any solid particles.

Enclosures with a liquid rating of 1 are effective against dripping water in an upright position, thus, they are protected against rain.

 Liquid rating of the IP code

Meanwhile, 9K enclosures are able to withstand pressurized jets of hot water.

There can be a zero marked, which means no protection.

There can also be an “X” mark, which usually means that any number can be put there.

There can be other lettered markings as well.

What does the rating of IP45 mean?

Enclosures rated with IP45 are protected against tools, small wires, and big ants larger than 1 mm, or 0.04 in, and from low-pressure water spray from any direction.

IP45 enclosures also can have special gaskets that prevent humid air from getting in and any condensation forming.

 IP45 enclosure

How are IP45 enclosures protected?

Firstly, the number of needed seals is minimized with design.

Then, gaskets and O-rings are used to seal the necessary edges.

Usually, PU foam is used for seals. Also, screws are placed in strategic locations as to not disturb the seals.

Hinges help to protect the enclosure as well since they hold the door tightly.

You can learn more about it in our IP66 certification.

What is the difference between IP44 and IP45?

These two ratings are exactly the same regarding dust ingress, hence they have the same first digit.

However the difference arises in the second digit. It is subtle, but it is still there.

IP44 enclosures withstand water spray from any direction, when IP45 enclosures withstand the same omnidirectional spray, but more pressurized.

This means that IP44 enclosures are weather-sealed and protected against rain, whereas IP45 enclosures have that, plus protection from industrial cleaning or marine environments with strong water spray.

What is associated with the letters after the main IP code?

As mentioned above the “X” means that there is no available information, or that it is irrelevant or replaceable.

There are 2 sets of optional letters you can add after the digits.

The additional set – A, B, C, D – describes the protection of the enclosure against tampering.

A stands for protection against the back of a hand, B stands for protection against a finger, C stands for protection against access with a tool, while D stands for protection against access with a wire.

The full IP code

The supplementary set of letters – H, M, S, W – tell the user what the enclosure is for.

H indicates that the enclosure is made for a high-voltage device, M indicates that the device inside the enclosure was moving during the water test, whereas S indicates that it was standing still.

Finally, W means that the enclosure is weather-proof.

You can use these to indicate what features you want your IP45 enclosures to have.

This facilitates communication between the manufacturer and the client.

What testing do IP45 enclosures undergo?

Spray nozzle testing

IP4X is tested using a 1.0 mm access probe and by inspection to ensure any dust that enters would not interfere with the functionality of electrical components.

IPX4 is tested using spray nozzles with oscillating tubes that pressurize and spray water for 5-10 minutes in any imaginable angle.

You can also test it for yourself with a simple water bottle, squeezing it to add pressure.

Can IP45 standards be converted into any NEMA type?

As for NEMA, we offer any type, starting with 1 and up to 13, including subtypes, such as 3S. Our NEMA enclosures are protected against weather, corrosion, oil seepage, and much more.

IP ratings and NEMA types cannot be directly converted into one another, but they can be loosely compared as shown below.

NEMA and IP ratings comparison

IP45 does not have an exact comparison in NEMA types, but the closest ones would be types 3, 5, 12 and 13.

Can IP45 enclosures be used for outdoor applications?

IP45, just like our other IP enclosures, is suitable for outdoor applications because it is protected against low-pressure water sprays from any direction.

However, keep in mind that these enclosures are not entirely dust-tight and waterproof, so very dusty or underwater environments may be too harsh for it.

If you need that, check out our IP65 enclosures.

Additionally, our IP45 enclosures are suitable for mild marine environments due to its ability to withstand pressurized water spray.

 Outdoor IP45 enclosure

Are IP45 enclosures explosion-proof?

Unfortunately, IP45 enclosures are not strong enough to contain an explosion or an arc flash.

They are not comparable to NEMA types 7, 8, 9, or 10.

These enclosures need to withstand high impacts and high temperatures.

However, if you need an explosion-proof enclosure, contact us and we will engineer it for you!

How well will IP45 enclosures perform in hazardous settings?

IP45 enclosures will perform well in residential and commercial settings.

They can also work for some industrial ones.

The hazardous setting that IP45 enclosures can withstand are marine environments, humid environments, as well as those with some chemicals around.

However, if you have a setting with constant exposure to chemicals, fibers, and hazardous fumes, then IP6X would work much better.

Where can IP45 enclosures be used and for what applications?

IP45 enclosures can be used both indoors and outdoors in non-hazardous environments, such as in the residential and commercial sectors.

Industrial sectors may need more heavy-duty protection, such as IP57 and up.

Metering boxes is a common application for IP45 enclosures.

IP45 enclosure with a battery inside

So are distribution boards, transformers, indoor control panels, small telecom equipment, fuse blocks, power panels, and many more outdoor electrical components and equipment.

These enclosures, also, great for marine environments, such as on a beach, near a pool, or in areas with heavy rain.

What designs of IP45 enclosures can I choose from?

Designs for IP45 enclosures don’t differ from other enclosures we make.

Namely, we offer free-standing enclosures, floor-mounted, wall-mounted enclosures, pole-mounted enclosures, recessed enclosures, and custom enclosures.

Free-standing enclosures are perfect for large electrical units that are too heavy to be wall-mounted or pole-mounted.

They could be of any height and width.

They are also portable, and can be walk-in enclosures.

Free-standing enclosure

Floor-mounted enclosures are very similar to free-standing enclosures, only floor-mounted ones are secured to the floor – thus, they are not portable.

Wall-mounted enclosures use mounting brackets, screws, and pads.

They are perfect for small devices, and thus are cost-effective.

Wall-mounted enclosure

Pole-mounted enclosures are not too different from wall-mounted ones.

They also use mounting brackets, but they are ring-shaped, placed around the pole.

Pole-mounted enclosure

Recessed electrical enclosures are installed into a hole in the wall or floor.

They can be of any design, but are recessed into something, so only the door is visible.

Of course, we also have our custom enclosures, which can be of any design, shape, and requirements.

A popular custom enclosure design is the piano-shape control panel, as shown below.

 Custom IP45 enclosure

Plus, we offer different options for doors, including single, double, and multiple doors.

Single doors are perfect for smaller and less complex electrical units, whereas double doors are used for large and complicated units.

Multiple doors are used for huge industrial applications or for increased security.

If you would like a consultation on our designs, you are welcome to reach out to us!

What features can I request for IP45 enclosures?

You can request vents, windows, hinged doors, locks, cable management systems, and much more.

Vents, as well as radiating fans, provide a path for heat to escape through, cooling electrical components of the enclosure.

This prolongs their life and decreases the possibility of malfunctions.

Radiating fan 

These also stabilize air pressure inside the enclosure, preventing condensation which can damage the electrical components of the enclosure.

Plus, the vents can be further upgraded to air conditioners and heat exchangers.

Windows are used to help workers examine the electrical components in a non-invasive way.

And if something goes wrong, a window helps what is happening see right away.

Plus, infra-red windows help protect personnel from arc flash accidents.

Enclosure with a window

Hinged doors control how and how much the door or cover of the enclosure opens.

This also includes a variety of handles that you can request as well.

Locks add a layer of security to your IP45 enclosure, making sure no one tampers with it or accidentally accesses its electrical components.

What accessories can I request for IP45 enclosures?

File pockets are used to store files like operating manuals, shift logs, information booklets, and anything else important that pertains to electrical components within the enclosure.

If your enclosure is intended for the outdoors, then the file pocket should be inside the enclosure, but if it is intended for the indoors, then it does not matter

 File pocket (in white)

Cable management systems such as cable entry frames and clamps serve to keep wires organized and make them easier to install and maintain.

We also offer light switches as well as enclosure lights, casters, heat strips, and inner doors.

Heat strips cool the enclosure down, whereas inner doors provide more impact, tampering, and extra gasketing protection.

IP45 enclosure with an inner door

Other accessories that you can request for IP45 enclosures include solar shields, rain caps, and lifting eyes.

Solar shields are basically another layer on top of an enclosure that reflect solar radiation, controlling inner temperature of the enclosure to prolong the life of its electrical components.

Solar shield (the top plate)

Rain caps are the top parts of an enclosure.

They can be flat, but protruding forth more than the enclosure, or they can be tilted like a roof.

They help divert streams of rain off of the enclosure so the rest of it gets less exposure to the rain.

This prolongs the life of your enclosure.

Rain cap

Lifting eyes help with the installation and transfer of your enclosure.

They are little hooks at the corners of an enclosure that you can use to lift it up for transportation of mounting.

This is especially useful if an enclosure is very heavy and the only way to transport it is by lifting it up.

Lifting eyes

To learn more, feel free to contact us for more information about all the different features we offer! We will also provide any custom feature you request.

Will additional features compromise the IP rating?

Yes, features like vents, windows, and locks do somewhat compromise the IP rating, but there are ways around it.

But KDM overcomes this difficulty, offering you some of the best enclosures for your business.

We incorporate various gaskets and filters to bring the IP rating back up.

What types of steel can be used for IP45 enclosures?

The materials used for IP45 enclosures aren’t different from materials used for other types of enclosures.

They can be made from carbon steel, galvanized steel, and stainless steel – usually of the grades 304 or 316L.

Of course, each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Carbon steel is usually duller than stainless steel.

It is also magnetic and more malleable since it only has iron and carbon.

This steel is also prone to corrosion.

Stainless steel is created by adding chromium, nickel, and molybdenum to the iron-carbon alloy.

Stainless steel vs. galvanized steel

The grades 304 and 316 differ in the content of all additives.

Steel grade 316 is slightly stronger and resistant to saline and acidic water.

Steel grade 316L has a lower carbon content, making it a little bit stronger.

Galvanized steel is coated with a layer of zinc that gives it corrosion-resistant qualities.

While we do offer galvanized steel enclosures, this metal is vulnerable to salt water and some chemicals.

Please note that galvanized steel is more expensive and heavier than stainless steel.

Cold rolled steel can also be used for a stronger built.

When steel is treated with cold, it becomes stronger, thinner, heavier, and more dense.

This may seem complicated, so send in your inquiry now for a consultation!

Are fiberglass enclosures compliant with IP45 ratings?

Fiberglass is very strong, can dissipate heat, and insulates electricity, lowering the effect of interference and the possibility of shock.

It is made from glass fibers placed in plastic.

Fiberglass enclosure

Fiberglass enclosures can be up to IP65, so IP45 is definitely possible.

Fiberglass is also effective against corrosion.

Speaking of plastics, we can include windows made from polycarbonate, ABS, and glass-reinforced plastics such as fiberglass.

Polycarbonate is more resistant to corrosion, whereas ABS is cheaper.

What properties of aluminum make it good for IP45 enclosures?

IP45 enclosures can also be made from aluminum alloys.

These can be either from the 5052 or 6061 alloy.

Aluminum vs stainless steel

Both are lightweight, but 5052 is more weldable, whereas 6061 has a higher resistance to corrosion.

Also, 6061 is more expensive.

Aluminum has a layer of oxide on top that prevents any corrosion.

This material is especially good for enclosures exposed to solvents, petrochemicals, some acids, most sulfates and nitrates.

This lines up perfectly with IP45 capabilities, so aluminum is a good material for it.

What paints and coatings can be used for IP45 enclosures?

Our enclosures are well-protected, but the right coating can add its protection as well.

You can choose enamel or powder paint coats in any color.

Enamel paint has a glossy finish and is resistant to different weather conditions.

Specific enamel paints like epoxy enamel and PU enamel are commonly used for industrial enclosures since they are resistant to corrosion.

Powder paint is deposited with the electrostatic force, and is quicker and easier than enamel.

It is also more flexible in appearance, giving you the option of glossy and matte finishes.

 Powder coating finishes

We also offer anodizing and alodining coatings.

Anodizing coating uses anodes to oxidize a metal, usually aluminum, to increase its thickness for better corrosion resistance.

Steel is not typically anodized because it can actually speed up the corrosion of the metal.

Alodine coating, also known as the chromate conversion coating, is used to prime steel and aluminum for paint, as well as prevent corrosion.

 Alodine coating

This is a cheaper process than anodizing, and can be recognized by its distinctive greenish-yellow hue, unless it is painted over.

We can provide any coating in any color and finish, so feel free to contact us today with your requirements!