Industrial enclosures are the first line of defense for sensitive electrical components, machinery and control systems. They shield critical assets from the elements, whether torrential rain, blowing sand, dust, corrosive salt spray or sub-zero temperatures. While much focus is rightly placed on the enclosure itself, something that can often be overlooked are enclosure locks. In this guide, we explain how to protect your enclosures against extreme weather, with a special emphasis on selecting the right ingress protected locks to ensure long-term reliability.
Why Locks Matter When Protecting Industrial Enclosures Against Extreme Weather
Locks and latches are functional openings and, as such, are potential pathways for the elements to enter. To protect against this, you can:
- Match your locks to the enclosure materials – Enclosures are often made from stainless steel or robust, fiberglass-reinforced polyester. The lock must be constructed from materials of equal durability.
- Use locks that keep water and dust out – Ingress protected locks are designed to maintain the enclosure’s seal from the outside world to protect the equipment inside, keeping out moisture and dust.
- Look for IP Ratings – The Ingress Protection (IP) rating, defined by the international standard IEC 60529, is your biggest asset for selecting locks. It provides a clear, two-digit code indicating the level of protection against solids and liquids. For locks used in harsh environments, you should be looking for high IP rated locks, typically IP65, IP66, IP67 and higher.
Investing in locks that meet these criteria ensures the contents of your enclosure remain protected, functioning correctly not just for years, but for decades.
What Are Ingress Protected Locks?
An ingress protected lock is any locking mechanism specifically designed and tested to meet a formal IP rating. This means the lock’s design incorporates features that prevent the entry of foreign bodies and moisture at the point where it penetrates the enclosure door.
This involves:
- Integrated seals – High-quality seals or O-rings around the lock cylinder, latch mechanism and any mounting hardware.
- Precision engineering – Tight tolerances between moving parts to eliminate gaps where water or dust could be driven by wind or pressure.
- Corrosion-resistant materials – Using materials like stainless steel or specially coated metals to resist rust and degradation, which could compromise the seal over time.
Key Types of Locks for Industrial Enclosures
Several lock types are commonly used for industrial enclosures, each with its own application and protection level.
Swing Handles
These are common on larger enclosures and cabinets. They feature a multi-point latching system and compress the door gasket evenly when engaged. High-quality swing handles are engineered to be water resistant enclosure locks, often achieving IP66 or IP67 ratings, meaning they are dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets.
Explore Swing Handle options for your enclosure
Cam Locks
These are versatile locks where turning the key (or tool) rotates a cam to secure the door. They are often used on smaller panels and access points. For industrial use, it is essential to choose cam locks that are specifically marketed as ingress protected enclosure locks, featuring integrated seals around the cylinder and cam to prevent ingress along the mechanism itself.
Explore Cam Locks for your enclosure
Barrels
These are simple, robust and effective. The fastener is turned a quarter-turn to engage or disengage the latch. Their simplicity makes them highly reliable and with proper sealing, they easily become dependable water resistant enclosure locks.
Explore Barrels for your enclosure
Types of High IP Rated Locks
The term high IP rated locks generally refers to those achieving IP65 and above. Here’s what that actually means:
- IP65 – Dust-tight and protected against water jets. Suitable for most outdoor applications exposed to rain.
- IP66 – Dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets. Ideal for enclosures on ships or in areas requiring frequent washdowns.
- IP67 – Dust-tight and protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Necessary for enclosures that could face temporary flooding.
- IP68 & IP69K – For permanent submersion or high-pressure, high-temperature wash-downs.
You can find out more about IP ratings on our Waterproof Lock Standards page.
How to Ensure Water Resistant Enclosure Locks
Selecting an enclosure lock with a high IP rating is just as important as the enclosure itself and the accessories and fixings around it, such as:
- Hinges – Use sealed, continuous, or heavy-duty hinges designed to work in tandem with a weatherproof door gasket.
- Gaskets – When a lock mechanism compresses the door, it must compress the gasket evenly to create a uniform seal. An over-tightened or under-tightened lock can create a gap, making gaskets an important part of ensuring your industrial enclosure is protected against extreme weather.
FAQs
Can I replace a standard lock with a high IP rated lock on an existing enclosure?
Many high IP rated locks are designed as direct replacements for common models. However, it is crucial to check the mounting hole size and shape, and ensure that the new lock’s sealing mechanism will function correctly with your enclosure’s door and existing gasket. If you need a custom solution, talk to one of our experts to ensure your enclosure lock performs.
Is a “water-resistant” lock the same as one with an IP67 rating?
No. “Water-resistant” is a vague, non-standardized term. An IP67 rating is a certified performance standard verified through testing. Always insist on a specific IP rating for your industrial enclosures.
