Europoly has manufactured a corrosion-resistant IP66 polyester enclosure to protect an irrigation system in the very centre of Cassis, which is exposed to a particularly harsh urban and saline environment.
Project overview
Project name
Irrigation control cabinet – Cassis town centre.
Brief summary
The project involves protecting the automated irrigation systems for plants and trees on the harbour square in Cassis, using a compact, IP66-rated, waterproof polyester enclosure, designed for a coastal outdoor environment.
Project location
The cabinet is situated right in the city centre, on the harbour square, in a busy tourist area less than 50 metres from the sea.
Urban and coastal environment
Project context
The project is set within a constrained urban context: a dense public space, street furniture, pedestrian traffic and high aesthetic standards.
At the same time, the site is exposed to salty air, sea spray and intense UV radiation, typical of seaside installations.
Environmental constraints
The customer had to deal with:
- a corrosive environment due to the immediate proximity to the coastline;
- run-off and water splashes on the square;
- significant exposure to sunlight, leading to accelerated ageing of the materials;
- a need to minimise the footprint so as not to hinder the use of the square.
These constraints naturally point towards an IP66 polyester enclosure, which is better suited to saline environments than metal solutions.
Main requirement: to protect the irrigation system in the town centre
Business requirement
The main requirement was to safeguard the entire irrigation system at the harbour square: power supply, automation systems, sensors and control units.
The enclosure had to ensure the reliability of the irrigation system, minimise the risks associated with corrosion and remain unobtrusive so as not to detract from the quality of the urban landscape.
Technical requirements
To meet this need, a number of technical requirements were set out:
- IP66 protection rating for enhanced resistance to dust and water jets.
- Corrosion-resistant material unaffected by salt air and humidity.
- UV resistance to minimise ageing of the casing.
- Compact design suited to the available space.
The glass-fibre-reinforced polyester used by Europoly meets these criteria thanks to its corrosion resistance and stability when used outdoors.
Proposed polyester solution
Compact corrosion-resistant enclosure
Europoly proposed a corrosion-resistant polyester enclosure, which is mechanically robust and IP66-rated, designed to house the irrigation system within a compact space.
The solution protects sensitive equipment whilst complying with the site’s urban and environmental constraints.
Integration into an urban environment
The cabinet has been positioned so as to blend in with the layout of the harbour square, without obstructing traffic or the use of public spaces.
Thanks to its compact design and neutral colour, the cabinet remains visually unobtrusive, whilst providing reliable protection for the electrical equipment.
Technical points
Features of the kit
The solution implemented is based on the following features:
- Glass-fibre-reinforced polyester enclosure, 800 x 600 x 300 mm.
- IP66 protection rating, suitable for harsh outdoor environments.
- Corrosion-resistant construction, ideal for saline atmospheres.
- UV-resistant, minimising ageing in coastal environments.
This level of protection complies with best practice for outdoor enclosures exposed to water, dust and corrosion.
Accessories and equipment
To facilitate wiring and maintenance, the enclosure includes:
- a watertight cable entry/exit plate for irrigation and power supply lines;
- an internal mounting plate for securing the automation and control equipment;
- These accessories help to ensure the reliability of the installation and make future maintenance work easier.
These accessories contribute to the reliability of the installation and make future maintenance work easier.
Project benefits
Long-lasting protection in saline environments
The IP66 polyester enclosure ensures long-lasting protection for the irrigation system in a demanding urban and saline environment:
- excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion caused by sea spray;
- UV resistance, minimising degradation of the cladding;
- waterproofing suitable for dealing with runoff and water splashes in the harbour area.
These benefits reduce the risk of breakdowns and extend the service life of the irrigation system.
Discreet integration and optimised maintenance
The compact design of the enclosure and its unobtrusive appearance allow for discreet integration into the heart of the tourist town centre.
At the same time, the corrosion-resistant nature of polyester minimises the need for maintenance and optimises the overall cost of ownership for the local authority.
FAQs about this project
1. Why choose a polyester enclosure in a seaside location?
Glass-fibre-reinforced polyester offers superior corrosion resistance compared to painted steel, particularly in saline environments.
2. What IP rating should you aim for in an outdoor irrigation control box?
In outdoor environments subject to water runoff and splashes, an IP65 or IP66 control box is recommended, with IP66 offering a higher level of protection.
3. How can the visual impact of an enclosure in a town centre be minimised?
By considering the enclosure’s size, colour, location and integration into street furniture, it is possible to balance technical protection with a discreet appearance.
4. Are Europoly polyester enclosures suitable for local authority projects?
Yes, Europoly’s polyester enclosures and cabinets are designed for urban networks (water, EV charging infrastructure, lighting, irrigation) subject to harsh outdoor conditions.
Want to ensure the safety of your irrigation project?
Do you have an irrigation project in an urban or saline environment? Contact Europoly to design an IP66 corrosion-resistant polyester enclosure tailored to your site, your equipment and your sustainability objectives.