Street cabinets may look like simple metal boxes, but they play an essential role in protecting critical infrastructure. From telecommunications and broadband networks to power distribution and traffic management systems, these enclosures house sensitive equipment that must be kept secure, accessible, and fully operational in all weather conditions. Choosing the right street cabinet is therefore not just about appearance – it’s about performance, compliance, and long-term durability.
At FDMS, we design and manufacture both standard and bespoke street cabinets that are engineered to meet the highest industry expectations. Below, we outline the key specifications that define a high-quality cabinet and why they matter.
1. Material and Build Quality
The foundation of a great street cabinet lies in the material used. Typically, mild steel, stainless steel, or aluminium are the most common options.
- Mild steel offers strength and cost-effectiveness but requires a high-quality protective finish to prevent corrosion.
- Stainless steel provides excellent resistance to rust, making it ideal for coastal or industrial environments.
- Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and particularly suited to applications where ease of handling and installation are priorities.
Regardless of the material, precision sheet metal fabrication ensures that the cabinet maintains its structural integrity, resists impacts, and withstands daily wear and tear.
2. Protective Finishes
A cabinet’s durability is only as good as its finish. Powder coating and galvanising are the most widely used methods to safeguard metal against corrosion, UV exposure, and weathering.
- Powder coating creates a uniform, durable layer available in a wide range of colours.
- Hot-dip galvanising offers long-lasting rust protection, especially in harsh outdoor conditions.
The correct finish not only extends the life of the cabinet but also enhances its appearance, ensuring it blends neatly into urban or rural surroundings.
3. Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
Street cabinets must prevent water and dust from damaging internal equipment. This is where the IP rating becomes critical.
- A rating of IP54 provides adequate protection against splashing water and limited dust ingress.
- For harsher environments, IP65 or higher is often required, guaranteeing complete protection against dust and low-pressure water jets.
Selecting a cabinet with the right IP rating ensures long-term equipment reliability, reducing costly maintenance or downtime.
4. Security Features
Given that cabinets often contain expensive or sensitive equipment, security should never be overlooked. Options include:
- Tamper-resistant locks and hinges.
- Reinforced doors and anti-vandal features.
- Access control systems for specialist applications.
A secure cabinet prevents unauthorised entry and protects assets from theft or damage.
5. Thermal Management
Outdoor environments expose equipment to extreme temperatures. Effective ventilation, louvres, or even active cooling systems are essential to prevent overheating and maintain stable operating conditions. Similarly, insulation or heating elements may be required to protect components during freezing weather.
6. Accessibility and Ergonomics
Engineers and technicians need safe, easy access to cabinet interiors. A well-designed street cabinet includes:
- Doors that open wide enough for maintenance tasks.
- Adjustable internal racking or shelves for flexible layouts.
- Cable entry points that simplify installation while maintaining protection.
Good ergonomics improve efficiency during routine inspections and emergency callouts.
7. Compliance with Standards
Street cabinets must comply with relevant British and European standards for safety, construction, and performance. This may include CE marking, ISO quality assurance, and sector-specific requirements for telecommunications or electrical enclosures. Ensuring compliance reduces risk and guarantees that the product is fit for purpose.
Final Thoughts
A great street cabinet combines strength, protection, security, and practicality in one durable package. When evaluating options, decision-makers should look beyond the initial price tag and consider the full lifecycle – including resistance to weather, ease of maintenance, and compliance with regulations.
At FDMS, we understand that every project has unique requirements. Whether you need a standard solution or a fully bespoke cabinet designed to meet specific dimensions, finishes, or internal layouts, our expert team can deliver high-quality enclosures built to last.
