NEMA 3R and 4X

[bwat]

Unless there's a special reason for corrosion protection, we're always using NEMA 3R for outdoor enclosures and equipment. That's what you see all the time out in the wild.

However, it seems that a lot (all?) of traffic related enclosures and such are the stainless 4X enclosures. (I assume they're for DOT related things).

This is true for multiple states.

Anybody know why? Money to burn? It will end up looking nicer after 30 years and it's right next to public road traffic? Something else?

 

[retirede]

Could be several different scenarios. In winter states that use salt or calcium on the roads, 4X will last much longer. Same with coastal areas due to salt air.
I think in all cases, 4X will outlast 3R, but in some areas, it might not be worth it.

 

[Strathead]

Unless there's a special reason for corrosion protection, we're always using NEMA 3R for outdoor enclosures and equipment. That's what you see all the time out in the wild.

However, it seems that a lot (all?) of traffic related enclosures and such are the stainless 4X enclosures. (I assume they're for DOT related things).

This is true for multiple states.

Anybody know why? Money to burn? It will end up looking nicer after 30 years and it's right next to public road traffic? Something else?

3R allows that water will enter the enclosure but has the ability to drain out. 4X doesn't allow water the enter the enclosure. That is one difference. Traffic related in government, and government, even when being frugal errs on side of caution.

 

[Rick 0920]

Unless there's a special reason for corrosion protection, we're always using NEMA 3R for outdoor enclosures and equipment. That's what you see all the time out in the wild.

However, it seems that a lot (all?) of traffic related enclosures and such are the stainless 4X enclosures. (I assume they're for DOT related things).

This is true for multiple states.

Anybody know why? Money to burn? It will end up looking nicer after 30 years and it's right next to public road traffic? Something else?

When I worked at Disney World in the 80's, they used NEMA 4 Hoffman boxes, Myers hubs, and Robroy conduit in the ground. I would venture to say that they had money to burn. But when I take my grandkids there, I still see things that I have installed sometimes and it appears to be the same as it did when I installed it. You still get what you pay for these days, but there is a fine line between that and overkill IMO.