Using thick walled corrosion-resistant shells in ships and harsh environments

June 18, 2026
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Before delving into the specifications of the 1590Z series, it is worth first understanding the intrusion protection rating (IP) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) environmental rating used to characterize these enclosures.

IP rating is an international method for measuring dust and water resistance. Common IP levels include:

IP54: Limited dust protection to prevent water splashing in any direction
IP65: dustproof, can prevent water spray from any direction (usually considered the lowest level of "waterproof")
IP66: Dustproof and resistant to strong water jets
IP67: Dustproof, able to withstand brief immersion in water
IP68: Dustproof and resistant to continuous immersion in water
NEMA rating is mainly used in North America, covering a wider range of environmental considerations, including corrosion resistance. Common NEMA ratings include:

NEMA 4/4X: Rain proof, rain proof, snow proof, splash proof, and hose spray proof; NEMA 4X has increased its corrosion resistance
NEMA 6/6P: Resistant to temporary (6) or prolonged (6P) immersion in water
NEMA 12/13: Designed for indoor use, it has the functions of preventing dust, falling dust, and non corrosive liquids; NEMA 13 has added features to prevent oil and coolant leakage
Die cast aluminum casing designed specifically for harsh environments
The 1590Z series casing from Hammond Manufacturing has been carefully designed to meet stringent requirements. These thick walled die cast aluminum boxes have been independently tested and certified to meet various environmental rating requirements, including IP66, IP67, and IP68, as well as NEMA types 4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12, and 13.

Mechanical durability is another hallmark of this series. Most models comply with the IK08 impact rating specified in IEC 62262, which can prevent accidental collisions and rough handling. In addition, most products comply with UL 508 standards and are suitable for use in industrial control equipment.

The 1590Z product line offers a wide range of size options. The smaller end is 1590Z060 (Figure 1). The size of the shell when not installed properly is 50.00 × 45.00 × 30.00 millimeters (mm), which is very suitable for compact devices and space limited environments.