A 3-Step Guide for Australian Conditions
An Australian summer is the ultimate test for any network installation. Intense UV rays degrade cables, flash floods and humidity attack connections, and high heat can cook equipment. A standard indoor setup will not last a single season.
If you are running any network cable or housing equipment outdoors, this guide will show you how to build a truly "Aussie-proof" installation that lasts.
Step 1: Protect Your Core Equipment (Heat, Dust & Water)
The "brain" of your network (your switch, modem, or server) is your most valuable asset. Housing it outdoors requires a specialised, sealed enclosure.
The Problem: Standard metal boxes will overheat in the sun, fill with dust, and allow in moisture.
The Solution: An IP-rated outdoor cabinet.
The "IP" (Ingress Protection) rating tells you exactly what it can protect against. For a serious outdoor installation, you need a cabinet rated to at least IP55, like our 27RU Outdoor IP55 Cabinet (C1727-860).
- An IP55 rating ensures the cabinet is fully protected from dust ingress.
- It also protects against low-pressure water jets from any direction, meaning it is safe from rain and sprinklers.
- These cabinets are designed with ventilation and fans to manage heat, keeping your equipment safe during a heatwave.
Shop All IP-Rated Outdoor Cabinets
Step 2: Protect Your Cabling (UV Rays & Water Ingress)
You cannot use standard indoor network cable outside. The sun is its worst enemy.
The Problem: The sun's UV rays will crack a cable's PVC jacket in months, exposing the delicate wires. Once water gets in, the cable is destroyed.
The Solution: Choose a cable specifically designed for the environment.
For Above-Ground Runs (on walls, under eaves):
You must use a UV-stabilised cable. The jacket is made with a special compound that resists UV rays and will not break down in the sun.
For Underground Runs (in conduit or direct burial):
You need a Gel-Filled cable. This cable is flooded with a special gel that physically repels water, ensuring that even if the outer jacket is compromised, moisture cannot travel up the cable.
Step 3: Protect Your Connections (The Weakest Link)
Your cable is only as strong as its weakest point: the connection. A single drop of water in a join, coupler, or junction box will corrode the pins and take your network down.
The Problem: Standard couplers and connectors are for indoor use only and offer zero protection from moisture.
The Solution: Use specialised waterproof connectors and gels.
- For Cable Joins: Use Waterproof Gel Splice Connectors (P8632 / P8633). These are filled with a gel that creates a corrosion-proof seal.
- For Cable Couplers: Use an IP67-rated Waterproof Coupler (P2328). This creates a fully sealed connection that can withstand being submerged.
- For Junction Boxes: To fully waterproof any enclosure, Gemini Gel (GEM002) is the ultimate solution. This two-part gel is non-toxic, reusable, and creates a solid, rubber-like block that completely seals out all water and dust.
Shop Waterproof Connectors & Gels
Your Project, Perfected. That's The Access Advantage.
- Expert Local Support, Since 1973: Don't waste time with guesswork. Our experts have seen it all and are ready to provide the right solution, right now. Your success is our business.
- Uncompromising Aussie Quality: We live and breathe quality. From rigorous testing to official Australian certification, we guarantee every product we sell is built to perform and built to last.
- Your Specs, Your Brand, Our Build: Off-the-shelf not cutting it? We specialise in building custom cables and assemblies to your exact specifications, branded for your business. Let's create it together.
- Guaranteed for Life: Buy it once. Trust it forever. Our products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, so you can invest in quality with zero risk. *Warranty excludes third-party brands such as HALO and UPS.
- Innovation That Keeps You Ahead: The tech landscape is always changing, and so is our catalogue. We ensure you always have access to the latest, most reliable solutions on the market.
Let's get your project started.
Talk to an expert today for a custom quote or browse the solutions most relevant to your search.