As part of a major tunnel infrastructure upgrade on a key urban transport route, a reliable enclosure solution was required to support the installation of new smart camera systems.

The project formed part of broader efforts to enhance tunnel safety and traffic monitoring capability, including real-time surveillance, incident detection, and automated response systems. For these systems to operate consistently, enclosure performance needed to meet strict requirements for ingress protection and corrosion resistance in a high-exposure environment.

Electrical and communications contractors worked closely with a leading provider of industrial enclosures, Rittal, throughout the project to assess the most suitable solution.

Although an alternative enclosure had initially been specified, a detailed technical review highlighted the need for a solution better aligned with the environmental conditions and long-term operational requirements of the site. Rittal demonstrated how its Hygienic Design (HD) enclosures could meet these requirements, offering a more robust, compliant, and cost-effective option.

Developed for hygiene-critical industries, HD enclosures are engineered to perform in environments exposed to moisture, chemical agents, airborne particulates, and regular washdown processes. This made Rittal’s HD Enclosures well-suited to tunnel infrastructure, where similar conditions are present.

Key design features include fully welded stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance, a 30° sloped roof to prevent water accumulation, and FDA-compliant blue silicone gaskets designed for visibility and sealing integrity. With protection ratings up to IP66/IP69K, Rittal’s HD enclosures are built to withstand high-pressure cleaning and fine dust ingress.

Installation was carried out within a live tunnel environment over a 12-month period, with works scheduled during weekend closures. Rittal supported the delivery through product availability, modular system design, and comprehensive technical documentation, enabling efficient coordination with contractors.

The completed installation met all technical and environmental requirements, demonstrating how HD design principles can be applied beyond traditional industries to support infrastructure applications.

Download the full case study to see how HD enclosures are being applied in tunnel infrastructure.