When building controls or lighting systems move outdoors, durability becomes non-negotiable. Functional Devices offers RIB® relays packaged in NEMA 4/4X-rated enclosures to provide weather-proof, high-reliability solutions that keep your systems protected from rain, dust, and corrosion.
If you’ve been stuck trying to spec relays for exterior panels, pole mounts, or exposed junction boxes, this blog will walk you through what to choose, what to watch out for, and how to avoid common outdoor pitfalls.
Functional Devices has been manufacturing electronic control devices in the USA since 1969, relays, sensors, power supplies, lighting controllers, and more, all under rigorous testing standards. Our relays in NEMA 4/4X enclosures combine environmental protection with high amp ratings so your outdoor systems stay resilient. Browse our RIB NEMA 4/4X options or contact our support team to find the ideal relay for your application.
Understanding NEMA 4/4X RIB Relays
Many standard RIB relays are only rated up to 10 Amps, but our NEMA 4/4X-rated relay packages allow 20 Amp SPDT relays in outdoor enclosures. The PE6010 plastic enclosure, for example, is NEMA 4-rated with a gasketed lid, 0.75″ NPT nipple, and room for track-mounted relays.
The image below shows an example of our PE6010 with three 20 Amp rated SPDT relays installed (two RIBM2401B and one RIBM2402B). The two relays used also have 16 Amp Electronic Ballast ratings. They work in lighting applications, including LED lighting.
The PE6010 is great for mounting a small number of our relays outdoors. If you need a larger enclosure for outdoor use, check out the MH2204-N4 or MH3204-N4. They are larger metal enclosures with a sub-panel and key latch on the door.
We also offer BACnet® and LonWorks® relay variants in NEMA 4/4X enclosures with integral 20 Amp relays, letting you integrate smart control protocols into weather-exposed areas with confidence.
Going Beyond the Basics
To help specifiers and installers succeed, here are the often-overlooked details you’ll want to know:
- Ingress Protection & UV Resistance. NEMA 4/4X enclosures protect against water and corrosion, but UV stability matters too. Metal enclosures resist sunlight better for long-term installs.
- Temperature Range. Ambient temperatures affect relay performance. Check specs and derate if necessary in very hot or cold climates.
- Cable Entry & Conduit. Always seal conduit and cable glands to maintain the enclosure’s rating and prevent moisture ingress.
- Maintenance & Corrosion Prevention. Periodic checks of seals, screws, and latches ensure ongoing weather protection.
FAQ: Outdoor RIB Relay Applications
Q: Can the 20 Amp SPDT relay maintain full rating in hot, outdoor conditions?
A: Yes, but ratings assume standard ambient conditions. In high heat (over 40–50 °C), derating may apply. Always check relay and enclosure specs.
Q: Does the plastic construction of PE6010 resist UV degradation over time?
A: The PE6010 uses UV-stable plastics, but long-term exposure may still cause fading or brittleness. For maximum longevity, consider metal enclosures such as the MH models.
Q: Is additional protection needed for wiring entrances?
A: Absolutely. Use weatherproof cable glands or threaded fittings with gaskets to maintain NEMA 4/4X integrity and prevent water ingress.
Q: Do screws, hinges, and seals need maintenance?
A: Yes. Regular inspections of lid gaskets, screws, and locking mechanisms ensure the enclosure remains sealed and corrosion-free.
Q: When selecting a metal vs plastic NEMA 4 enclosure, how do I decide?
A: Metal is best for high UV, high-traffic, or rugged applications (pole mounts, equipment yards). Plastic is lighter and often more cost-effective but may degrade faster under direct sun.
We’ve Got You Covered
Outdoor environments test the limits of electrical devices: moisture, UV, temperature swings, and debris all work against performance. Functional Devices’ NEMA 4/4X-rated RIB relays packaged in enclosures like the PE6010, MH2204-N4, and MH3204-N4 give you solutions engineered for those conditions. When spec’d correctly, they maintain the high reliability Functional Devices is known for — 100% product testing, made in the USA with global materials, and low failure rates.
If you need guidance selecting the right NEMA 4/4X relay package, enclosure type, or wiring layout for your outdoor installation, contact our technical support team or browse our lineup of RIB outdoor relay enclosures. Let Functional Devices help you specify with confidence and build systems that endure.
About Functional Devices, Inc.
Functional Devices, Inc., located in the United States of America, has been designing and manufacturing quality electronic devices since 1969. Our mission is to enhance lives in buildings and beyond. We do so by designing and manufacturing reliable, high-quality products for the building automation industry. Our suite of product offerings include RIB relays, current sensors, power controls, power supplies, transformers, lighting controls, and more.
We test 100% of our products, which leads to less than 1 out of every 16,000 products experiencing a failure in the field.
Simply put, we provide users of our various products confidence and peace of mind in every box.