Extreme weather poses serious challenges to industrial networks. From the freezing cold of winter to heavy rain and strong winds, each weather cycle brings its own set of risks. Industrial operations in remote or tough environments—like mining, construction, and utilities—are especially vulnerable. Without the right network equipment, companies could face unexpected downtimes, costly repairs, or even total system failures.
At Northwest Towers, we understand the critical role that reliable connectivity plays in maintaining smooth operations. Our industrial-grade network solutions are designed for harsh environments, ensuring your systems remain resilient and operational, no matter the conditions.
Guarding Your Network Against Temperature Extremes
When temperatures plummet or soar, your network can suffer. Cold conditions make materials brittle, while heat can weaken cables and cause signal interruptions. Choosing temperature-resistant equipment is the first line of defense.
- Armored CAT5e Ethernet Cable: Built with UV sunlight and oil-resistant PVC, this cable ensures smooth network performance, even in extreme temperatures. With a 100% shielded design and rugged insulation, it’s cut to order (up to 1000ft), perfect for high-vibration environments like mobile industrial setups. The aluminum interlocked armor adds extra durability, making it ideal for the harshest industrial applications.
- TPE Jacketed “UltraFlex” class coax: A TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) jacketed coaxial cable is well-suited for resilient operation in temperature extremes due to the unique properties of TPE material. TPE jackets can handle a broad range of temperatures, typically from -40°C to 125°C or higher, depending on the specific formulation. This makes TPE-coated coaxial cables resilient in both extreme cold and hot environments, where other materials might become brittle or melt. Unlike PVC, which can harden in cold temperatures, TPE remains flexible, reducing the risk of cracking and making it easier to handle in sub-zero environments. This property is particularly beneficial in outdoor or mobile applications where cables might experience sudden bends or movement in frigid conditions.
- Industrial rated network equipment: Leveraging industrial rated network equipment is essential in hot or cold environments because it is specifically designed to maintain reliable performance and ensure uninterrupted connectivity despite extreme temperatures. Standard commercial equipment is typically rated for indoor, climate-controlled environments (usually 0°C to 40°C). Industrial-grade equipment, on the other hand, is designed to operate reliably across a much broader temperature range, often from -40°C to 85°C or even higher. This resilience is crucial for deployments in outdoor, unheated, or high-heat locations, where exposure to extreme cold or heat is unavoidable. In extreme heat, standard equipment can overheat, triggering thermal shutdowns to protect internal components, which interrupts operations. Conversely, in extreme cold, commercial-grade components may become brittle or lose function, leading to malfunctions or failure. Industrial equipment is built to withstand these extremes without shutting down, ensuring consistent performance in critical applications.
Equipment failures in extreme temperature environments can be costly and challenging to fix due to difficult access or the need for specialized tools or expertise. Industrial-grade equipment is engineered for durability, which reduces the likelihood of failures and minimizes downtime, making it a more cost-effective solution over time.
Stay Operational in Wet and Stormy Conditions
Water is one of the biggest threats to your network. Rain, snow, and ice can damage cables, cause moisture ingress, and disrupt connectivity. In regions with heavy storms, having moisture-proof solutions is essential to avoid downtime.