Is the lowest price really an advantage?
Many companies choose electrical enclosures based solely on price. But what happens when the enclosure does not have the necessary certifications?
IrinoXyou
The hidden costs of purchasing an uncertified electrical enclosure
06 November 2025
Some companies choose electrical enclosures based solely on price. But what happens when the enclosure does not have the necessary certifications?
Imagine a production plant operating at full capacity. One day, due to unexpected leaks, the electrical enclosure stops working: production line down, urgent maintenance, loss of production hours.
What seemed like an initial saving becomes a much higher cost.
Scroll through the article to find out about the various certifications, costs and the dedicated checklist!
1. What does ‘certified’ mean?
Certifications are not bureaucracy: they are guarantees of reliability, production continuity and protection for people. A certified electrical enclosure is not just ‘compliant with regulations’>: it has been designed, tested and validated to ensure continuity and operational safety.
The most relevant certifications are:
Compliance with European and UK directives
See the CE and UKCA markings and certifications that guarantee the highest quality standards.
International safety standards for export
Guarantee of product compliance with Canadian and US requirements: browse UL certification.
Protection rating against dust, liquids and foreign solids
Discover the characteristics, why it is important and everything you need to know about the IP protection rating.
Resistance to external mechanical impacts
Can you distinguish between the IP Protection Rating and the IK Resistance Rating? Review them here.
Health and hygiene requirements in food & beverage
Every sector needs to work with products whose safety is certified: view all certifications.
Safety in explosion-risk areas
These certifications are necessary to ensure safety and efficiency: read more about ATEX certification (European) and IECEx certification (international).
2. The hidden costs of an uncertified enclosure
Choosing a product without adequate certification may seem convenient, but the real risks are much more costly.
Safety and accidents
Risk of short circuits, fires or accidents, with legal costs, compensation and damage to reputation.
Plant shutdowns and production stoppages
A failure due to moisture, dust or corrosion can shut down entire lines and cause several hours of downtime.
Possible loss of revenue
From repair costs to the payment of penalties for delays: all these factors can affect revenue.
Non-compliance and penalties
Health and safety inspections, customer audits or certification body audits can result in fines or even the cancellation of the order.
Collateral damage
An electrical fault can damage connected machinery or compromise products in working.
Reduced durability
Unsuitable materials lead to frequent replacements, with additional costs for reinstallation.
3. A concrete example
A food company chooses a non-certified enclosure, saving 20% on the purchase. After six months, water infiltration blocks the production line.
Result: 3 days of plant downtime, estimated cost €60,000.
The initial savings are completely wiped out, turning into a significant loss.
Discover the four factors to consider when choosing an electrical enclosure, or scroll down to read our checklist.
4. How to protect yourself: useful checklist
Before purchasing a stainless steel electrical enclosure, always check:
- Presence of CE, IP, IK, UL certifications
- Material suitable for the environment of use (AISI 304L or 316L for aggressive environments)
- Clear and complete technical documentation
- Reliable warranty and after-sales service
Conclusion
When it comes to electrical safety, the real cost is not the purchase price, but what you risk if you make the wrong choice.
IRINOX certified stainless steel electrical enclosures are designed to withstand, protect and last over time, even in the most critical environments.