Ritherdon Online Shop Product Blog — Material

The formation of zinc whiskers on the surface of zinc coated steel can be a costly oversight. Zinc whiskers, as they are commonly know, are zinc particles that "grow" on the surface of zinc coated steel - commonly galvanised or electroplated steel. The pressure that is applied during the coating process causes zinc formations to push outwards on the coated steel over time. The "fuzz" that coats galvanised steel is what is referred to as zinc whiskers.  These small zinc particles accumulate and can get pulled into the electrical equipment causing short circuits and faults. Avoid zinc whiskers altogether by choosing a...

All Standard Powder Coated Cabinets & Pillars are manufactured from 4003 Grade Stainless Steel.   While 4003 is highly resistant to atmospheric corrosion, it is not recommended for use as a decorative stainless steel (e.g. unpainted and polished). This is because in more aggressively corrosive environments it can discolour, producing a tarnished look to its surface.  To avoid this staining in more corrosive environments, 4003 grade stainless steel products are powder coated for external use. For a natural finish we manufacture using a 304 Grade Stainless Steel. Unlike 4003, 304 stainless steel does not have a tendency to form a surface...

Ritherdon have been manufacturing various enclosures probably since the 1940's and, up until the 1990's, had only used stainless steel for special circumstances where the extra cost could be justified.  However, in the late 1990's, when the cheaper, ferritic stainless known as 3Cr12 was specified as EN1.4003 in Europe, Ritherdon saw its potential as a cost effective and superior material for external enclosures. Traditionally, in the street enclosure market, galvanised mild steel had been used (particularly for feeder pillars):  the zinc coating providing a level of protection for the mild steel.  More precise manufacturing is required to produce stainless steel...