Street Cabinets

Q: Are FDMS street cabinets weatherproof?

Yes, FDMS street cabinets are fully weatherproof and designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the British climate. Most models carry an IP rating of IP55 or higher, offering robust protection against dust, water, and environmental damage. Constructed from powder-coated galvanised steel, they are corrosion-resistant and UV-stable. Many models include rain hoods, drainage systems, and sealed door seams to prevent water ingress. Filtered vents are included to promote airflow and prevent condensation, making them suitable for year-round outdoor use in coastal, urban, or rural settings.

Q: Can I use these cabinets for broadband infrastructure?

Absolutely. FDMS street cabinets are ideal for broadband infrastructure, including fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) and fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) applications. They are designed with internal mounting points, cable trays, and space for fibre splicing, routers, and other telecom hardware. Weatherproof and lockable, they provide a secure housing for sensitive equipment. Larger models like the 800H and 1200H allow for network expansion and easy cable management. Optional customisation such as pre-drilled cable entries ensures fast and professional installation for broadband providers and infrastructure contractors.

Q: What sizes do external street cabinets come in?

FDMS external street cabinets come in various sizes including 500mm, 650mm, 800mm, and 1200mm heights, with single and double door options. Each size caters to different use cases—from compact enclosures for basic data nodes to large-capacity cabinets for complex infrastructure. Optional plinths allow elevation above ground level, ideal for flood-prone or damp areas. Interior layouts are configurable, supporting cable routing and equipment mounting for a wide range of technical needs. These options ensure flexibility for installers across industries including telecoms, power, and transport.

Q: How secure are FDMS external enclosures?

FDMS street cabinets are built with robust security in mind. Made from galvanised steel and powder-coated for added durability, they include tamper-resistant locks, padlock-ready handles, and hidden hinges. Optional upgrades such as multi-point locking systems or integrated alarms are available for high-risk locations. Cabinet design features like recessed handles, anti-vibration door seals, and internal bracing make forced access difficult. These security features are trusted by telecoms firms, councils, and utility providers to safeguard valuable infrastructure against theft, vandalism, and environmental damage.

May 22, 2025

Street Cabinets for External Installations Across the UK

Street cabinets play a vital role in the UK's infrastructure, serving as secure enclosures for electrical and telecommunications equipment. Whether used for broadband distribution, CCTV systems, or traffic management, these external enclosures protect sensitive components from weather and vandalism. At FDMS, we offer a robust selection of street cabinets designed to meet the highest standards of durability, security, and functionality.

Reliable and Durable External Enclosures

All FDMS street cabinets are built with high-quality materials, featuring IP-rated weatherproofing, ventilation options, and strong locking systems. Designed for outdoor environments, they offer excellent resistance against corrosion, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. These units are ideal for applications requiring constant power and data flow, with easy access for maintenance and upgrades.

Key features include:

IP-rated weather protection
Secure locking mechanisms
Powder-coated galvanised steel construction
Multiple size options for different capacities
Optional plinths for easy installation and elevation

Explore the FDMS Street Cabinet Range

FDMS offers a variety of street cabinets designed for different access requirements and configurations. Here are the available models:

Each of these cabinets is designed to provide secure and durable housing for various applications, including telecommunications, electrical distribution, and data infrastructure. They are constructed with high-quality materials to withstand harsh environmental conditions and ensure the safety of the enclosed equipment.

Why Choose FDMS for Street Cabinets?

FDMS street cabinets are trusted by contractors and engineers across the UK. Our enclosures are manufactured to rigorous British standards, ensuring long-term performance and security. With competitive prices, rapid UK delivery, and expert technical support, we help you find the right solution for any outdoor installation requirement.

Common Applications for External Street Cabinets

Our cabinets are suitable for a wide variety of industries and installations:

Telecommunications and broadband infrastructure
CCTV and surveillance systems
Traffic management and control systems
Electrical distribution and metering
EV charging points and solar power installations

Ready to Order?

Browse our full selection of external street cabinets and find the perfect solution for your project. Need help choosing? Contact us for advice or a tailored quote.

FAQs

1. What is a street cabinet used for?

A street cabinet is a type of outdoor enclosure used to protect and house electronic, telecommunications, and electrical equipment. Typically installed at ground level in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, these cabinets provide a secure, weatherproof environment for critical infrastructure. They are commonly used in the UK's broadband and telecommunications networks to connect properties to high-speed internet services. These cabinets serve as distribution points where fibre-optic or copper cables from a main exchange are split and routed to individual premises.

Beyond telecoms, street cabinets are used in a wide variety of applications. Local authorities and transport agencies use them for traffic control systems, including traffic lights and monitoring sensors. Utility companies install them to house metering equipment, electrical transformers, or monitoring devices. Street cabinets are also deployed in security systems to house CCTV recording units and power supplies. Their protective construction ensures that the internal equipment remains operational in all weather conditions, while lockable doors provide physical security. The modular design of many cabinets also allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration as infrastructure needs grow.

2. Are FDMS street cabinets weatherproof?

Yes, FDMS street cabinets are specifically engineered to be weatherproof and to withstand the demanding conditions of the British climate. Each cabinet features an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that certifies its resistance to both water and dust ingress. For example, many of our models are rated IP55 or above, making them ideal for use in areas that experience heavy rainfall, snow, or strong winds.

The materials used in the manufacture of FDMS cabinets are chosen for their long-term durability. Most models are constructed from powder-coated galvanised steel, which offers resistance to corrosion, rust, and UV degradation. The powder coating not only provides a smooth, professional finish but also adds an extra layer of protection against environmental elements. In addition, many models are fitted with rain hoods, drainage channels, and sealed door seams to prevent water from entering the enclosure, even in stormy conditions.

Ventilation is also thoughtfully integrated. While the cabinets are sealed against moisture, they include filtered vents that allow for airflow to manage internal temperatures, thereby preventing condensation and overheating. This is particularly important when the enclosed equipment generates heat, such as in broadband installations or electrical switchgear. Altogether, these features ensure that FDMS street cabinets perform reliably year-round, even in coastal regions, industrial zones, or exposed rural areas.

3. Can I use these cabinets for broadband infrastructure?

Absolutely. FDMS street cabinets are widely used by internet service providers, infrastructure contractors, and local authorities for broadband infrastructure across the UK. They are particularly well-suited to fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) or fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks, where fibre-optic lines are distributed from a local hub to individual homes or businesses.

Each FDMS cabinet is designed with internal mounting points, cable trays, and flexible layouts that allow for the easy installation of telecommunications hardware. They offer sufficient space for splicing fibre cables, installing routers or switches, and managing excess cable without the risk of tangling or obstruction. Larger models, such as the 800H and 1200H cabinets, can support extensive broadband rollouts, with ample space for future network expansions.

Security is also crucial in broadband networks, and our cabinets feature locking mechanisms that prevent tampering or theft of valuable telecoms equipment. Weatherproofing ensures that fibre junctions and copper connections remain intact and protected from moisture, which can severely degrade performance. Many of our cabinets are pre-drilled or can be customised with entry points for conduit or cable glands, ensuring a tidy and secure connection to underground ducts or aerial routes.

In short, whether you're rolling out fibre broadband in a new housing development or upgrading existing copper networks, FDMS street cabinets provide the rugged, adaptable, and secure housing your network requires.

4. What sizes do external street cabinets come in?

External street cabinets from FDMS are available in a variety of sizes to meet the diverse needs of infrastructure projects. Cabinet height options include 500mm, 650mm, 800mm, and 1200mm, with each model offering different internal volume and mounting space to accommodate varying equipment configurations. The choice of size often depends on the type and quantity of equipment to be housed, as well as the available installation footprint.

The 500H cabinet, for example, is compact and well-suited for limited-space installations or smaller data nodes. The 650H and 800H models offer mid-range capacity, ideal for broadband split points or electrical distribution applications. The 800H Double Door model provides extra width for greater accessibility and ease of cable management. For high-capacity needs, the 1200H cabinet offers generous internal space for complex or multi-network configurations.

Additionally, FDMS supplies optional external plinths which elevate the cabinet above ground level. This can be essential in areas prone to standing water or flooding. Plinths also help improve ventilation underneath the cabinet and allow for easier cable entry from below. Cabinets can be configured with either single or double doors, depending on access requirements. All models are designed with usability, flexibility, and safety in mind, ensuring that installation and ongoing maintenance are as efficient as possible.

5. How secure are FDMS external enclosures?

Security is a top priority for FDMS, and all of our street cabinets are engineered to offer exceptional protection against unauthorised access and vandalism. Each cabinet is built with robust galvanised steel, which provides a strong physical barrier against impact, tampering, and forced entry. The powder-coated finish not only protects against weathering but also makes it more difficult for intruders to compromise the cabinet structure.

All standard FDMS cabinets come with secure locking mechanisms, typically utilising tamper-resistant locks or padlock-compatible handles. This ensures that only authorised personnel with the correct keys or access tools can open the enclosure. For additional peace of mind, higher security options such as multi-point locking systems, reinforced doors, or alarm integration can be added on request.

Furthermore, cabinet design plays an important role in passive security. Rounded or bevelled edges discourage attempts to pry or lever doors open, while hidden hinges and recessed handles reduce tampering opportunities. The doors are usually fitted with anti-vibration gaskets and internal bracing to resist flexing or warping over time, which can otherwise compromise the integrity of the locking system.

For installations in high-risk or public areas—such as city centres, remote telecom nodes, or transport hubs—these security features are critical. With FDMS, you can be confident that your valuable infrastructure remains protected from interference, theft, and environmental hazards. Our commitment to security and reliability is why FDMS is trusted by major UK infrastructure providers, local councils, and utility contractors.

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