Industrial Coatings for Electrical Boxes & Generators | New Guard Coatings
Electrical boxes, generator housings and associated industrial equipment are often exposed to demanding environments where protection against corrosion, moisture, weathering and general wear is essential.
From outdoor electrical enclosures to generator housings and fabricated steel equipment, a suitable industrial coating system can help protect compatible metal surfaces while providing a durable, professional finish.
New Guard Coatings supplies industrial coating solutions for electrical equipment, generators and other fabricated metal applications across the UK.
Protective Coatings for Electrical Boxes & Generators
Electrical boxes and generators can be used across a wide range of industrial, commercial, construction and infrastructure environments.
Potential coating applications include:
- Electrical boxes
- Electrical enclosures
- Generator housings
- Generator frames
- Control cabinets
- Steel equipment cabinets
- Fabricated electrical equipment
- Metal housings
- Outdoor equipment
- Associated steelwork
The correct coating system will depend on the substrate, environment, existing finish and required performance.
Why Electrical Equipment Requires Protective Coatings
Outdoor electrical boxes and generators can be exposed to rain, moisture, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations and atmospheric pollution.
Over time, these conditions can contribute to corrosion and deterioration of exposed metal.
A suitable anti-corrosion coating can help provide a barrier between the substrate and the surrounding environment.
Protective coatings can help:
- Reduce corrosion
- Protect exposed metal
- Improve weather resistance
- Maintain appearance
- Provide a durable finish
- Support maintenance programmes
- Extend coating service intervals
The appropriate coating should always be selected according to the equipment and its operating environment.
Coatings for Generator Housings
Generators can be installed in demanding industrial and outdoor environments.
Their housings and fabricated steel components may experience:
- Rain
- Moisture
- UV exposure
- Dirt
- Oil and grease
- General industrial contamination
- Mechanical wear
- Temperature changes
A suitable protective coating system can help protect compatible external metal surfaces from environmental deterioration.
The coating should be selected with consideration for the operating environment and any potential exposure to fuels, oils, chemicals or elevated temperatures.
Industrial Coatings for Electrical Boxes
Electrical boxes and enclosures can require protection against corrosion and weathering, particularly when installed outdoors.
Applications may include electrical boxes used within:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Construction sites
- Infrastructure
- Energy projects
- Telecommunications
- Industrial facilities
- Agricultural environments
- Outdoor installations
The substrate, existing coating and environmental exposure should be assessed before specifying a coating.
Where electrical components are enclosed, coating work should also be carried out in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's requirements.
Corrosion Protection for Electrical Enclosures
Steel electrical enclosures can be vulnerable to corrosion where moisture reaches the substrate.
The level of protection required depends on factors such as:
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Coastal exposure
- Humidity
- Industrial atmosphere
- Chemical exposure
- Existing corrosion
- Required durability
For demanding environments, an appropriate industrial primer combined with a compatible topcoat can form part of a complete corrosion protection system.
Surface Preparation for Electrical Boxes & Generators
Surface preparation is essential before applying an industrial coating.
Before coating, inspect the substrate for:
- Rust
- Corrosion
- Existing coatings
- Loose or flaking paint
- Oil
- Grease
- Dirt
- Dust
- Salt contamination
- Moisture
Depending on the substrate and coating system, preparation may involve:
- Cleaning
- Degreasing
- Mechanical preparation
- Power-tool cleaning
- Abrasive blasting
Existing coatings should be assessed for adhesion and compatibility before applying a new system.
Our surface preparation guide provides further information on preparing metal surfaces before industrial coating.
Primers for Electrical Boxes & Generators
A suitable anti-corrosion primer can provide the foundation for a protective coating system.
Primer selection should consider:
- Substrate
- Surface preparation
- Existing coating
- Environmental exposure
- Corrosivity
- Intended topcoat
- Required durability
Where a multi-coat system is specified, primer and topcoat compatibility is essential.
The primer should form part of the overall coating specification rather than being selected independently.
Weather Resistant Generator Coatings
Generators installed outdoors can be exposed to continual weathering.
A suitable coating system may need to provide resistance to:
- Rain
- Moisture
- UV radiation
- Temperature changes
- Atmospheric pollution
- General weathering
- Mechanical wear
For generators installed in coastal areas, salt spray and increased humidity may also need to be considered.
The manufacturer's technical data should be checked to establish whether the proposed coating is suitable for the intended environment.
Coatings for Industrial Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment can be used across many of the industries where New Guard Coatings already supplies high-performance coating solutions.
Potential applications include equipment used within:
- Oil & gas
- Offshore power
- Wind energy
- Manufacturing
- Telecommunications
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
- Construction
Each environment can present different coating requirements.
For example, outdoor electrical equipment within a coastal environment may require a different corrosion protection strategy from equipment operating inside a dry manufacturing facility.
Chemical & Oil Resistance
Generators and industrial electrical equipment may be exposed to oils, lubricants, fuels, cleaning products or other substances.
Where chemical exposure is expected, the coating system should be selected according to the specific substance and conditions.
Consider:
- Type of chemical
- Concentration
- Exposure frequency
- Contact duration
- Temperature
- Cleaning regime
Chemical resistance varies between coating products, so always check the relevant technical documentation before specifying a system.
High-Performance Topcoats
The topcoat provides the final protective and decorative layer within many coating systems.
Depending on the application, a topcoat may need to provide resistance to:
- Weathering
- UV exposure
- Moisture
- Corrosion
- Abrasion
- Chemical exposure
- General industrial wear
The finish can also be important where electrical boxes or generator housings are highly visible.
Colour and gloss level can be selected according to the requirements of the project and available coating system.
Coating Galvanised Electrical Boxes
Some electrical enclosures and associated equipment may use galvanised steel for additional corrosion protection.
Painting galvanised surfaces requires appropriate preparation and a coating system suitable for the substrate.
Before coating galvanised equipment, consider:
- Surface condition
- Existing treatment
- Contamination
- Adhesion requirements
- Suitable primer
- Compatible topcoat
Not all industrial coatings are suitable for direct application to galvanised steel.
The manufacturer's technical documentation should confirm suitability before application.
Recoating Existing Generators & Electrical Equipment
Refurbishment can be an effective way of improving the appearance and protection of existing equipment where the substrate remains suitable.
Before recoating, inspect the existing finish for:
- Rust
- Peeling
- Flaking
- Blistering
- Cracking
- Poor adhesion
- Exposed metal
- Mechanical damage
- Contamination
If the existing coating is sound and compatible, suitable preparation may allow a new system to be applied.
Where the existing coating is failing extensively, additional preparation or removal may be required.
ISO 12944 & Electrical Equipment
ISO 12944 provides a framework for selecting protective paint systems for steel structures based on environmental corrosivity and required durability.
This can be relevant to suitable steel electrical equipment and generator structures where corrosion protection is part of the project specification.
Environmental conditions should be assessed carefully.
Consider whether the equipment is installed in:
- An indoor environment
- An outdoor environment
- An industrial atmosphere
- A coastal location
- A marine environment
- A high-humidity environment
Where a project specifies an ISO 12944 coating system, the proposed products should be checked against the relevant technical documentation.
Coating Systems for Electrical Boxes & Generators
A typical protective coating system may consist of:
Surface Preparation → Primer → Intermediate Coat → Topcoat
The exact system will depend on:
- Substrate
- Existing coating
- Environmental exposure
- Corrosivity
- Required durability
- Preparation standard
- Project specification
All layers should be compatible and applied according to the manufacturer's technical recommendations.
Application of Electrical Equipment Coatings
The selected coating should be applied according to the product's technical requirements.
Before application, check:
- Surface preparation
- Mixing instructions
- Application method
- Film thickness
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Surface temperature
- Recoat interval
- Drying time
- Curing requirements
Depending on the product and equipment, application may be possible using brush, roller or spray.
Electrical components should be appropriately protected from coating materials, and any coating work should comply with relevant equipment and site requirements.
Maintenance of Coated Generators & Electrical Boxes
Regular inspection can help identify coating deterioration before significant corrosion develops.
Inspect for:
- Rust
- Peeling
- Flaking
- Blistering
- Cracking
- Mechanical damage
- Exposed metal
- Fading
- Chemical deterioration
Particular attention should be given to edges, joints, fixings, bases and areas where water or contaminants may accumulate.
Where coating deterioration is identified, the underlying cause should be established before specifying repairs.
Common Coating Problems
Rust appearing through the coating
This can indicate corrosion beneath the coating, contamination or inadequate surface preparation.
Peeling or flaking
Poor adhesion can result from contamination, inadequate preparation or coating incompatibility.
Blistering
Moisture and unsuitable application conditions can contribute to blistering.
Chemical damage
Exposure to oils, fuels, cleaning chemicals or other substances can affect unsuitable coating systems.
Mechanical damage
Impact and maintenance activities can damage the coating and expose the underlying substrate.
Choosing the Right Coating
Before specifying an industrial coating for an electrical box or generator, consider:
What is the substrate?
Determine whether the equipment is mild steel, galvanised steel, another metal or an existing coated surface.
Where is it installed?
Indoor, outdoor, industrial, coastal and marine environments can have very different coating requirements.
What contaminants will it encounter?
Consider oils, fuels, chemicals, dirt, salt and cleaning products.
What preparation is possible?
The existing condition of the substrate will determine the appropriate preparation method.
What level of corrosion protection is required?
The environmental exposure and intended durability should influence system selection.
What finish is required?
Consider colour, gloss and appearance alongside performance.
How will it be applied?
Brush, roller and spray application may be suitable depending on the product and equipment.
Industrial Coatings for Generators & Electrical Equipment
Electrical boxes and generators are found across many of the high-performance markets served by New Guard Coatings.
From oil & gas and offshore power to wind energy, telecommunications and industrial infrastructure, suitable protective coating systems can help maintain exposed metal equipment in demanding environments.
Selecting the correct industrial coating, preparing the substrate correctly and using a compatible primer and topcoat are key considerations when protecting electrical equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coating for a generator housing?
The appropriate coating depends on the housing material, environmental exposure, existing coating, required durability and any chemical or temperature exposure.
Can you paint electrical boxes?
Suitable external surfaces of electrical boxes can potentially be coated, provided the coating system is compatible with the substrate and the equipment manufacturer's requirements.
What coating protects steel electrical enclosures from rust?
A suitable anti-corrosion coating system can help protect steel from moisture and environmental exposure. Surface preparation and correct primer selection are important.
Can galvanised electrical boxes be painted?
Yes, suitable coating systems can be applied to compatible galvanised surfaces, provided the surface is correctly prepared and the products are specified for galvanised steel.
Do generator housings need a primer?
A primer may form part of a protective coating system, particularly where corrosion protection is required. The correct primer depends on the substrate and coating specification.
Can existing generator paint be recoated?
Potentially, provided the existing coating is sound, suitably prepared and compatible with the proposed system.
Can industrial coatings resist oil and fuel?
Some coating systems are designed to provide resistance to specific chemicals, oils or fuels. Suitability should always be confirmed against the manufacturer's technical data.
Are these coatings suitable for outdoor electrical equipment?
Suitable industrial coatings can be used for compatible outdoor applications where the coating is designed for the expected environmental conditions.
How long does a generator coating last?
There is no universal service life. Longevity depends on the coating system, substrate, preparation, application, environmental exposure and maintenance.
Protecting Electrical Boxes & Generators
Electrical boxes, generator housings and associated steel equipment can face demanding environmental and industrial conditions.
A correctly specified protective coating system can help protect suitable surfaces against corrosion, weathering, chemical exposure and general wear.
New Guard Coatings supplies industrial coating solutions for electrical boxes, generators and associated equipment across the UK, supporting demanding applications across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and telecommunications.