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Description Water and wastewater systems consist of multiple components spread over a wide area, and typically include a centralized treatment plant, as well as distribution or collection system components that are typically distributed at multiple locations throughout the community. Utilities protect these components in many ways. Some of these components can be located below-ground in locked vaults, while others can be located inside locked buildings. Security for these types of assets is discussed in the Hatch Security and the Locks Product Guides, respectively. However, in recent years, distribution and collection system designers have favored placing critical equipment - especially assets that require regular use and maintenance - aboveground. One of the primary reasons for doing so is that locating this equipment aboveground eliminates the safety risks associated with confined space entry, which is often required for the maintenance of equipment located below-ground. In addition, space restrictions often limit the amount of equipment that can be located inside, and there are concerns that some types of equipment (such as backflow prevention devices) can, under certain circumstances, discharge water that could flood pits, vaults, or equipment rooms. Therefore, many pieces of critical equipment are located outdoors and aboveground.
Securing equipment that is located outdoors and aboveground can be difficult. Erecting a fence or wall around the exposed components may provide some security, but this may be impractical for some components. For example, installing a fence or wall around a centralized treatment facility may be more practical than fencing every backflow preventer located within the community (particularly if these are located adjacent to private property). This Product Guide focuses on other types of security devices that can be used to secure aboveground, outdoor equipment.
Many different system components can be installed outdoors and aboveground. Examples of these types of components could include:
- Backflow prevention devices;
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Air release and control valves;
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Pressure vacuum breakers;
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Pumps and motors;
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Chemical storage and feed equipment;
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Meters;
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Sampling equipment; and
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Instrumentation.
Much of this equipment is installed in remote locations and/or in areas where the public can access it. For example, the accompanying graphic shows a backflow preventer located in the open near a private residence.
Backflow Preventer Located
Adjacent to Private Property |
As described above, one of the most effective security measures for protecting aboveground equipment is to place it inside a building. When/where this is not possible, enclosing the equipment or parts of the equipment using some sort of commercial or homemade add-on structure may help to prevent tampering with the equipment. These types of add-on structures or enclosures, which are designed to protect the equipment both from the elements and from unauthorized access or tampering, typically consist of a box-like structure that is placed over the entire component, or over critical parts of the component (i.e., valves, etc.), and is then secured to delay or prevent intruders from tampering with the equipment. The enclosures are typically locked or otherwise anchored to a solid foundation, which makes it difficult to for unauthorized personnel to remove the enclosure and access the equipment.
Standard aboveground enclosures are available in a wide variety of materials, sizes, and configurations. Many options and security features are also available for each type of enclosure, and this allows system operators the flexibility to customize an enclosure for a specific application and/or price range. In addition, most manufacturers can custom-design enclosures if standard, off-the-shelf enclosures do not meet a user's needs.
Many of these enclosures are designed to meet certain standards. For example, the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) has developed Standard #1060, Performance Requirements for Outdoor Enclosures for Backflow Prevention Assemblies. If an enclosure will be used to house a backflow preventer, this standard specifies the acceptable construction materials for the enclosure, as well as the performance requirements that the enclosure should meet, including specifications for freeze protection, drainage, air inlets, access for maintenance, and hinge requirements. ASSE #1060 also states that the enclosure should be lockable to enhance security. Enclosure Configuration Equipment enclosures can generally be categorized into one of four main configurations, which include:
- One piece, drop over enclosures;
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Hinged or removable top enclosures;
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Sectional enclosures; and
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Shelters with access doors.
Each of these enclosure types is discussed in more detail below.
Hot Rok? Drop-Over Enclosure
with a Glass PadTM Foundation |
A one piece, drop-over enclosure is typically used for small applications, such as housing a water meter. This enclosure is shaped like a doghouse, and has four sides with an integrated top or roof, and an open bottom (no floor). These enclosures are typically rectangular in shape, with interior lengths ranging from 20 to 62 inches and interior widths ranging from 22 to 50 inches. This type of enclosure is easy to install because it is simply placed over the desired piece of equipment and secured to some sort of foundation. Options for setting foundations are similar for each enclosure configuration, and are discussed in the following section.
Both standard and decorative enclosures are available. A standard enclosure has flat walls on all sides, whereas a decorative enclosure is designed to resemble some natural feature, such as a rock or a tree stump. Decorative enclosures may help to disguise system components that are located within a landscaped area or in a noticeable location in the community.
Hinged Enclosure |
Hinged or removable top enclosures are similar in size and shape to one piece, drop-over enclosures, are installed in a similar fashion, and are used for the same types of applications. The difference between the two enclosure types is the means of access to the equipment housed inside. As discussed above, a one piece, drop-over enclosure has an integral top, and in order to reach the equipment enclosed by this device, the entire enclosure needs to be removed. The advantage of the hinged or removable top enclosure is that only the top needs to be taken off, or opened, to access the enclosed equipment.
The hinges on a hinged top enclosure are designed to hold the top in an upright position once it is opened, and the top will not close until the operator places it back down. The hinges are typically located inside of the enclosure to prevent vandalism and unauthorized access. Additional information on hinge-related security is provided in the Hatch Security Product Guide.
The top from a removable top enclosure can be unfastened and set aside to access the system component, and can be replaced when the inspection or work is complete. This type of enclosure is also available with access doors built into the sides.
Sectional Enclosure
on Concrete Foundation |
Sectional enclosures and shelters are typically used for larger applications, such as for housing a pump or a backflow prevention device. These units consist of individual sections, one of which contains an access door. They can range from 53 to 172 inches in length, and from 33 to 87 inches in width. Standard units consist of two, four, or six modular sections that fit together with a "tongue and groove" connection. To assemble an enclosure, each section is pushed together around the piece of equipment to be protected, ensuring a tight connection. The enclosure is then fastened to a concrete or other type of anchored foundation. Sectional enclosures are equipped with a minimum of one sliding door to access the component inside. The enclosure can be easily disassembled, providing an additional means of accessing the equipment inside.
Shelters with access doors are house-like structures that can be erected either by installing them over a piece of equipment that is already in place, or by putting them in place first and then assembling the equipment inside them. Standard shelter units typically range from four to sixteen feet in width, and from six to twenty-four feet in length. These enclosures can have flat or pitched roofs, and eve heights of seven, eight, or twelve feet are commonly available. At a minimum, these shelters are equipped with a standard hinged door for accessing the component inside. Shelters can also be fabricated with rolling "garage" doors, and are available with or without an integral floor. Attributes and Features Foundations All enclosures, including those with integral floors, must be secured to a foundation to prevent them from being moved or removed. Un- or poorly-anchored enclosures may be blown off the equipment being protected, or may be defeated by intruders. In either case, this may result in the equipment beneath the enclosure becoming exposed and damaged. Therefore, ensuring that the enclosure is securely anchored will increase the security of the protected equipment.
The three basic types of foundations that can be used to anchor the aboveground equipment enclosure are concrete footers, concrete slabs-on-grade, or manufactured fiberglass pads. The most common types of foundations utilized for equipment enclosures are standard or slab-on-grade footers; however, local climate and soil conditions may dictate whether either of these types of foundations can be used. These foundations can be either precast or poured in place at the installation site. Once the foundation is installed and properly cured, the equipment enclosure is bolted or anchored to the foundation to secure it in place. A concrete foundation is shown in the photograph of the sectional enclosure above.
An alternative foundation, specifically for use with smaller Hot Box enclosures, is a manufactured fiberglass pad known as the Glass PadTM. The Glass PadTM has the center cut out so that it can be dropped directly over the piece of equipment being enclosed. Once the pad is set level on the ground, it is backfilled over a two-inch flange located around its base. The enclosure is then placed on top of the foundation, and is locked in place with either a staple- or a slotted-anchor, depending on the enclosure configuration.
Ribbed Wall, Fiberglass
Shelter Construction |
Construction Materials One of the primary attributes of a security enclosure is its strength and resistance to breaking and penetration. Accordingly, the materials from which the enclosure is constructed will be important in determining the strength of the enclosure, and thus its usefulness for security applications. Enclosures are typically manufactured from either fiberglass or aluminum. With the exception of the one piece, drop-over enclosure, which is typically fabricated from fiberglass, each configuration described above can be constructed from either material. In addition, enclosures can be custom-manufactured from polyurethane, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. Galvanized or stainless steel is often offered as an exterior layer, or "skin," for an aluminum enclosure. Although they are typically utilized in underground applications, precast concrete structures can also be used as aboveground equipment enclosures. However, precast structures are much heavier and more difficult to maneuver than are their fiberglass and aluminum counterparts. Concrete is also brittle, and that can be a security concern; however, products can be applied to concrete structures to add strength and minimize security risks (i.e., epoxy coating). Because precast concrete structures can be purchased from many concrete producers, this document does not identify specific vendors for these types of products.
In addition to the construction materials, enclosure walls can be configured or reinforced to give them added strength. Adding insulation is one option that can strengthen the structural characteristics of an enclosure; however, some manufacturers offer additional features to add strength to exterior walls. For example, while most enclosures are fabricated with a flat wall construction, some vendors manufacture fiberglass shelters with ribbed exterior walls. These ribs increase the structural integrity of the wall and allow the fabrication of standard shelters up to twenty feet in length. Another vendor has developed a proprietary process that uses a series of integrated fiberglass beams that are placed throughout a foam inner core to tie together the interior and exterior walls and roof. Yet another vendor constructs aluminum enclosures with horizontal and vertical redwood beams for structural support. Security Features Other security features that can be implemented on aboveground, outdoor equipment enclosures are discussed below.
Security Features:
Padlocked One Piece,
Drop Over Enclosure (top),
Padlock on an Enclosure Handle (bottom) |
- Locks - Every enclosure configuration described above is lockable. One piece, drop- over enclosures can be padlocked at the base (see below), while the remaining configurations have access panels or doors that can be locked with either a padlock or keyed lock. Shelter doors are often equipped with a lockable handle that has a three-point door latch, which is designed to secure a door at the top, bottom and side. Various padlock options are discussed in more detail in the Locks Product Guide. In addition, certain manufacturers offer optional panic hardware (i.e. push open latch with alarm and/or top and bottom bolts) for added security.
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Mounting - In all configurations except the one piece, drop-over enclosure, the mounting brackets for the enclosure can be located on the inside of the enclosure. Placing the brackets on the inside of the enclosure prevents access to the securing mechanism (typically a bolt or locked anchor), and can delay an individual attempting to remove the enclosure in its entirety to access the equipment located inside.
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Tamper-Resistant Doors - One vendor manufactures fiberglass shelters with tamper-resistant doors that are mounted in a recess, making it more difficult for an intruder to pry them open. The door is also equipped with a neoprene seal to provide a weather-tight connection between the door and frame.
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Exterior Lighting - Providing exterior lighting at an enclosure may deter some intruders from attempting to access the enclosure because lighting the area increases the chances that they will be seen during their intrusion attempt. In some cases, lighting can be mounted either directly on the enclosure. If this is not an option, stand-alone equipment (such as landscape or pole-mounted lights) maybe a viable option.
Additional Options There are several other accessories available for aboveground, outdoor equipment enclosures that allow a municipality to tailor an enclosure to a specific need, such as to protect the enclosed equipment from weather. For example, in cold climates, it may be necessary to insulate an enclosure to prevent the enclosed equipment from freezing. Other standard enclosure options include:
- Heat and/or air conditioning;
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Ventilation;
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Paint/coating;
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Interior lighting;
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Windows;
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Drainage components;
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Electricity;
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Communications equipment; and
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Fire protection.
Cost As a result of the numerous configurations, construction materials, foundations, and options described above, aboveground, outdoor equipment enclosures can vary greatly in price. In general, the price for small enclosures (one piece, drop-over enclosure or hinged/removable top enclosure) begins at around $100 and can increase to $1,000, depending on the size and options required. Medium-sized enclosures can range in price from $1,000 to $6,000, while large enclosures generally cost from $6,000 to over $20,000.
In addition to the cost of the basic enclosure, plus any accessories, shipping costs can have a large impact on the final enclosure price. Small units typically weight less than 100 lbs; however, a large fiberglass shelter can weigh over one ton. An individual interested in purchasing an enclosure can contact a manufacturer directly for a detailed price list that includes standard sizes, weights, and options for the enclosures they offer. The manufacturer will also be able to provide an estimate of shipping charges for the selected enclosure. Vendors
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide does not constitute an endorsement by the Environmental Protection Agency of any non-Federal entity, its products or its services. In addition, EPA does not endorse the vendors and products listed on this site. EPA is publishing lists of vendors on this site in an effort to further public awareness of vendors identified as possible contacts for further information and possible purchase of the different types of security equipment. The Agency has selected the listed vendors on that basis. The list of vendors is not a complete list, and EPA does not endorse the products or services of these vendors. Hot Box, Inc.
924 Lane Avenue North
Jacksonville, Florida 32254
(800) 736-0238
www.hot-box.com
| Shelter Works
2616 S. 3rd Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63118-1918
(800) 794-8037
www.shelterworks.com
| HydroCowl, Inc. (Safe-T-Cover)
2710 Landers Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37210
(800) 245-6333
www.safe-t-cover.com
| Tracom, Inc.
6575-A Industrial Way
Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
(877) 435-8637
www.tracomfrp.com
| Plasti-Fab, Inc.
P.O. Box 100
Tualatin, Oregon 97062
(503) 692-5460
www.plasti-fab.com
| Warminster Fiberglass
725 County Line Road, P.O. Box 188
Southampton, Pennsylvania 18966-0188
(215) 953-1260
www.warminsterfiberglass.com
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Kontek Industries
P.O. Box 98
New Madrid, MO 63869
(573) 748-5561
www.kontekindustries.com
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