Aluminum Enclosures Information & FAQs

Eliminate Confined Space Hazards

OSHA classifies underground utility vaults as confined spaces. Between 2011 and 2018, more than 1,000 U.S. workers died from confined space injuries. Above-ground enclosures are safer for technicians and equipment.

Prevent Cross-Connection and Flooding

Vaults flood. When submerged, backflow prevention assemblies cannot expel discharge and create direct cross-connection risk to the potable water supply. Above-ground enclosures keep equipment dry and fully functional.

Manage RPZ Relief Valve Discharge

Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies are designed to discharge water when check valves fail or debris interferes with sealing. Above-ground enclosures with proper drainage handle relief valve discharge safely and in compliance with ASSE 1060 Table 3.

Speed Up Testing and Maintenance

Testing backflow preventers in a vault is slow and requires safety compliance protocols. With curbside above-ground installations, testing becomes a walk-up procedure. Crews can complete significantly more inspections per day.

Extend Equipment Lifespan

Wet, corrosive vault environments accelerate backflow preventer component degradation. Marine-grade aluminum enclosures keep assemblies dry, insulated and protected. Safe-T-Cover enclosures typically last more than 30 years.

Glycol Pump Covers

We've worked with manufacturers on glycol pump enclosures. Glycol helps maintain heating or cooling in a contained environment, and is also included in the development of some plastics. In a large-scale use case, the enclosure often needs to be large enough for several people to navigate. We developed a custom glycol pump solution for a client that met complex specifications and needs, and were able to deliver ahead of schedule.

Quench System Enclosures

Quench systems are critical in materials manufacturing plants, demanding consistent cooling capability and reliability in all conditions. We developed an enclosure for use in a glass plant that required pipe penetrations, window panels for one-glance inspections and a slab-mounted heater for consistent internal temperatures in the winter, as well as an exhaust fan and louvers for ventilation in summer heat. Numerous custom features and the ability to manipulate the enclosure, all delivered in a single package in less than a month from first contact.

Air Conditioning Pump Covers

In many industrial instances, we recommend a custom project as a solution. While that might give some decision makers pause, at Safe-T-Cover the cost to develop a bespoke enclosure is mitigated. In one use case with an air conditioning pump enclosure, the client needed noise dampening and all-season protection. We were able to deliver exactly that, and with the ability to ship the modular panels flat, we did so in a way that was economical and flexible for on-site installation.

vs. Fiberglass

Fiberglass enclosures are lightweight and offer a lower upfront cost for smaller devices, but they deteriorate in UV exposure, become brittle in heat and are easily damaged by tools or debris. Lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. Fiberglass does not meet full ASSE 1060 requirements for assemblies above 4" pipe diameter.

vs. Polyethylene (Plastic)

Plastic enclosures are the lowest-cost option and the lowest-performance option. They warp in high heat, crack with UV exposure and provide inadequate protection in any climate with temperature variation. Not appropriate for critical backflow prevention applications.

vs. Wire Cages

Cages offer no freeze protection, no concealment from theft and no ASSE 1060 compliance. They advertise the presence of high-value metal assemblies to potential thieves. Many jurisdictions are eliminating cage specifications entirely. Due to manufacturing efficiencies, ASSE 1060-compliant aluminum enclosures are now cost-competitive with steel cages when lifecycle cost is considered.

vs. Below-Grade Vaults

Vaults are OSHA-classified confined spaces that require extensive safety protocols for routine maintenance entry. They flood, creating cross-connection risk. They cannot drain RPZ relief valve discharge safely. Several municipalities have prohibited vault installations outright. Above-ground enclosures eliminate every structural disadvantage of vault installations.