The best way to design and assemble backflow and pump enclosures is to use marine-grade aluminum, polyisocyanurate insulation and a modular-panel design. An enclosure that is built in this manner will provide the best protection for your equipment. It will also be able to withstand the elements, but at the same time, provide easy access for testing.
It’s important to understand that not all backflow enclosures are the same. Some are assembled before they’re shipped, others use spray-on insulation that leaves air gaps and collects dirt, while others are not ASSE 1060-certified.
Let’s take a look at the design and assembly process for Safe-T-Cover aluminum enclosures to see how it compares.
The first step in putting together a high-quality aluminum enclosure is constructing the side panels. Each one is fitted with 1½ inch of polyiso insulation.
The design of Safe-T-Cover roof panels is very similar to that of the side panels. The design process is essentially the same. The biggest difference is the roof panel may get a larger 2x6 redwood beam for added strength and rigidity and 3 inches of insulation is used on the larger model enclosures.
Safe-T-Cover enclosures are made using a modular panel design. This allows us to ship our enclosures flat to the customer or project site for assembly and to help keep shipping costs down. Each shipment comes with a step-by-step instruction guide, diagram, and installation hardware.
The installation hardware includes anchoring brackets, roof clips, anchors and screws. You’ll also receive a masonry bit and magnetic chuck. The only tools you’ll need are a drill, hammer, and a ¾-inch wrench.
And with a little help, you can have your enclosure together in less than an hour.
A good practice before you begin assembling the enclosure is to mark the concrete base for the outside of the enclosure (3 inches wider than ID and 3 inches longer than ID). Now locate the individual panels that will make up the enclosure.
The “A” panels will have a channel along each end where the “B” panels will fit into them. You’ll secure them with the provided hex-headed screws. Continue this method for the remaining A and B panels.
Next, you will want to place the “D” panels (roof panels) in place. They’ll have channels along their edges where the A and B panels will fit into them.
Once this is done, secure the inside and outside anchoring brackets to the concrete slab (lower left image). Using the hex-headed screws, you’ll attach them to the B panel studs and the concrete anchors to secure it to the concrete slab.
If your enclosure is one of our dual models that requires a two-piece roof, fasten the Inner Roof Connection Brackets into place using hex headed screws covering the exposed 2x6 redwood studs.
Now you’ll simply attach cover plates over the exposed seams on the exterior of the enclosure roof.
If you'd like to see how one of our enclosures come together, here's a video you can watch.
You can also check out our free guide: “How to Buy a Custom Enclosure.” This new checklist is designed to walk you through all the necessary steps for designing and buying a custom enclosure.