What protection should equipment have if not rated for outdoor use?

The appropriate protection for equipment that is not rated for outdoor use is weather protection. This is essential because outdoor environments expose equipment to various elements such as rain, snow, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Weather protection ensures that the equipment remains safe and functional in conditions it was not specifically designed to withstand.

When equipment is intended for indoor use, it typically does not include the necessary features to cope with outdoor conditions. Weather protection, therefore, includes measures like enclosures or covers that shield the equipment from moisture, debris, and other environmental factors that could influence performance or cause damage. By implementing adequate weather protection, the risk of failure or dangerous situations due to exposure to the elements is significantly reduced.

While insulation, moisture control, and wind resistance might be relevant considerations, they do not fully encompass the broad spectrum of threats presented by the outdoors, which is specifically what weather protection addresses.