Industrial Panel PC Selection by Environment

In industrial systems, the panel PC operates closest to the process, making environmental exposure the primary driver of reliability long before performance specifications matter. When protection does not match actual conditions such as water, dust, chemicals, temperature extremes, vibration, or regulatory requirements, teams compensate with enclosures or maintenance that add cost and complexity without improving reliability.

Selecting a panel PC based on the operating environment eliminates these issues. By matching enclosure design, sealing, materials, and certifications to real exposure conditions, teams simplify deployment, reduce failure points, and prevent predictable downtime, resulting in a more stable and maintainable system architecture.

Why an Environment-First Approach Works

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Industrial systems reduce downtime and cost when hardware operates within its intended design conditions. Matching the panel PC to its environment ensures protection and performance align with real operating demands, supporting reliable operation, regulatory compliance, and consistent uptime. By starting with environmental exposure rather than specifications, teams prevent premature failures from moisture, dust, chemicals, temperature extremes, and sanitation practices that exceed design limits, lowering maintenance overhead and total cost of ownership.

Key Questions to Define the Operating Environment

• How much water exposure will the system face?
• Is cleaning occasional, frequent, or aggressive?
• Are chemicals or sanitizers used?
• Is dust or airborne debris present?
• Are temperature extremes or hazardous-location certifications required?

By defining these conditions upfront, teams simplify selection and reduce risk. As a result,
they ensure dependable operation across clean rooms, washdown areas, and hazardous environments. From there, this guide leads buyers through identifying their operating environment first, then selecting the panel PC category that balances protection, reliability,
and cost.

Low Exposure: Indoor, Clean Room, and Enclosed Installations

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Not every application requires waterproof or washdown-rated equipment. Instead, many panel PCs operate in controlled, low-exposure environments where reliability, longevity, and system integration take priority over extreme sealing. In these cases, environments are defined by stability, visibility, and continuous operation rather than contamination risk.

Common conditions

• Electrical or control cabinets
• Climate-controlled clean rooms and production floors
• Indoor operator stations with no direct washdown

Recommended Protection Level

For these applications, standard industrial panel systems or front-sealed designs typically provide sufficient protection. In this context, the focus remains on dependable operation, enclosure integrity, and mounting flexibility rather than full enclosure sealing. Additionally, in areas with high ambient light, such as factory floors, near windows, or glare-exposed operator stations, high-brightness, sunlight-readable panel PCs improve visibility and usability.

These systems deliver clear touchscreen performance without over-specifying environmental protection. By matching protection levels to actual exposure conditions, teams avoid unnecessary cost while maintaining long-term reliability and operational efficiency.

Suggested panel PCs include: PC1200s, PC1300s, PC2300s, and OMI6800s

Light Exposure Environments: Occasional Water, Dust, or Chemicals

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In many cases, panel PCs operate in light-exposure environments where water, dust, or chemical contact remains limited and controlled. As a result, these applications prioritize day-to-day durability and usability and do not require full washdown or extreme sealing protection.

Common conditions

• Occasional splashing or light rinsing
• Dust or airborne debris
• Light chemical exposure
• No high-pressure water jets
• Enclosed or semi-protected factory areas

In many cases, these conditions are common in general manufacturing, packaging lines, and material handling systems.

Recommended Protection Level

In these cases, a system with an IP65 or IP66 sealed front panel is typically sufficient. As a result, these designs protect the touchscreen interface while maintaining cost efficiency and serviceability. According to IEC ingress protection standards, IP ratings define how effectively an enclosure resists water and dust exposure.

Suggested panel PCs include: PC1200s, PC1300s, PC2300s, OMI6800s, OMI6900s, and AExs

Moderate Exposure Environments: Partial Water, Dust, and Debris

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Exposure levels vary by application. Some installations require enhanced sealing for daily operation, while others demand full washdown protection to withstand aggressive sanitation or chemical exposure. In many deployments, only the front of the system is exposed, with the remaining enclosure protected by cabinets, equipment, or mounting structures.

Common conditions

• Frequent dust or debris
• Hose-downs without high pressure
• Water exposure from limited directions
• Semi-outdoor installations
• Continuous 24/7 operation

Recommended Protection Level

For these environments, systems with IP65–IP66 rated front panels or partially sealed enclosures, combined with enhanced port sealing and industrial connectors, provide a reliable balance of protection and cost efficiency. In practice, these designs suit mixed environments where the display and interface face routine exposure, while cabinets or mounting structures shield the enclosure from direct washdown.

By aligning front-panel sealing and enclosure protection with actual exposure conditions, teams can therefore maintain reliable operation without over-specifying full washdown designs. As a result, this approach ensures long-term performance, serviceability, and overall value.

Suggested panel PCs include: PC1200s, PC1300s, PC2300s, OMI6800s, OMI6900s, and AExs

Heavy Exposure Environments: Full Washdown
and Sanitization

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In these environments, frequent, aggressive cleaning results in sustained exposure to water, chemicals, and contaminants. Accordingly, systems must withstand high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns from all directions, without being designed for continuous submersion.

Common conditions

• High-pressure, high-temperature washdowns
• Frequent sanitation with chemicals or disinfectants
• Direct water exposure from all directions
• Harsh or corrosive cleaning agents
• Strict hygiene or regulatory requirements

Required Protection Level

For these environments, fully sealed stainless-steel systems with IP66 or IP66/IP69K ratings are required. Accordingly, these designs resist powerful water jets and aggressive cleaning cycles from all directions without allowing ingress into the enclosure. In addition, smooth, cleanable surfaces, waterproof connectors, and sealed construction support reliable operation during routine sanitation, while clearly distinguishing washdown protection from immersion-rated use.

By selecting systems purpose-built for full washdown exposure, teams maintain long-term reliability, sanitation compliance, and maximum uptime. As a result, they achieve this without compromising safety or durability.

Suggested panel PCs include: AExs and PC8100s or visit Waterproof PCs page.

Chemical-Intensive Environments: Stainless Steel Systems

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Chemical-intensive environments involve frequent exposure to disinfectants, corrosive cleaners, and sanitation chemicals. In these applications, waterproofing alone is not sufficient; enclosure materials and system design must also resist corrosion and support strict hygiene and regulatory requirements.

Common conditions

• Daily sanitation with disinfectants
• Exposure to corrosive or acidic cleaning agents
• Chemical exposure during production or cleaning process
• Strict hygiene or regulatory compliance requirements

Recommended System Design

For these environments, stainless steel panel systems with IP66 or IP66/IP69K ratings provide the required level of protection. Stainless steel enclosures resist corrosion, simplify cleaning, and deliver longer service life compared to painted or aluminum alternatives. Fully sealed construction, waterproof connectors, and smooth, cleanable surfaces help prevent ingress while supporting sanitation compliance.

Material selection is also critical. 304 stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance for general washdown and sanitation environments and is commonly used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. 316 stainless steel, which contains added molybdenum, provides enhanced resistance to chlorides, acids, and aggressive chemicals, making it better suited for harsher chemical exposure or marine-adjacent environments.

By selecting stainless steel systems engineered for the appropriate level of chemical exposure, teams ensure reliable operation, long-term durability, and compliance in environments where water, chemicals, and contaminants are part of daily operation.

Suggested 304 and 316 Stainless Steel PCs

Extended Temperature Applications

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Temperature extremes can shorten the lifespan of industrial systems even when water protection is adequate. Applications exposed to sustained heat or cold require systems designed to operate reliably across a wide temperature range.

Common conditions

• Outdoor installations
• Cold storage and freezer facilities
• High-heat industrial processes
• Unconditioned manufacturing spaces

Required Thermal Design

For these environments, select systems rated for extended temperature operation, with sealed enclosures to reduce condensation risk and fanless thermal designs where possible. As a result, industrial-grade components ensure stable performance across temperature ranges from −20°C to 60°C (−4°F to 140°F). Additionally, in high-light or outdoor installations, high-brightness, sunlight-readable displays improve visibility without compromising durability. By aligning thermal capability with actual operating conditions, teams ensure consistent performance and long-term reliability in extreme environments.

Suggested Extended Temperature PCs

Hazardous Locations: Class I Division 2

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Some industrial environments require compliance beyond standard environmental protection. These applications involve the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust and demand systems engineered specifically for safe operation in regulated areas.

Common conditions

• Oil and gas facilities
• Chemical processing plants
• Grain handling operations

Required Certifications

For these environments, systems must meet Class I Division 2 requirements with fully sealed, non-sparking designs that reduce ignition risk. Accordingly, these solutions are engineered for safe operation in locations where explosive gases or vapors may be present. Class I Division 2 systems are also available with optically bonded, high-brightness touchscreens to maintain visibility in demanding lighting conditions. Selecting equipment certified for hazardous locations ensures compliance, reduces risk, and supports reliable operation in highly regulated industrial environments.

Suggested panel PCs include: AExs and IPC/BPCs

Final Takeaway: Match the System to the Environment

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An environment-first approach shifts selection away from surface-level features and toward the real job of surviving the surroundings while delivering dependable uptime. As a result, aligning enclosure design, sealing, materials, and certifications with actual exposure conditions reduces risk, avoids costly misconfigurations, and protects operational continuity. Ultimately, when a system is chosen for the environment it must endure, it delivers measurable value through consistent performance, regulatory confidence, and predictable total cost of ownership.

To simplify selection further, the tabs below identify the appropriate panel PCs recommendation based on operating environment.

Explore Maple Systems’ complete industrial panel PC options to find the right solution for your environment.