304 stainless
The everyday choice for indoor washdown, food and beverage, general processing and most outdoor installs. #4 brushed finish.
- Indoor and sheltered outdoor
- Routine washdown with mild cleaners
- Food, beverage and packaging lines
304 vs 316L stainless
Both are austenitic stainless steels with a #4 brushed finish. The difference is how well they stand up to chlorides.
316L stainless
Molybdenum-bearing stainless with better resistance to chlorides. Choose it where salt, brine or chlorinated cleaners are present.
- Coastal and marine air
- Chlorinated or caustic washdown chemicals
- Wastewater, brine, pharma and chemical areas
| Property | 304 | 316L |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy | 18% chromium, 8% nickel | 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel, 2–3% molybdenum, low carbon |
| Chloride resistance | Good | Better: molybdenum resists pitting from chlorides |
| Typical locations | Indoor washdown, food and beverage, packaging, most outdoor installs | Coastal and marine air, brine, wastewater, pharma and chemical areas |
| Cleaning chemicals | Mild and routine cleaners | Chlorinated and more aggressive cleaners |
| Finish | #4 brushed | #4 brushed |
Rule of thumb
If the enclosure will see salt air, brine, chlorinated water or chlorine-based sanitizers, choose 316L. Otherwise 304 is the economical, proven choice.
Ratings
Our wall-mount enclosures are rated NEMA 4X / IP66 by the manufacturer in both grades; HMI enclosures are IP65-type at the front seal with the display installed. They are not UL listed.
Keep it looking new
Rinse off chemical residue, clean along the brushed grain with a soft cloth, and avoid carbon-steel brushes or wool that can leave iron particles behind.