# D13: Enclosure and connectors #

Research on physical enclosures and connectors for metering equipment. This
is based on the same use cases as D11.

## General ##

General requirements:
- High gain antenna connector to make it possible to plug in an external
  antenna in areas where wireless communication is difficult.
- Programming connector (optional): USB or similar connector to allow the
  device to be re-programmed on site. If present, this connector should be
  hidden behind a flap that is closed with a screw to ensured that it is
  only accessed by people who know what they are doing.
- Mains power: in general, it is better if the devices work on battery and
  do not needs mains power. This could be provided as an option but is not
  essential.

## Office ##

General requirements:
- No special treatment,
- Should be relatively unobtrusive and neutral in design and colour,
- Wall mounting option is useful,
- Higher quality enclosure if device is supposed to be on desk top.

## Hotel and social housing ##

General requirements:
- No external connectors,
- Simple neutral enclosure in sturdy material,
- External aspect of enclosure is important: it does not need to be high-tech
  but should be reasonably appealing to the eye (see Switchee enclosure),
- Size of enclosure is important too: it shouldn't be too bulky,
- Wall mouting essential,
- Protection against accidental object intrusion: e.g. light sensors need to
  be protected while able to receive light,
- Battery compartment needs additional protection against access, e.g. single
  screw in addition to keep lid in place (see standards for young children's
  toys).

Additional requirement for bathrooms:
- Weather sealed (does not need to be completely waterproof but should be able
  to withstand high humidity and light splashing)

## Indstrial ##

General requirements:
- No external connectors,
- Ruggedised enclosure,
- Wall mounting essential.