The simple answer is that 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel while 316 contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The molybdenum is added to help resist corrosion to chlorides (like sea water and de-icing salts).

The last thing you need is your outdoor electrical enclosure rusting out on you. Not only is there the danger of exposing all your critical electrical components inside, it could cost you a lot to replace when it shorts out. We’re talking parts damage and replacement, repair costs including labor and downtime. I’ve seen some real horror shows when enclosures rust out. It’s not pretty. The good news is we have a simple cost effective solution. We found that by using 316 stainless steel instead of 304 stainless steel on an outdoor enclosure that will be exposed to the elements (like on an oil rig, for example) not only increases the life span of the enclosure but it is much safer to be around.