Outdoor Defibrillator Cabinets: Do you really need one?

When it comes to saving lives, accessibility is everything. A defibrillator (AED) can make the difference between life and death in sudden cardiac arrest – but only if it’s easy to find and ready to use.

That’s where an outdoor defibrillator cabinet comes in. Designed to protect and store AEDs in public spaces, these cabinets ensure your life-saving device is visible, secure, and operational in all weather conditions.

But do you really need one? Let’s look at when and why an outdoor AED cabinet is essential, and when an indoor setup might be enough.

UK Weather

The British weather can be unpredictable; with rain, frost and the occasional heatwave, storing an AED outdoors requires an outdoor defibrillator cabinet to protect your device from the elements.

The working temperature of a modern defibrillator is between 0 and 50℃, meaning outdoor cabinets are fitted with a heating element to ensure the device does not go below this temperature which could affect its ability to deliver a shock.

As well as the heating element, most outdoor defibrillator cabinets have an IP rating of IP65 or higher, protecting the contents of the cabinet against water and dust.

Keeping the AED secure and accessible

Outdoor cabinets also provide a balance between security and public access.

Most public access defibrillators (PADs) are stored in locked cabinets with keypads, where the access code is given by 999 operators during a cardiac arrest call. This prevents theft or vandalism while keeping the AED available to anyone in need.

You could also opt for an unlocked cabinet to eliminate the need for an access code, if placing your AED outdoors in the community – consider registering your defibrillator on the Circuit, the national database for defibrillators.

When you might not need an Outdoor Defibrillator Cabinet

Not every defibrillator needs to be kept outside. If your AED is going to be placed in a controlled environment, such as inside a school, office building or gym, an indoor cabinet may suffice.

Indoor cabinets are often lighter and more affordable than outdoor defibrillator cabinets as well as being easier to install. They can also still include alarms and other visibility features.

As indoor cabinets do not offer the same protection against the elements as an outdoor cabinet, they are not recommended to be placed outside. If your building is closed outside of working hours, it is recommended you place the defibrillator outside in an outdoor cabinet so it can be accessed 24/7.

Defibwarehouse Indoor Defibrillator AED Cabinet with G5 AED

Choosing the Right Outdoor Defibrillator Cabinet

When selecting an outdoor defibrillator cabinet, here are some key features you may want to consider:

IP rating – look for a high IP rating to protect your defibrillator against adverse weather. All outdoor cabinets on Defib Warehouse have a high IP rating.
Clear signage, lighting and colouring – It is vital that your cabinet is easily visible and identifiable as s defibrillator cabinet in an emergency. Cabinets are often bright yellow or green to stand out against their surroundings.
Thermostatically controlled heater – essential for cold UK winters.
Strong, corrosion-resistant materials – like marine-grade stainless steel.
Compatibility – ensure the cabinet fits your AED model securely.

Defib Warehouse offers a range of outdoor defibrillator cabinets suitable for all major AED brands, including Cardiac Science, ZOLL, Philips, and Physio Control.