Fort Shelters
U.S. Built Enclosures with Precision Integration
NEMA 3R Outdoor Shelters Built for Extreme Conditions
Heavy-Duty Protection for Critical Infrastructure
Our FORT Series telecommunications shelters deliver industrial-grade protection for mission-critical equipment in the harshest outdoor environments. Built entirely in the United States with precision engineering, these outdoor shelters safeguard your fiber networks, 5G infrastructure, telecommunications, data center, and renewable energy equipment from extreme weather, temperature fluctuations, moisture intrusion, and vandalism.
Each equipment shelter features heavy-duty galvanized steel construction with NEMA Type 3R protection, making them ideal for remote deployment sites, rooftop installations, and coastal locations. With 155mph hurricane wind load ratings and superior insulation, FORT shelters protect your investment while maintaining optimal operating conditions for sensitive electronics.
To start your custom enclosure order, call our team of specialists at 417-736-2135.
Common Applications
FORT equipment shelters serve diverse infrastructure needs across multiple sectors:
- Fiber Optics
- Satellite Communication
- Telecommunications
- Networking
- Data Centers
- Wireless Backhaul
- Cable TV
- Navigation & Positioning (marine & land)
- Military Installations
- Port Security
- Renewable Energy
- Power/Equipment Storage
- Minicell, Microcell & Femtocell
- Cellular Service (5G)
Wireless carriers depend on these enclosures for cellular backhaul equipment, minicell and microcell installations, and 5G network buildouts. Telecommunications providers use them for fiber-optic equipment, FTTH distribution points, and cable television infrastructure.
Beyond traditional telecom applications, FORT shelters excel in satellite communications, navigation and positioning systems, military installations, port security operations, and general power or equipment storage. They also support data center and renewable energy infrastructure — housing equipment at edge and modular data center sites, and providing walk-in protection for utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage controls. The modular design accommodates custom equipment mounting configurations, including numbered 19″ or 23″ EIA standard relay racks, battery racks, and ladder racks.
Standard Features of the FORT Series
- NEMA Type 3R Protection – Protects personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment while shielding the equipment from falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, and external ice formation
- Telcordia – Engineered to meet Telcordia specifications for telecommunications infrastructure
- Galvanized Steel Structure – Heavy-duty 14-gauge walls, floor, and ceiling with 12-gauge ceiling joists to provide outstanding impact and corrosion resistance
- 304 Stainless Steel Hardware – Delivers superior rust and corrosion resistance in demanding field conditions
- Powder Coating – Industrial-grade powder coating in Beige, Gray, or White provides maximum corrosion protection, tested to 720 hours of salt spray exposure. Custom colors available.
- Power – Pre-wired with 20-amp electrical receptacles
- Load Center – 100-amp load center with main breaker, two 20-amp breakers, and 12 available slots
- Door Locks – Secures critical equipment against theft and vandalism
- Vinyl Floor – Commercial-grade flooring ensures long-lasting durability and protection
- LED Lighting – Long-lasting, energy-efficient, and reliable
- Lifting Eyes & Forklift Tubes – Simplifies unloading and positioning on concrete pad
- Insulation – R-13 wall and ceiling insulation plus R-19 floor insulation protects against extreme temperatures
- 5-Year Warranty – Covers all American Products components
Engineered for Next-Generation Network Infrastructure
FORT telecommunications shelters are purpose-built to support the expanding demands of modern connectivity. Whether you’re deploying fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, establishing 5G cellular sites, or implementing BEAD-funded broadband projects, these versatile enclosures provide the robust protection your equipment requires.
The galvanized steel structure features 14-gauge walls, floor, and ceiling panels with 12-gauge ceiling joists, delivering exceptional impact resistance and corrosion protection.
Every shelter comes standard with R-13 wall and ceiling insulation as well as R-19 floor insulation, ensuring consistent internal temperatures even in extreme climates. Climate control systems ranging from 1-ton to 5-ton air conditioning units maintain precise environmental conditions for optimal equipment performance.
Built to Telcordia Standards with Premium Materials
Quality construction starts with superior materials. FORT outdoor telecom shelters utilize Type 304 stainless steel hardware throughout, eliminating field corrosion concerns. The powder-coated finish, available in standard Beige, Gray, and White (or custom colors), has been rigorously tested through 720-hour salt spray testing, proving its durability in coastal and marine environments.
Pre-wired electrical systems include a 100-amp load center with main breaker, two 20-amp breakers, and 12 expansion slots. Standard configurations feature multiple 20-amp receptacles, commercial-grade vinyl flooring, and long-lasting LED lighting. Secure locking door knobs, integrated lifting eyes, and forklift tubes facilitate safe transportation and installation.
Installation and Deployment Advantages
American Products designs FORT telecommunications shelters for rapid, cost-effective deployment. Integrated crane-ready lifting eyes and reinforced forklift tubes enable safe offloading and positioning with standard construction equipment. The bolt-together construction complies with the latest IBC codes and regulations while allowing for efficient assembly.
Each shelter arrives pre-wired and ready for equipment installation, dramatically reducing on-site labor requirements. The modular electrical system with surface-mounted conduit facilitates visual inspection and future modifications. Optional features include upgraded load centers, generator plugs with interlock switches, copper ground bars, surge arrestors, and door alarm systems.
Climate Control Options for Optimal Equipment Protection
Maintaining proper environmental conditions is critical for telecommunications equipment reliability. FORT shelters offer comprehensive climate control solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Air conditioning systems range from 1-ton to 5-ton capacity, available in both AC and DC power configurations. Redundant dual AC systems with automatic lead/lag controllers ensure uninterrupted climate control.
Additional environmental management options include high-output ventilation systems (115 VAC or 12/24/48 VDC) with adjustable thermostats and replaceable filters, baseboard heaters with built-in thermostats, heat exchangers in various sizes, and battery heaters for cold-weather installations.
Commitment to Quality
Every FORT telecommunications shelter is backed by a comprehensive 5-year warranty covering American Products components. This warranty reflects our confidence in the engineering, materials, and manufacturing processes that go into each enclosure. From project conception through installation, our engineering team collaborates with you to ensure your specifications and project goals are met without compromise.
Our competitive pricing in the metal building market never sacrifices quality or customer service. Whether your project requires simple electrical configurations or complex custom equipment integration, FORT shelters deliver heavy-duty steel construction that reduces engineering, procurement, and installation costs while keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NEMA Type 3R protection?
What sizes are available for Fort telecommunications shelters?
Fort shelters are available in six standard sizes, ranging from 6' x 6' to 12' x 24', with interior heights of 95 inches. Custom sizes and configurations are available to meet specific project requirements.
Are FORT shelters suitable for BEAD program deployments?
Yes, FORT telecommunications shelters meet the durability, weather resistance, and equipment protection requirements typically needed for BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program infrastructure projects, making them an excellent choice for rural broadband expansion initiatives.
How do FORT shelters handle hurricane-force winds?
Can FORT shelters be customized for specific equipment needs?
What kind of maintenance do these shelters require?
FORT telecommunications shelters require minimal maintenance. Regular inspections of the powder-coated finish, periodic cleaning with mild detergent, verification of door seals and locks, and routine HVAC filter replacement (if climate control is installed) will ensure long-term performance.
Ready to configure your FORT telecommunications shelter? Call our specialists at 417-736-2135 to discuss your project requirements and receive a custom quote tailored to your specific needs.
