Wifi vs different types of metal ?

[GGW]

We know that Wifi and 'metal' don't mix so well. Does anyone know how bad different metals are in blocking signals? Especially aluminum vs steel?

We are looking at including a lot of Phillips Hue GU10 (Zigbee) and LIFX GU10 (WiFi) downlights in some houses. Legally they have to be in approved enclosures. These are generally either aluminum or powder coated steel.

Examples:

Aluminum: http://www.cooperindustries.com/con...ownlighting/incandescent/_3_inch/_269364.html

Steel: http://www.cooperindustries.com/con...ownlighting/incandescent/_3_inch/_269362.html

Would one be better than the other? Aluminum is about 61% electrically conductive which I think says that it will block radio signals more than steel that is 15% conductive. It seems I've read somewhere that steel will block signals more than aluminum though.

 

[sfx2000]

Would one be better than the other? Aluminum is about 61% electrically conductive which I think says that it will block radio signals more than steel that is 15% conductive. It seems I've read somewhere that steel will block signals more than aluminum though.

It's actually the impedance at RF frequencies, this is more important... that and the RF path loss end to end from the client stations to the AP/AP's...

Both materials are going to be fairly effective at impacting the RF path, however...

Most of the IoT items like the Hue and LIFX have low gain antennas (which is a good thing), and as long as you have a way for light to get out you might be ok.

Google can be helpful for additional resources... search terms might include "rf loss through materials"