Non Metallic Electrical Enclosures
Non-metallic electrical enclosures are constructed to provide robust protection for delicate electric equipment in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Because they are made from materials like polycarbonate and fiberglass, these enclosures excel at withstanding the sorts of direct insults that electrical installations can expect to experience in the field, like water and weather, toxic or corrosive chemicals, and exposure to UV light. They are easy to handle during installation and service, yet they are strong enough to assure that the installations will operate and remain intact for the long haul.
Enclosures exist in numerous dimensions and configurations, such as junction boxes and panels, with knockouts to facilitate easy cable entry. Fiberglass and polycarbonate enclosures are frequently rated NEMA 4X, which signifies that they are quite effective at keeping water, dust, and dangerous stuff from the outside getting inside. Because they are non-conductive, these enclosures also do a much better job at providing electrical insulation than metallic enclosures, which means that they are safer to use and work around.
ABS Enclosures
Fiberglass Enclosures
Polycarbonate Enclosures
Polyester Enclosures
Polystyrene Enclosures
PVC Enclosures
More Information about Non Metallic Enclosures
Enhancing the versatility of non-metallic electrical enclosures are accessories that permit further customization to meet application requirements. Available options include, but are not limited to, pre-installed mounting panels, gaskets for added water resistance, and locks. Installation and maintenance of these enclosures are straightforward, thanks in no small part to the precision with which they are designed. And installation and maintenance costs are kept low because the enclosures are adaptable to a wide range of applications (and further customizable, when necessary).
FAQs
What manufacturer carries a wide selection of sizes of non metallic enclosures that are IP rated?
Many manufacturers, such as Allied Moulded and Hoffman, offer a wide selection of IP-rated non-metallic enclosures in various sizes designed for reliable protection in demanding environments.
What non metallic enclosure with holes and cut-outs would be the right product to use as a junction box?
A fiberglass or polycarbonate non-metallic enclosure with pre-installed knockouts and cut-outs is the ideal choice for use as a junction box, offering durability and ease of installation in indoor or outdoor environments.
Non-Metallic Enclosure Types
Characteristics of non-metallic enclosures:
NEMA 4x rating for outdoor use providing chemical resistance and protection from dust, debris, water and rain.
High insulation value, which provides insulation from cold and hot temperatures, but does not dissipate heat from inside the enclosure.
Non-conductive, meaning components cannot be grounded to the enclosure, but it still provides the same security and tamper resistance levels as metallic enclosures when properly locked.
Types of non-metallic enclosures:
Fiberglass
A thermoset polyester material reinforced with glass fibers. It is the most widely used non-metallic material in the industry. It has high impact strength and rigidity (dimensional stability), a superior working temperature range (-31˚F to 300˚F), excellent electrical properties, moisture and chemical resistance, as well as being cost effective.
Polycarbonate
High-performance thermoplastic resin processed by injection molding or sheet extrusion. It has superior impact resistance, good rigidity (dimensional stability), an extended temperature range (-31˚F to 180˚F), excellent electrical properties, fire retention, UV stability and corrosion resistance in some acidic surroundings. It is not suitable for environments with strong alkalis and organic solvents.
ABS or ABS blends
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a common thermoplastic polymer processed by injection molding. It has high impact resistance, but less impact resistance in cold weather compared to polycarbonate, excellent electrical properties, superior chemical and moisture resistance, but a narrower temperature range than fiberglass (-40˚F to 248˚F).
Polyester
High-performance unfilled thermal plastic processed by injection molding. It has high impact resistance, but less impact resistance in cold weather than polycarbonate, excellent electrical properties, superior chemical and moisture resistance, but a narrower temperature range than fiberglass (-40˚F to 248˚F).