Non Metallic Electrical Enclosures

More Information about Non Metallic Electrical Enclosures

ABS enclosures

ABS enclosures are made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a thermoplastic. ABS is a low-cost option for indoor and moderately corrosive environments where a rating is not required. ABS plastic is impact resistant, chemical resistant to some acids and alkalis and can handle a temperature range from 0 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fiberglass enclosures

Fiberglass enclosures are made of a thermoset polyester reinforced with glass fibers. Fiberglass can be installed in environments that are constantly wet and is a low-cost alternative for corrosive environments. Fiberglass is impact resistant, chemical resistant and can handle a wide temperature range of -31 degrees Fahrenheit to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Polycarbonate enclosures

Polycarbonate enclosures are made of a thermoplastic resin processed by sheet extrusion or injection molding. Polycarbonate is resistant to corrosion and some acidic environments, however, it is sensitive to abrasive cleaners and should not be around organic solvents and alkalis environments. Polycarbonate is impact resistant and has a temperature range of -31 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Polyester enclosures

Polyester enclosures are made of unfilled thermal plastic processed by injection molding. Polyester can provide sufficient protection in outdoor and indoor applications, however, sunlight may cause slight yellowing of the material. Polyester is impact resistant, chemical resistant and water resistant. The temperature range is -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 248 degrees Fahrenheit, however, impact resistance is compromised in cold temperatures.

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).