Polycarbonate Enclosures

FAQs

How does an enclosure become UL listed?

To become UL listed, an enclosure must go through a series of tests and evaluations to ensure it meets UL's safety standards. Once an enclosure is UL listed, it can be marketed as a safe and reliable product that meets industry safety standards.

What are Integra enclosures?

Integra Enclosures is a manufacturer of polycarbonate and fiberglass enclosures for a wide range of applications.

Which has better corrosion resistant features, Stainless steel enclosures or Polycarbonate enclosures?

In terms of corrosion resistance, stainless steel enclosures generally offer better protection than polycarbonate enclosures. However, this comes at a higher cost, and stainless steel enclosures can be heavier and more difficult to transport and install.

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 is impact resistant, rigid (dimensional stability), has 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 corrosion resistance, but a narrower temperature range than fiberglass (-40˚F to 248˚F).