Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures
An enclosure made of fiberglass provides benefits that a metal enclosure cannot, like non-conductivity and resistance to UV radiation, which makes fiberglass enclosures suitable for applications outdoors and where high voltage is present. Fiberglass enclosures also resist impact better than many materials, and they stand up to temperature variations, which makes the enclosures versatile enough to be used in many places across numerous applications. Moreover, these enclosures are available in many sizes and configurations, which makes industrial use of them anywhere but remote spaces improbable.
Electrical enclosures made of fiberglass are highly durable, designed to safeguard equipment in the most demanding conditions. They are constructed from reinforced fiberglass materials, which make them highly resistant to corrosion. That makes them ideal for use in industrial, chemical, and outdoor settings.
Allied Moulded Fiberglass Enclosures
nVent Hoffman Fiberglass Enclosures
Stahlin Fiberglass Enclosures
More Information about Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures
Their rock-solid construction also means that they easily meet NEMA ratings (the testing standards for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association). That means they provide protection against dust, water, and all sorts of other environmental factors.
Fiberglass electrical enclosures are often designed with threaded brass inserts. This is for easy and secure mounting of internal components. These enclosures are lightweight and strong, which is a nice combination for making and installing enclosures. Enclosure design CAD techniques are frequently employed to optimize the layout of enclosures. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of electrical equipment and maintains a look that is both functional and pleasing.
FAQs
What features allow fiberglass electrical enclosures to protect electrical equipment from damage?
Fiberglass electrical enclosures protect electrical equipment from damage with features such as corrosion resistance, UV protection, impact resistance, and compliance with NEMA ratings for dust, water, and environmental protection.
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 product 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).