ABS Enclosures

FAQs

What would an ABS wall mount junction box be used for?

An ABS wall mount junction box can be used for housing electrical control equipment, electrical panels, network equipment, security equipment and electrical wiring.

What is an IP rating?

IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standardized system used to indicate the level of protection provided by an enclosure against the ingress of solid objects (such as dust) and liquids.

What is the IP rating of plastic enclosures?

The IP rating of ABS plastic enclosures can vary depending on the specific design and construction of the enclosure. However, most ABS plastic enclosures have an IP rating of at least IP65 or higher.

Are potting boxes the same as electrical boxes?

Potting boxes and electrical boxes are not the same thing, although they both serve as enclosures for electrical components. Potting boxes are specifically designed to protect electronic components and circuits by enclosing them in a potting compound, which provides a layer of insulation and protection. Electrical boxes, on the other hand, are electronic enclosures designed to house electrical wiring and other components.

What are aluminum end panels used for?

Aluminum end panels are used as the end pieces or covers for enclosures, typically for electronic or electrical equipment. They are designed to provide a secure and protective cover for the enclosure, while also allowing access to the equipment inside for maintenance and repair.

Would electronic plastic enclosures house a printed circuit board?

Yes, electronic plastic enclosures are often designed to house a printed circuit board (PCB) and other electronic components. These enclosures typically have features such as mounting bosses, standoffs, and guides that allow for easy installation and secure positioning of the PCB.

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).