Polystyrene Enclosures

Polystyrene enclosures are a type of plastic enclosure used for housing and protecting electrical and electronic components. Polystyrene is a thermoplastic material that is lightweight, durable, and has good insulation properties. It is also cost-effective compared to other materials like metal and fiberglass.
Polystyrene enclosures are available in various sizes and configurations to suit different applications. They are commonly used in low-voltage electrical applications where high impact resistance is not required. They can also be used in indoor and outdoor environments, depending on the specific model and IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
Polystyrene enclosures offer several benefits, including their lightweight design, ease of customization, and good resistance to chemicals and UV radiation. They are also non-conductive, which can be an important consideration in certain applications where electrical insulation is required.
Polystyrene enclosures are typically designed with snap-on or screw-on covers, making them easy to install and maintain. Some models may also feature hinges for easy access to the components inside. They are available in various colors, including white and gray.
One potential disadvantage of polystyrene enclosures is that they may not be suitable for high-impact applications, as they are not as durable as other materials like metal and fiberglass. Additionally, they may not offer the same level of protection against water and dust ingress as enclosures with higher IP ratings.
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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).