Non-Metallic Enclosure Types

[0m:4s] Hi I'm Josh Bloom, welcome to another video in the RSP Supply education series. Today we're going to be talking to you about nonmetallic enclosures, the different types of enclosures, the advantages and disadvantages of each. First, let's talk about the common characteristics shared by most all nonmetallic enclosures. First and foremost, they are less expensive than a common metallic enclosure which can be a huge advantage. Secondly, they offer a 4X Nema rating which provides excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals, slso dust and water resistance which makes them an excellent choice for outdoor use. They are very lightweight, easy to modify, they offer excellent insulation from solar heat absorption. They, however, do not dissipate the heat very well from any heat that might be created with inside the enclosure itself. They are non conductive so they cannot be used for grounding. They are very durable and long lasting enclosures. The first type of nonmetallic enclosure we want to talk to you about today is fiberglass. Fiberglass is the most common and probably most popular type of nonmetallic enclosure on the market today. Most fiberglass enclosures are made from polyester impregnated with glass fibers. They have excellent UV resistance, however, if exposed to the sun, they can dull and discolor over time, allowing the glass fibers to raise to the surface. This type of degradation is referred to as fiber bloom. Protective coatings can be applied to these enclosures to help reduce that degradation. Fiberglass enclosures are very rigid which allows them to be fabricated to much larger sizes than most other nonmetallic enclosures. They do have a very high impact strength. They offer excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals. They are easier to modify than metallic enclosures, however the glass fibers can dull blades and drill bits. They do also offer a superior operating temperature range anywhere from negative 31 degrees Fahrenheit all the way up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The next type of nom metallic enclosure we want to talk about is polyester. Polyester is newer to the market and therefore it is not as common. It does, however, offer excellent UV protection, it's not subject to the same fiber Bloom problems such as fiberglass, and it can slightly dull or discolor, but again,
not nearly as much as fiber glass. Polyester enclosures are not as rigid as fiberglass or metallic enclosures, so are typically not made larger than 36 inches.