Use Cases for Non-Metallic Electrical Enclosures
Non-Metallic Electrical Boxes • Metal boxes are used in many applications, but in wet or corrosive environments, they become a liability. Metal boxes are particularly vulnerable when their conductive properties put the contents inside the box at risk.
• Non-metallic electrical enclosures provide solutions to these problems. They can resist corrosion and provide an insulating box that provides better electrical protection in these scenarios. The two most common non-metallic materials for such boxes are fiberglass and polycarbonate.
Fiberglass Enclosures • Fiberglass enclosures solve many of the issues that plague metal electrical boxes. They are used in many industrial applications. Known for providing low-cost, durable solutions • Easy to customize • Electrical insulation • Extremely resistant to corrosion
Corrosion Resistance • Fine in the face of many industrial solvents • Can withstand carbon tetrachloride, toluene and more • Resistant to most acids and bases • Difficult to oxidize • Stands up to metal salts and sulfur gases
Customization • Fiberglass is easy to drill, punch or cut • Allows for custom changes to hole configuration
• A single design can accommodate multiple specific uses
Electrical Insulation • No need for additional grounding on the enclosure • Ideal for wet environments
Common Uses • Fiberglass enclosures are likely to be found in indoor settings where their insulating and corrosionresistant properties are most important. • Highly corrosive environments • Car washes • Chemical treatment facilities • Water treatment facilities • Sewage management • Chemical processing • Manufacturing
Drawbacks of Fiberglas • Fiberglass enclosures are not always the ideal performer. They are often the last choice for outdoor applications because of their primary weaknesses. • Warps in UV light • Requires protective gear when cutting or drilling • Cannot be repaired when damaged • Low tensile strength (relative to metals)
Polycarbonate Enclosures • Polycarbonate enclosures are another viable and popular alternative to metal electrical boxes. Their many positive attributes make them ideal in a large range of applications. • Commonly used in place of metals • Provides a clean look • Corrosion resistant • Inexpensive • Electrical insulator • Easy to customize • Some repair is possible when damaged
The Clean Look • A common reason many facilities opt for polycarbonate over fiberglass. Polycarbonate has a smooth finish and is desirable in highly visible locations. Keeps things looking sharp and clean.
Comparable to Fiberglass • Polycarbonate is comparable to fiberglass in a few ways. It is inexpensive and does not easily succumb to corrosion. It is also an electrical insulator, meaning that no additional grounding is necessary.
Drawbacks of Polycarbonate • Limited chemical resistance • Limited UV resistance
• Low tensile strength (again, compared to metal enclosures)
Where Polycarbonate Outshines Fiberglass • Safer material: polycarbonate does not require the use of specialized safety equipment when punched, cut or otherwise customized. • UV resistance: polycarbonate can embrittle under direct UV exposure, but it is less prone to warping and failure.
Where Fiberglass Beats Polycarbonate • Chemical resistance: Both materials are fine in the face of water and humidity. Fiberglass is much more resistant to chemical solvents, oxidizers, reducers and sulfur compounds. • In many indoor applications, polycarbonate and fiberglass will both be viable.