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 corrosion-resistant 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.