Finding for Electrical Enclosures | Alliedmoulded.com

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.