Electrical enclosures are a very common piece of hardware with a wide range of uses. They are available in many shapes and sizes, acting as a case or cabinet for electrical equipment. This equipment includes things such as switches, knobs, and displays. Electrical enclosures keep these pieces of equipment out of the elements. However, electrical enclosures also protect users. They can be used to house high-voltage electrical elements that could injure someone if they are not careful. The utility of electrical enclosures is undeniable, but there is one war that experts continue to fight: plastic vs fiberglass electrical enclosures.
The term "plastic" is a blanket term that typically covers many different materials, including polycarbonates which often compose electrical enclosures. A great deal of these enclosures are made with fiberglass as well, which is not a polycarbonate. Therefore, many professionals and experts would debate on "polycarbonate vs fiberglass enclosures." As we will read below, each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. Which material to use will depend on what you need it for. Continue reading for the pros and cons of each of these great materials.
Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures
Fiberglass has many attributes that make it great for electrical enclosures. First, it is relatively inexpensive. Fiberglass is available at a fraction of the price of any metals. Second, it is remarkably resilient. When it comes to corrosion and chemical resistance, fiberglass is difficult to beat. Third, it is moderately easy to modify. Fiberglass is a strong, but workable material that is very easy to drill, punch, and cut, as long as you take the proper safety precautions. Last but not least, fiberglass is an electric insulator. This means safer operation and lower likelihood of injury.
The trait that makes fiberglass stand out is its high chemical and corrosion resistances. To better understand this, we will list some of the materials that fiberglass can easily handle. Fiberglass can be used with solvents such as cleaning solvents, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and more. It is also compatible with mild acids such as aluminum chloride, boric acid, sea water, and more. These resistances are why many industrial professionals choose to use fiberglass electrical enclosures instead of ones made of polycarbonate and other materials.
Like all materials, fiberglass also has some downsides. Direct UV exposure for extended periods can lead to "fiberbloom," which essentially warps the material and eventually causes it to lose structural strength. Users must also be extremely careful when cutting fiberglass in any way. When cut, fiberglass generates fine dist that can irritate the skin, get in your eyes, and which is dangerous to inhale. When modifying a fiberglass electrical enclosure, be sure to wear proper safety equipment, including glasses, gloves, and a face mask. Due to the small
Polycarbonate Electrical Enclosures
Polycarbonate, much like fiberglass, also has several great attributes. First and foremost, it is inexpensive. Like most plastics, polycarbonate costs little for the amount of material you get. It is also an excellent electrical insulator. Its electrical insulation property is a primary reason polycarbonate is so often used in electrical enclosures. Polycarbonate also has a very clean look, with none of the lines that characterize fiberglass. This makes it great for commercial, high-visibility applications. Clear polycarbonate also looks very nice.
What makes polycarbonate electrical enclosures stand out the most is their appearance and user-friendliness. They do not have the wide chemical resistances that fiberglass enclosures possess, but they make up for it with their other attributes. As mentioned before, polycarbonate surfaces are smooth, looking clean and professional. They are also extremely easy to modify by cutting and punching holes. This is often required with electrical enclosures to ensure they can do and hold what you need them to. Polycarbonate electrical enclosures are also rated for use in facilities that handle food production.
Polycarbonate has a few negatives as well. First, its limited chemical resistances. It is not rated for use with solvents or alkalis, but it is compatible with mild acids. Polycarbonate is also, like fiberglass, not ideal in outdoor situations. It can become brittle with extended exposure to sunlight, which compromises it pretty seriously.