Selecting the right electrical enclosure is important for protecting your components from environmental hazards, ensuring long-term performance, and optimizing costs. While metal enclosures are commonly used, plastic electrical enclosures offer a versatile, durable, and cost-effective alternative for many applications.
Compared to other enclosure materials, plastic enclosures are often lighter, easier to install and more economical. But when is a plastic electrical enclosure the best choice? And what type of plastic should you choose? Let’s explore the key benefits and ideal use cases for plastic electrical enclosure boxes.
Benefits of Plastic Electrical Enclosures
Plastic electrical enclosures provide a versatile and cost-effective solution for protecting sensitive components in a wide range of environments. However, they offer several other benefits too.
Durability, Corrosion & Chemical Resistance
Unlike metal enclosures, which can rust or corrode over time, plastic electrical enclosures resist moisture, chemicals, and UV light exposure, and offer excellent chemical resistance. High quality plastic materials like polycarbonate even provide a great deal of impact resistance, which is crucial for durability in applications requiring strength and protection from external forces. This makes them ideal for outdoor applications and harsh environments where corrosion is a concern. NEMA 4X plastic enclosures, for example, offer superior protection against water, dust, and extreme weather conditions.
Lightweight & Easy Installation
Compared to metal enclosures, polycarbonate electronic enclosures are significantly lighter, making them easier to transport, mount, and install. This is especially beneficial for large-scale projects or applications where weight is a concern, such as in mobile or elevated installations.
Cost-Effective Solution
Large plastic electrical enclosures offer a more budget-friendly option than metal alternatives. Plastic enclosure boxes are not only less expensive to manufacture but also reduce installation and shipping costs due to their lightweight design.
Electrical Insulation & Safety
Plastic enclosures naturally provide electrical insulation, eliminating the need for additional grounding. Materials like PVC and polycarbonate also offer a high degree of flame resistance, making them crucial for ensuring safety and performance in electronic enclosures. This makes them safer to use in high-voltage environments and around sensitive electronic components.
Versatile Across Multiple Industries & Outdoor Applications
From industrial automation and telecommunications to renewable energy and outdoor security systems, electronic enclosure solutions offer versatile protection for electronic components across multiple industries, including those exposed to UV light in outdoor applications. Their customizable designs allow for easy modifications, such as adding vents, cutouts, or mounting options, to fit specific project needs.
Types of Plastic Enclosures
When selecting a plastic electrical enclosure, it’s essential to understand that not all plastics offer the same level of performance. The most common materials used for plastic electrical enclosure boxes include polycarbonate, ABS, and PVC—each with unique advantages and limitations.
- Polycarbonate – Known for its high tensile strength and impact resistance, polycarbonate enclosures are a great choice for electrical enclosures used in industrial or high-traffic environments. It also provides excellent UV and temperature resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications, such as NEMA 4X plastic enclosures.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – While ABS is cost-effective and easy to modify, it lacks the durability and UV resistance of polycarbonate. It’s best suited for indoor applications where exposure to extreme conditions is minimal.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – PVC offers good chemical and moisture resistance, but it is more prone to degradation when exposed to high heat and direct sunlight. While suitable for certain environments, it doesn’t match the longevity of polycarbonate in demanding outdoor conditions.
Due to its superior performance, polycarbonate electrical enclosures often come at a higher price point than other electronics enclosures plastic options. However, the investment is well worth it for applications requiring long-term durability and protection.
To learn more about different types of plastic enclosures and their benefits, reference our technical article.
When Should You Choose a Plastic Electrical Enclosure?
You should choose a plastic electrical enclosure if you need:
- Protection from moisture, dust, and chemicals – A NEMA 4X polycarbonate enclosure is perfect for outdoor and industrial settings.
- Lightweight and easy installation – Large plastic electrical enclosures are easier to handle and install compared to metal options.
- Cost savings – Plastic enclosures offer a more economical solution without sacrificing durability.
- Electrical insulation – If grounding is a concern, plastic enclosures provide built-in insulation.
- Temperature tolerance – For applications that involve varying temperatures, selecting a plastic material with high temperature tolerance is crucial.
- UV resistance – For outdoor applications, choosing a plastic with good UV resistance ensures longevity and performance.
Explore Integra’s High-Performance Plastic Enclosures
At Integra, we specialize in high-quality, durable plastic electrical enclosures designed to meet industry standards for reliability and protection. Our polycarbonate enclosures are known for their durability and UV resistance, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Explore our product catalog today to discover the best electronics enclosures plastic options for your specific requirements, including our wide range of polycarbonate enclosures in multiple sizes and configurations.
