How Do Polyester Electrical Enclosures
Stand Up to Extreme Weather?
When it comes to safeguarding your outdoor electrical systems, it’s important to install enclosures made from durable materials. These protective enclosures need to be capable of withstanding extreme weather and temperatures. So, how well does a polyester enclosure perform under harsh conditions?
In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know about the protective features of polyester electrical enclosures, as well as how they compare to other materials.
What is an electrical enclosure box?
In the majority of cases, your most important electrical or electronic systems will be located outside, for easy access and maintenance. For that, they need high-grade protection against outdoor hazards such as weather, UV light, corrosion, or even impact.
Electrical enclosures are boxes or cabinets made to protect against these hazards. To ensure maximum safety, they are usually made from durable materials ranging from metals like aluminium or stainless steel to plastics like polyester or fibreglass.
How does a plastic electrical box withstand extreme weather?
If you want your electrical box to withstand the various risks of outdoor exposure, choosing polyester as your go-to material can be a great choice. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as:
Increased resistance to corrosion
Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of your enclosure, making it more prone to damage from external sources. Not only that, but it can make way for water or dust particles to infiltrate the inside of the enclosure, which can cause serious damage to electrical installations. This issue is especially prevalent in high-humidity environments like tropical areas or places with lots of fog.
Unlike metal enclosures that can rust or deteriorate in these kinds of environments, a plastic electrical enclosure is inherently resistant to corrosion. You can be sure it will offer maximum protection against rain, snow, saltwater, and any type of moisture and chemicals.
Increased resistance to temperature variations
In addition to being able to resist harsh weather conditions, plastic electrical boxes can maintain their structural integrity even when exposed to temperatures ranging from extreme cold to intense heat. This means that you can reliably install a plastic electric box in areas covering a wide range of climates, from arctic conditions to desert heat.
Increased UV light resistance
Compared to other types of enclosures, polyester electrical boxes are UV stabilised, offering maximum protection against the harmful effects of sunlight. This is particularly important in sunny areas or warmer climates, but should be taken into consideration no matter the location.
Increased chemical resistance
A polyester enclosure will be highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. This makes them particularly suitable for use in chemical plants as well as any other industrial environments.
Increased resistance to impact
On top of resistance to hazardous outdoor effects, polyester is also considered to be one of the most flexible materials. This makes it a safe choice for protecting any electrical equipment in environments where any physical impact or mechanical stress could be a possible concern.
How does a polyester enclosure compare to other materials?
With several options such as wall-mounted enclosures or floor-standing cabinets, plastic electrical enclosures are built to protect all your electronic systems against harsh weather and any hazards associated with it. But how do they compare to other popular material choices?
Polyester vs. Metal
A common alternative to plastic electrical enclosure boxes are those made of metals such as steel or aluminium. Metal might be sometimes preferred over plastic due to its strength, offering increased resistance to any outside impact. Still, there are several reasons why one might prefer polyester over metal:
- Price – polyester enclosures are generally cheaper due to the reduced material cost, while offering just as good protection against harsh weather conditions.
- Electrical insulation – polyester cabinets are completely insulating, compared to metallic enclosures which are conductive. This means that metal boxes will require grounding during installation, while plastic boxes can be easily installed in no time. Having a fully insulated enclosure also reduces the risk of electric shocks.
- Weight – plastic is lightweight, making for an easier installation especially in places with limited access.
- Corrosion resistance – polyester enclosures will have a much longer lifespan compared to metal boxes due to their high corrosion resistance. This is especially helpful in high-humidity environments such as tropical climates. To ensure greater protection against oxidation and corrosion, metal boxes will require additional coating which can add to the cost.
- Easy customisation – polyester enclosures are much easier to customise compared to their metal counterparts. Usually, it is not recommended to drill or cut into a metal cabinet even with specialised tools, as it can compromise its corrosion protection. On the other hand, polyester enclosures can be easily modified with standard tools without damaging their properties. This makes it easy to install additional components such as cable entry points or ventilation systems.
Polyester vs. Other Plastics
When we’re talking about weatherproof electrical enclosures made of plastic, there are a few options to consider. Standard polyester is a popular choice due to being moderately priced and lightweight, as well as highly resistant to humidity, high temperature variations, corrosion, and chemicals. Some other options to consider are:
- Fibreglass – a type of polyester reinforced with glass fibres, this option provides a great alternative to metal due to its increased rigidity and resistance to impact. It is non-corrosive and holds up to harsh weather conditions, sun exposure, and chemical exposure just like standard polyester.
- Polycarbonate – another great choice if you value increased impact resistance. Polycarbonate also holds well in a wide range of temperatures, suitable for areas from the arctic all the way to the tropics.
Buy your polyester enclosure today!
If your outdoor electronics need enhanced protection against harsh weather conditions, polyester boxes are your best choice. Shop our full range of outdoor weatherproof cabinets for electronics here or contact us today for advice on what suits your needs best.
