Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures: Advantages Over Metal Boxes

Selecting materials for any enclosure is the key to controlling an electrical system. If your electrical system is facing problems like rust, corrosion, or overbearing enclosures, then fiberglass electrical enclosures is likely the option that you’ve wanted for a long time.

In this blog, you will find out the many reasons why fiberglass electrical enclosures exceed metal boxes, offering protection while simultaneously making maintenance easier and more affordable. So, continue reading to find out why fiberglass could be your best choice!

1) What Are Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures?

“A fiberglass electrical enclosure is a type of protective box made of fiberglass-supported plastic, which is used to contain various pieces of electrical apparatus.”

Fiberglass electrical enclosures contain switches, circuit breakers, general wiring, control panels, etc. Well, their main function is to protect these components from harmful physical damage, moisture, dust, and chemicals.

To be simpler, Fiberglass is a non-metallic material made from glass fibers and resin. It is strong, lightweight, and most importantly, resistant to corrosion. That is the reason why it is most used in places where metallic enclosures tend to rust or rot. Such enclosures are perfect for use in harsh environments like factories, coastal areas, or chemical plants.

Fiberglass enclosures also come in small and large sizes. Some are mounted on walls like small units used in housing customized control systems. Moreover, most models also come with transparent/sight windows for both inspection and supervision.

Safety Standards

Enclosures made of fiberglass meet set quality and safety standards. The most common standards are discussed below:

i) NEMA Ratings (National Electrical Manufacturers Association): The levels are set for protection against dust, water, and impact by NEMA ratings (National Electrical Manufacturers Association). For instance, a NEMA 4X-rated enclosure can withstand outdoor conditions with water spray and corrosion.

ii) UL Certification (Underwriters Laboratories): This certification ensures that the enclosure has been evaluated for fire, safety, and electrical performance. So, a listed UL enclosure ensures that it meets the set standards within the given industrial application.

2) Typical applications of Fiberglass electrical enclosures

You may be thinking that in which regions are fiberglass electrical enclosures applied, right? Well, let’s explore the typical applications and environments where they are used:

• Industrial Plants

The Manufacturing processes can be harsh in factories and various types of industrial units. You know the environment may be filled with dust, chemicals, and heat, as well as moisture in the air. Here, fiberglass enclosures are extremely suitable.

Moreover, they are non-corrosive, electrically non-conductive, and can bear harsh surroundings. With these features, delicate equipment like control panels, power supply units, and switches can be protected.

• Coastal and Marine Areas

Well, Saltwater and humid air can greatly speed up the rusting process of metal boxes. For this reason, ports, shipyards, and coastal towns build these structures as they do not corrode even after being blasted with salty air for years. So, these structures keep the electrical components in a safe and dry environment, which is crucial to maintain their functionality.

• Chemical Processing Plants

Fumes and spills are a common occurrence in chemical industries. Enclosed structures made from metal are easily influenced to be attacked by acids and other aggressive industrial chemicals.

Great that Fiberglass enclosure is trusted in these hazardous environments because of aggressive chemical resistance. Moreover, they bear damaging chemical spills, gaseous leaks, and harsh fumes.

• Water Treatment Plants

Water Treatment Plants are characterized by a high level of moisture, splashes, and wet air.  For enclosures, fiberglass is preferred due to its waterproofing and non-rusting properties. In addition, it can be placed in pump rooms and Filtration Systems as well as in the vicinity of Control Equipment near tanks and pipes.

• Food and Beverage Factories

Cleaning and safety practices are important in food processing. Fiberglass enclosures have an easy cleaning process and do not cause corrosion with food products. So, they help keep hygiene and also protect the equipment inside.

• Telecom and Outside Installations

As telecom equipment is installed on poles, rooftops, and even in remote offshore locations, fiberglass enclosures are subjected to constant environmental conditions. These enclosures offer a great deal of protection while remaining light and easy to mount.

• Renewable Energy Sites

Solar and wind power systems are frequently set up in open fields and at remote sites. Fiberglass enclosures are used in house inverters, battery controls, and other parts. And, these enclosures protect from extreme heat, rain, and wind.

3) Key Advantages of Fibreglass Over Metal Enclosures

Fibreglass enclosures have a lot of advantages over metal enclosures like corrosion resistance, weight, handling, and more. So, let’s explore the numerous advantages fiberglass offers that set it apart from the rest.  

a) Corrosion Resistance

From all the factors, the most advantageous property of fiberglass is that it is completely damage-resistant. Fiberglass does not rust, oxidize, or break down when exposed to moisture, salt, or chemicals.

Whereas, metal enclosures utilized in chemical plants or water treatment areas are often damaged over time due to harsh fumes, chemicals, and moist air. This can result in considerable safety risks and costly repairs.

Well, unlike metals, fiberglass has protective strengths even after years of constant bombardment, making it a more reliable option to have in areas that are wet, salty, and corrosive in nature

b) Lightweight and Easy to Handle

Fiberglass is often much lighter in weight than metals. This ease of transport, handling, and installation makes it especially advantageous in remote or hard-to-access areas such as poles, walls, or elevated platforms.

With heavy metal enclosures, additional labor, equipment, and lifting tools are often needed, driving up both installation time and costs.

Due to the lightweight nature of fiberglass enclosures, thye do not require cranes or special gear, which results in significant cost savings. So, this also lowers shipping costs, especially when fiberglass equipment is bulk ordered or sent to multiple sites.

c) Electrical Insulation

Fiberglass naturally insulates against electricity. This characteristic allows for greater safety when housing live electrical components since damage to wires or internal faults gives significantly less risk of electric shock.

However, for metal boxes, these are conductive, which requires the addition of other layers or grounding features for the protection of the user. Fiberglass, however, adds to the safety of the design because it incorporates the needed insulation, thus simplifying the design and the safety profile of the enclosure from the very start.

d) Cost-Effectiveness

Initially, fiberglass enclosures might cost slightly more than simple metal boxes. But they last longer, require less maintenance, and resist damage. So, in the long run, they save money by preventing rust repairs, repainting, or replacement. So for most users, the long-term savings make fiberglass the best option.

e) Durability and Strength

Well, the Fiberglass enclosures remain intact with harsh impacts and collisions, so their integrity is maintained. Unlike metal ones, fiberglass enclosures are not susceptible to cracking under shocks, high pressure, or heavy impacts. The low weight and high strength make them ideal for harsh industrial settings containing a lot of wearable equipment.

In contrast to fibreglass enclosures, you know thin steel is easily reduced and deformed. A dent or two on steel frames leads to huge problems in terms of sealing and securing parts. With impacts able to be absorbed better, fiberglass does not lose these benefits along with its structural form in tough conditions.

f) Thermal and Environmental Stability

Fiberglass can withstand a wide range of temperatures and does not undergo thermal expansion or contraction. So, it is possible to bear harsh outdoor conditions without damage. Regardless of extreme heat or cold, fiberglass retains its structural integrity and protects internal hardware without fail.

Well, these attributes enable better long-term protection of sensitive electronics in environments with constant temperature changes.

g) Non-Magnetic and RF Transparent

Fiberglass is a non-magnetic material that permits RF signals to transmit freely. Wireless devices, antennas, or other signal-based sensors will work perfectly in the enclosure’s interior.

In contrast, metal enclosures block the signals, which results in data loss and communication failures. Such issues can give serious concerns for automation, remote management, or industries driven by IoT technologies. Fiberglass eliminates any signal interference issues, enabling clear signals to be transmitted uninterrupted.

4) Use Case Comparisons

Fiberglass and stainless steel enclosures both have their place. But there are situations where fiberglass is clearly the better option. Here’s when you should go with fiberglass for the best results.

• Coastal or Chemical Plant Environments

If you’re near the sea or working in a chemical-heavy area, fiberglass is a smart choice. Salt in the air or harsh chemicals in the environment can quickly damage stainless steel. With the passage of time, it may rust, stain, or lose strength.

Unlike metals, fiberglass does not corrode in the presence of salt, chemicals, or moisture. It can bear these elements, making it ideal for coastal factories and marine structures exposed to strong acids or fumes. After installation, fiberglass enclosures require very little care and maintain their strength and cleanliness.

• Areas with High Electrical Interference

Well, among other things, fiberglass is non-magnetic and does not block signals, which makes it excellent for places with electrical equipment or wireless systems. Unlike metals, fiberglass would not interfere with data or wireless communication streams.

With sensors, antennas, and other wireless controllers installed in the box, signals are greatly enhanced by fiberglass. This is one of the reasons it is common in automation, telecommunications, and remote monitoring technologies.

• When Weight Is a Concern

When compared to fiberglass, stainless steel is far heavier. As a result, it is ideal in locations where bulky enclosures are difficult to manage, such as remote posts, walls, and poles.

The lighter-weight enclosures are easier to carry, lift, and mount. Moreover, the Installation is quicker because lighter enclosures don’t require bulky, heavy-duty tools, extra workers, or reduced labor costs. That’s why the fiberglass is ideal for remote positions that are hard to reach.

• Application type

If strong well-polished steel boxes are needed indoors or in physically demanding places, then stainless steel boxes are the ideal option. However, when considering weather, chemicals, or ease of use, signal safety, and/or maintenance, fiberglass takes the lead.  

5) Limitations of Fiberglass

While offering a range of advantages, fiberglass enclosures also have some disadvantages. It is equally important to consider what areas of use can be problematic. Let’s discuss the limitations of fibreglass, so stay in touch!  

i) Not Ideal for Heavy Structural Loads

Fiberglass does have some strength; however, in comparison to metal, it is weaker in holding up very heavy objects. For enclosing, if there is a requirement for large or increased weight equipment, fiberglass may not be the best option.   

ii) Can Become Brittle Under Harsh Sunlight

Fiberglass may weaken when fully exposed to powerful sunlight for a long time. Some of the outermost layers can become weak, fade, or brittle. However, this risk is reduced only in the presence of proper UV protection. Many quality fiberglass enclosures come equipped with a UV protective coating.

iii) Not the Best for High-End Indoor Looks

Fiberglass has a strong aesthetic impact because it is designed for performance and functionality, but not for appearance. Does your project necessitate a refined look? If yes, then metal would be the better choice because it would be better suited for places like superior office spaces with heightened interiors.  

With modern decor, stainless steel’s gloss finish pairs perfectly, while plain and industrial will best describe fiberglass as neat.  

6) Conclusion

Alright! Fiberglass electrical enclosures offer various benefits over metal by accommodating lasting protection even in difficult conditions. They are easy to handle and do not corrode easily. More so, they are ideal for chemical plants, marine areas, and factories where safety and longevity are crucial.

For high-quality fiberglass enclosures, you can choose the Saipwell products, which are safe and durable for various industries. The material is tested and verified by international standards. So, no worries about the quality of material. You can contact us right now by just a single click here.