Dear Brenda,

Polycarbonate (PC) and fiberglass, or glass reinforced plastic (GRP), are generally identified as robust and durable. While this statement is true, it is rarely specified under which conditions these materials can offer optimum resistance and performance, making enclosure specification for demanding applications a particularly challenging task.  However, there are a few guiding principles that can help you determine what material is best to support your intended, heavy duty setup.

PC is ideal when electrical housings are exposed to direct sunlight or generally when they installed outdoor, as the materials offers a high level of UV protection. Also, the polymer is able to withstand high or fluctuating temperatures and prolonged contact with water, as it is often the case in open-air applications. Nonetheless, the plastic can be damaged by abrasion and present noticeable signs.

GRP can also tolerate extreme temperatures but is more susceptible to UV and offers less comprehensive water resistance. Therefore, it is best suited for indoor installations. Its features make GRP particularly resistant to harsh industrial environments, where vibrations, corrosive agents and other chemicals are common. In addition, the composite material provides a high level of rigidity at minimal thickness, maximising protection from mechanical impacts while maintaining a lightweight, aesthetic design.

At Spelsberg, we understand the importance of selecting the most effective and reliable solutions to protect your electrical equipment. This is why we offer a broad product range, featuring a wide variety of materials. To find more technical information on our PC, GRP and other enclosures, visit: https://www.spelsberg.com/service/technical-information/industrial-enclosures/

Thanks to our extensive material expertise, we can also help you identify what would work best for your specific applications, so you can optimise investments, service life and reliability. To learn more about our comprehensive service offering and experience, check https://www.spelsberg.com/customizing/complete-array-of-expertise/.

If you have any additional requirements for intended application, please feel free to send me a private message. I’d be happy to discuss with you the specific needs that your enclosure needs to meet.

Kind Regards,

Chris