Materials

Yes. The enclosures in our IBT range, designed for use in concrete constructions, are made from polypropylene copolymer (PPC) and are fully recyclable. PPC is classed as plastic type 5 under the Resin Identification/Plastic Recycling Code, withstands four closed loops of recycling and suits both mechanical and chemical processing. It is also lightweight compared with other plastics, which makes it well suited to concrete applications. The range spans a spread of ingress protection, from IBT Precon junction boxes at IP30 to universal installation housing rated to IPX4, and includes protection class II rated junction boxes where safe electrical separation is required.

For electrical installations in pre-cast and cast-in-place concrete, we recommend our IBT range, which has been developed specifically for these applications and tried and tested over many construction projects. Available in different sizes and shapes, IBT enclosures have a robust, highly stable design that performs when the concrete is both wet and dry. The technology prevents the enclosure being crushed under the weight of the concrete, a patented diaphragm sealing system prevents displacement or infiltration as concrete is poured, and a patented support spar mounts the box to vertical or horizontal formwork.

Yes. Our IBT range of electrical enclosures is made from fully recyclable plastic, specifically polypropylene (PP) copolymer. We selected it because it offers great flexibility when it comes to recycling while still meeting the reliability requirements of construction applications: IBT products withstand temperatures between -25°C and 40°C, resist a variety of harsh chemicals, and can tolerate four closed loops of either mechanical or chemical recycling.

Many of our enclosures are made from recyclable materials. We use polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate across much of the range, and both are fully recyclable. Polypropylene can be recycled through multiple loops without losing its durability, suits both mechanical and chemical recycling processes, and its leachates are considered among the least hazardous when exposed to weathering. We are also certified under the DIN EN ISO 14001 environmental management system, which covers our efforts to reduce environmental impact from product design through to manufacturing.

The enclosures in our IBT range are made entirely from fully recyclable polypropylene (PP) copolymer. PP is widely accepted in recycling streams and can be reused in both mechanical and chemical processes, and it can go through multiple recycling loops without a significant drop in quality. We chose it because it is strong and durable enough for demanding construction environments while having a low environmental impact compared with other common plastics.

Choose polycarbonate (PC) for outdoor installations and glass reinforced plastic (GRP) for demanding indoor ones. PC offers a high level of UV protection, so it suits enclosures exposed to direct sunlight, and it withstands high or fluctuating temperatures and prolonged contact with water, though it can be damaged by abrasion. GRP also tolerates extreme temperatures but is more susceptible to UV and offers less comprehensive water resistance, which makes it best suited to indoor use. It is particularly resistant to harsh industrial environments involving vibration, corrosive agents and other chemicals, and gives high rigidity at minimal thickness for protection against mechanical impact.

We use halogen-free materials across our core products because halogens — fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine — release toxic gases when exposed to fire. Excluding them significantly reduces the emission of toxic gas and smoke in a fire, which helps maintain air quality, supports safer evacuation and prevents corrosive gases from damaging electronic components or compromising structural integrity. This matters most in public areas, rescue routes and other regulated spaces, and it allows us to meet safety standards such as DIN VDE 0100-718. Halogen-free materials are used across the majority of our range, and especially in our Lifeline enclosures, which meet DIN 4102 part 12 and are certified in accordance with VDE and ULEU for up to 90 minutes of protection during a fire.

For food preparation environments, we offer enclosures in polycarbonate, aluminium and polyethylene, materials chosen to meet the varied requirements of food preparation while protecting the equipment inside from environmental stress. Our enclosures are built to high IP and IK ratings, which makes them durable and suitable for rigorous hygiene protocols. Where a standard enclosure does not fit the application, we also offer custom sizes, shapes and features.

When choosing an enclosure for a precast concrete project, check that it prevents concrete from entering the structure during pouring, that it is easy to install, and that it stays in a fixed position once installed, since movement can cause cracks or void spaces. Our IBT range is designed for both precast and cast-in-place concrete construction. IBT enclosures are secured to metal or wooden formwork using magnets, epoxy or nails, with any conduits connected before pouring, and the range covers universal, junction and installation boxes, wall and ceiling transfers and accessories.

For modular and precast concrete projects, enclosures need to be fitted to the wall formwork before the concrete is poured, stay in position afterwards, and be strong enough to withstand the pressure of solid concrete while keeping concrete and moisture out. Spelsberg's IBT range is currently the only enclosure range designed specifically for precast concrete and modular construction: the boxes are cast into position in concrete panels and offer the strength and leak-proof performance needed to protect the electrical components inside.

If an enclosure will be exposed to animal and vegetable fats, choose one made from duroplastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane or aluminium. We manufacture standard and bespoke enclosures in all of these materials, including the TK range of industrial enclosures in aluminium (TK AL) and the WK and WKE series, which also offer system integrity in the event of fire. These enclosures are available with ingress protection ratings of IP65, IP66 or IP67 to protect the equipment inside from dust and water.

Spelsberg's IBT series is the only enclosure range specifically designed for precast concrete construction, sealing against concrete ingress during pouring while remaining stable and easy to install. The range includes universal, junction and installation boxes, wall and ceiling transfers, and accessories such as sealing plugs, punch tools and support bars.

Polycarbonate enclosures offer significantly greater impact resistance, UV protection and temperature stability than polystyrene, making them the better choice for outdoor or high-impact applications such as road tankers. Polystyrene withstands general knocks and offers fair cable retention at a lower cost, making it suitable for less demanding indoor applications.

Material choice determines an enclosure's chemical resistance: glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) withstands the widest range of plastics-safe chemicals, including acids, bases, petrol and diesel, while aluminium offers the broadest resistance overall, covering acids, bases, ammonia and animal and vegetable fats. Coatings such as Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings can further improve resistance where needed.

Enclosures for precast concrete construction must resist concrete ingress during pouring, remain positionally stable while the concrete sets, and be straightforward to install on-site. Spelsberg's IBT range uses a diaphragm seal between the product and conduit for this purpose, with IBTronic variants supporting integrated luminaires and speakers in precast ceilings.

Spelsberg enclosures are manufactured to a higher specification than many budget imports, using tested materials and construction methods verified to relevant EU and industrial standards. All Spelsberg non-metallic enclosures are halogen-free and manufactured in accordance with RoHS and WEEE requirements, a standard not consistently met by lower-cost alternatives.