Enclosures can be manufactured from a range of materials. Careful consideration needs to be given to which material is the most appropriate for the switchboard it will protect and the location of the unit. An electrical switchboard located indoors won’t need to be as resilient as a switchboard located outdoors. The environment plays a big part in the material choice, so the internal components and the enclosure itself are protected. The following are common materials used for enclosures: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) Polycarbonate (PC) Fibreglass reinforced polyester (GRP) Aluminium (AL) Powder coated mild steel Stainless steel Grade 316 (SS) Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. Polycarbonate Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer with carbon included in its structure. It is an ideal material because it is high impact and chemical resistance, self-extinguishing, wide operating temperature range, UV resistant, light weight, good insulating properties an