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Choosing the Enclosure Material for an Electrical Switchboard

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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 and cost effective. The only downside is it offers no electromagnetic shielding.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a thermoplastic polymer. The styrene makes the surface shiny and impervious while the butadiene gives it its toughness. The low weight material is resistant to chemical attack, has excellent insulating properties and can be easily machined with normal tools. Its disadvantages include being slightly less impact and UV resistant than polycarbonate. It also offers no electromagnetic shielding.

Fibreglass reinforced polyester

While heavier than other plastics, fibre reinforced plastic offers strength while still being relatively lightweight. Its advantages include being resistant to chemical attack and corrosion, high impact and weather resistance. This polyester has a wide operating temperature range, good insulation and fire resistance. It is, however, more expensive than polycarbonate, cannot be machined using standard tools and offers no electromagnetic shielding.

Aluminium

The first of the metal products, aluminium offers good resistance to chemical attack when painted, is high impact resistance and has a wide operating temperature range. Aluminium is rigid, easily earthed, has good heat sink properties and electromagnetic shielding. Being metal, it is heavier than polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene materials and needs special tools for machining.

Mild Steel

Mild steel is impact resistant, has a wide operating temperature range, is easily earthed and provides strength and flexibility. When powder coated, mild steel offers good resistance to chemical attack. Mild steel is prone to corrosion and must be machined with special tools. It is heavier than polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most rigid materials available, so it has high impact, weather and corrosion resistance and has ideal heat sink properties. It is resistant to chemical attack and is hygienic for food preparation areas. Stainless steel is easy to earth and offers electromagnetic shielding. It is difficult to fabricate and requires special machining tools. Stainless steel is more expensive than mild steel and polycarbonate and is one of the heavier materials.

Enclosures for Electrical Switchboards

Choosing the right-sized enclosed material of your electrical switchboard can be a bit daunting. There are experts and agencies who specialise in producing customised enclosures for electrical switchboards which may just be what your business needs. 
Location: Perth WA, Australia

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