Non-metallic enclosures use materials such as polycarbonate, ABS, polyester or fiberglass-reinforced composites to protect electrical and control components without a metal cabinet. They are especially useful where corrosion resistance, low weight or electrical insulation is important.
Material choice matters. Polycarbonate offers good impact resistance and is commonly used for compact control and instrumentation enclosures. Fiberglass-reinforced polyester is widely used in industrial and outdoor environments where corrosion resistance and structural rigidity are needed. Verify chemical exposure, UV resistance, flame performance and temperature limits for the exact enclosure material.
Material choice matters. Polycarbonate offers good impact resistance and is commonly used for compact control and instrumentation enclosures. Fiberglass-reinforced polyester is widely used in industrial and outdoor environments where corrosion resistance and structural rigidity are needed. Verify chemical exposure, UV resistance, flame performance and temperature limits for the exact enclosure material.
Match the NEMA or IP rating to the environment and preserve that rating when installing cable glands, conduit hubs, vents and operators. Non-metallic materials do not provide the same electromagnetic shielding as metal, so applications with sensitive electronics or high EMI may require additional design measures. Grounding and bonding practices also differ because the enclosure body itself is not conductive.
Typical uses include wastewater equipment, food and beverage machinery, outdoor controls, chemical-processing areas, irrigation systems, telecommunications, instrumentation and washdown locations where painted steel may corrode prematurely.
Do not assume every plastic enclosure is suitable outdoors or around chemicals. UV exposure, solvents, oils and cleaning agents can affect different polymers very differently. Check the manufacturer’s material compatibility and environmental data before specifying an enclosure for aggressive conditions.
Non-metallic enclosures can simplify installation because they are light and easy to machine, but penetrations must still be planned carefully. Drilling too close to an edge, over-tightening hardware or using incompatible sealants can damage some plastics and composites. Use manufacturer-recommended mounting hardware and cable-entry accessories, particularly in outdoor or washdown installations where maintaining the gasket seal is critical.
For replacement or new designs, provide required dimensions, environment, NEMA/IP rating, material preference, outdoor/UV exposure, expected chemical contact and any clear-cover or mounting-panel requirements.
It is often advantageous in corrosive, wet or weight-sensitive applications, provided the selected material is suitable for UV, chemicals, temperature and impact and the design does not depend on a metal enclosure for EMI shielding.
A reliable selection comes from matching the device to the actual electrical system, load, environment and control function rather than choosing from a single headline rating. Record the existing manufacturer and part number when replacing equipment, and compare all relevant electrical, mechanical and environmental specifications before substituting another series.
Wallco supports industrial users, OEMs, integrators and maintenance teams that need help narrowing a replacement or choosing a component for a new panel or machine. Providing the application details up front helps identify the correct product family and avoids problems caused by physically similar but electrically different components.