Allied Moulded Products, Inc.® is one of the most recognized manufactures of industrial-grade polycarbonate and fiberglass electrical enclosures for many industries, including wastewater treatment, car wash, pump OEMs, utilities and energy, security, mining, oil and gas, and others. Rated NEMA Type 4X and IEC Type IP66 UL, Allied Moulded’s USA-made non-metallic enclosures are known to provide maximum equipment protection against damage from water, salt, chemicals, and UV. We’re proud to carry this exceptional brand of electrical enclosures in various sizes to meet your industrial electrical application requirements.

In this post, we’re breaking down the signature features, pros, and cons of polycarbonate versus fiberglass Allied Moulded enclosures to help you choose the best one for your project needs.

Polycarbonate Allied Moulded enclosures

Polycarbonate Allied Moulded enclosures are a customer favorite because they’re easy to work with and priced competitively. These economical options are constructed with an injection-molded polycarbonate thermoplastic material that performs well in many applications, as demonstrated by minimal shrinking and an excellent stress rating. While they are resistant to UV degradation, polycarbonate Allied Moulded enclosures don’t hold up in direct sunlight as well as fiberglass alternatives.

Signature features:

• Injection-molded polycarbonate thermoplastic construction
• Listed under UL 50, UL 50E and UL 508A standards (CSA standard 22.2 No. 94.1-07, 94.2-07)
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use in corrosive environments
• Polycarbonate material meets UL 746C requirements with halogen-free and self-extinguishing characteristics

Pros:

• Easy to work with
• Costs less than fiberglass enclosures
• Minimal shrinkage
• Excellent stress rating
• Convenient hinged snap latch

Cons:

• Breaks down faster in direct sunlight than fiberglass

If polycarbonate is the best material for your application, shop the following Allied Moulded enclosures on our website:

• AMP Series Polycarbonate Enclosures
• Polycarbonate enclosures accessories

Fiberglass Allied Moulded enclosures

Constructed using a hot compression-molded process, lightweight fiberglass Allied Moulded enclosures contain a minimum of 20% fiberglass by weight. The reinforced polyester provides many advantages, including durability, impact resistance, and corrosion and chemical resistance. These enclosures are also easy to handle and modify by punching, drilling, or sawing. As compared to polycarbonate, fiberglass Allied Moulded enclosures will last longer in direct sunlight because of the reinforced fiber characteristics. On the downside, fiberglass enclosures are priced slightly higher per unit than polycarbonate, yet they offer significant savings compared to stainless steel.

Signature features:

• Injection-molded polycarbonate thermoplastic construction
• Listed under UL 50, UL 50E, and UL 508A standards, (CSA standard 22.2 No. 14)
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use in corrosive environments
• Fiberglass material meets UL 746C requirements with halogen-free and self-extinguishing characteristics

Pros:

• Lightweight yet durable enough to withstand harsh environments
• Easy to handle and modify
• Maintenance-free
• Costs significantly less than stainless steel
• Lasts longer in direct sunlight than polycarbonate
• Convenient hinged snap latch

Cons:

• Costs more than polycarbonate enclosures

If fiberglass is the material best suited for your application, shop the following Allied Moulded enclosures on our website:

• AM Series Small Junction Boxes
• AM Series Pushbutton Fiberglass Enclosures
• AMU Series Fiberglass Enclosures
• AM & AM-R Series Flat & Raised Cover JIC Fiberglass Enclosures
• AM-R CONTROL Fiberglass Enclosures
• Empire Series Wall Mount & Free-Standing Fiberglass Enclosures

Which Allied Moulded enclosures are right for you?

Choosing between polycarbonate and fiberglass electrical enclosures depends on your budget, application, and preferences. For instance, the most economical and user-friendly choice for applications with minimal direct sunlight exposure is polycarbonate. Conversely, fiberglass might be better suited for heavier duty applications with significant exposure to direct sunlight and other harsh elements.

No matter which Allied Moulded enclosures you choose, you’ll enjoy the benefits of:

• Large inventory of in-stock items available on our website
• Popular hinged snap latch configurations in many sizes
• Our robust sales and service department delivering outstanding customer support

Many factors play a role when choosing between polycarbonate and fiberglass Allied Moulded enclosures. As experts in industrial electrical sales, service, and distribution, contact our team for expert advice on choosing the best enclosure solution for your industrial electrical requirements.