Electronics are a part of our daily lives, and electronic plastic enclosures can keep us safe. We use them at home, workplaces, and school — we use them everywhere.
But while helpful, electronics can also be dangerous since electrical currents aren’t friendly to the body. And for that, electronic enclosures are the perfect investment.
These enclosures do more than protect users from electric shock. They also ensure electronics last longer, protecting them from harmful elements and impacts.
In this post, our focus is on electronic plastic enclosures. Read on to know why you need them.
Table of Contents
- What are Electronic Enclosures？
- Top Features of Electronic Plastic Enclosure
- Advantages of Electronic Plastic Enclosures
- Conclusion
What are Electronic Enclosures？
Electronic enclosures cover electronics to prevent shock accidents. They are versatile and applicable to different areas. For example, you can install an electronic enclosure at home to protect your computers, consoles, air conditioners, and other devices.
However, these enclosures are more common in industrial settings. Companies typically use large and current heavy electronics, which must be appropriately covered according to safety standards.
Electronic enclosures follow different regulatory standards. These standards define what makes an enclosure safe for use and what application it’s best for. And they differ from country to country.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets the standards for producing electronic enclosures in the US.
The body considers factors like durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand outdoor elements, to name a few.
Looking at these factors, it’s clear that production material is crucial. Common materials for producing electronic enclosures include plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and polycarbonate. Each has its pros and cons.
Take stainless steel, for instance. It’s used due to it being resistant to chemicals and moisture. As a result, they are highly durable and won’t corrode.
Nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, plastic is the most popular safety material. Why? Let’s first discuss the features of electronic plastic enclosures.
(Electronic enclosures in industries)
Top Features of Electronic Plastic Enclosure
The below features define electronic plastic enclosures:
- Low conductivity: There are different types of plastic. But generally, the material is a poor conductor of electricity. The primary purpose of electronic enclosures is to protect users from electrical shock. It makes sense then that they are produced using a material that doesn’t conduct electricity.
- Low weight: An overly heavy electronic enclosure may affect the performance of the electronics. It’s because some enclosures need to be attached to the electronic, allowing it to perform optimally. Plastic is the perfect definition of a low-weight material.
- Low cost: When comparing prices, it is clear that plastic is relatively affordable for its quality. Plastic is cheaper than aluminum and stainless steel, and fiberglass.
- Easy production: Manufacturers can skip surface finishing when producing electronic plastic enclosures. It isn’t the case with other materials like stainless steel and fiberglass. The latter materials will have less market value without proper surface finishing.
(The electronic plastic enclosure at home)
Advantages of Electronic Plastic Enclosures
There’s much to benefit from purchasing an electronic plastic enclosure. Check out the advantages below:
- They are not magnetic: Almost all electronics come with magnetic parts. When there’s an external magnet around them, these parts can malfunction due to interference. In worse cases, they damage.
- They are insulating: Plastic can protect your electronics from external elements like heat because it’s an insulating material. In particular, an electronic plastic enclosure can help ensure your electronics operate under appropriate temperatures.
- They are waterproof: If you plan to use your electronic enclosure outdoors, there’s every reason to opt for plastic. As a waterproof material, plastic will protect your electronics from rain and snow. And, of course, it cannot rust — unlike metal electronic enclosures.
- They are flexible: Their flexibility makes electronic plastic enclosures work well in absorbing vibrations. And by absorbing vibrations, they help your electronics last longer.
Conclusion
Electronic plastic enclosures do the hard work of keeping electronics in check, ensuring they don’t harm users.
They also benefit the electronics, protecting them from dirt, dust, chemicals, heat, and other elements.
If you need an electronic enclosure at home or work, invest in a plastic one.
They are affordable, so you don’t spend much, and lightweight, so they don’t affect the electronic performance.
