Today's residential, commercial, and office facilities are witnessing a barrage of high-tech innovations that may require rewiring or electrical system upgrades. From solar power installations to fiber optic communications to whole-house automation systems, America is being rewired for the future of digital technology. These cutting-edge trends are increasing the need for new practices and products for electrical contractors that not only meet design specifications, but are easy to install, maintain, and troubleshoot.
Fiberglass electrical boxes are a great replacement option for "old work" renovations or new construction. These non-metallic outlet boxes are also answering the call for construction components that don't use raw materials or contribute to environmental pollution like that caused by metals refining Premium fiberglass outlet boxes and electrical enclosures are just as strong as steel and have a wide range of benefits that exceed the characteristics of the metal "hard box".
What is High-Strength Fiberglass?
FRP or fiberglass reinforced polyester is a composite material that consists of polyester resin that is reinforced with fibers. Architectural building products and electrical components manufactured with FRP will have the fibers dispersed continuously throughout the material to create a polymer product that has better mechanical and physical properties when compared to other plastics.
High-strength fiberglass will purposely align and place the fiberglass fibers along the structural load planes of a product. This directional placement creates an engineered product that has a high ratio of strength to density that is discernible in one or more directions. In other words, fiber-reinforced products are lightweight yet tough. This makes premium, high-strength fiberglass electrical boxes the perfect solution for demanding environments and challenging electrical installations.
Features of FRP Electrical Outlet Box
When glass fibers are introduced into the polyester resin, then compacted and pressed by elaborate roller systems, the result is a uniform distribution of fiber-impregnated resin into molds to manufacture FRP electrical outlet boxes. Other organic fillers or composite materials are added to achieve very specific mechanical characteristics, such as UV resistance or self-extinguishing properties.
Finally, certain additives and modifiers are used to achieve physical characteristics such as pigmentation, to promote flow consistency, or to produce a smooth finish. Consider this comprehensive list of features you can expect when you use electrical enclosures that are manufactured with premium fiberglass materials;
Allied Moulded's fiberglassBOX™ "Premier Series" line is the electrical contractor's choice for nonmetallic wall, floor, and ceiling boxes in residential or commercial applications. Fiberglass electrical boxes are aesthetically pleasing, so they also work well for surface mount or retrofit applications. This premium line includes 2-Hour Wall and Ceiling Fire Classification and is backed by UL testing for fire resistant protection.
Contractors also enjoy the labor-saving features with Allied Moulded's complete line of box sizes and attachment brackets that fit a wide variety of applications. What this means is more secure mounting when fastening wall boxes to wood or steel studs.