electrical enclosure: metal vs plastic box

Gabrew · 09-21-2010, 02:54 PM

I'm looking into buying an electrical enclosure for my electric herms setup. Plastic (polyester, pvc, etc...) are much cheaper on both price and shipping.

Are there any disadvantages to using plastic electrical enclosure for setting up PIDs, SSRs, heatsinks, etc....? Any problems with heat buid up?

I've been looking into this: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120545260521&fromMakeT rack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Thanks!

Gab

ale_mongrel · 09-21-2010, 04:03 PM

i clicked the e-bay link and it says the item has been removed. As long as you stay within its ratings, wire-fill, aperage , voltage ect and its been listed by underwriters labrotories (ul) or the canadian standards asscociation (csa) you should be good to go

Gabrew · 09-21-2010, 04:18 PM

great thanks for the advice!!!

heres another try at the link:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ALLIED-MOULDED-ENCLOSURE-PJ16148-NEW-BOX-/120545260521?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash =item1c110eb3e9

rianrt · 09-21-2010, 04:25 PM

this was the guy i got my enclosure from on ebay. figured i would post it here instead. they don't have it listed but i would check just in case. hope you make out. i went with metal. but looking back. i could of finished alot faster with plastic. home depot has the other box i was going to get. depending on what you have planned people use plastic tool boxes with success.

http://stores.ebay.com/WEAVER-ELECTRIC

Gabrew · 09-21-2010, 04:33 PM

they dont have anything for now but i'll definately keep an eye out!

Thansk!

rianrt · 09-21-2010, 04:39 PM

not sure if you have home depot up there. what are you planning on?

Carlon 12 In. x 12 In. x 6 In., Gray, Junction Box

Model # E989R-UPC
Store SKU # 693878

http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Electrical-Boxes-Conduit-Fittings-Boxes-Brackets/Carlon/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhwZbohnZ2dq/R-100404149/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Gabrew · 09-21-2010, 04:49 PM

yeah...the ones in canada dont have this model...all they offer is this 8x8 and ideally I need 14x14

Thanks again for the info!

Sizz · 09-21-2010, 05:23 PM

I bought a waterproof 12"x12"x7" polycarbonate enclosure from McMaster for $110. It was much stronger than I expected. The transparent cover is nice for watching the blinking LEDs on the SSRs and a useful diagnostic\sanity check.

brrman · 09-21-2010, 06:04 PM

I used the grey project box from Lowes...

Gabrew · 09-21-2010, 10:35 PM

thanks everyone for your input...I went with the polyester electrical enclosure previously posted.

Now lets shop for some PIDs, SSRs, RTDs, etc...

Thanks!