Fiberglass Enclosure

[jmhbutler]

I recently bought a fiberglass resin electrical enclosure to use as my control housing. Has anybody worked with this before or is familiar with the material?
Will it be easy to cut without cracking? Is there any health concerns with the material I might be overlooking?

Thanks for the answers.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

You should wear a dust mask when cutting it, and it should drill and cut without cracking.
Is it made as such, to place additional openings in it?
Is it thick enough to take the additional pressure of drilling holes, to enable a jigsaw use, ( which I'm guessin' you'll use)?

 

[jmhbutler]

Any concern for the fiberglass unit being around my beer. I was under the impression the material was carcinogenic. Maybe I'd be better with PVC?

 

[processhead]

You can use the same tools that you would use to drill and cut a metal panel. Fiberglass is easier to cut than metal, which is a plus.

Fiberglass control panel enclosures are commonly used throughout the food and beverage industry.

The fact that they don't rust makes them desirable for panels in areas that can be exposed to moisture.
As long as you aren't planning to use your panel as boiling vessel, you won't have any health concerns.

 

[jmhbutler]

Thanks process head, that's reassuring.

I was under the impression that the panels create dust as they degrade. Would this not be a hazard if they were to get into the beer?

 

[processhead]

Thanks process head, that's reassuring.

I was under the impression that the panels create dust as they degrade. Would this not be a hazard if they were to get into the beer?

The only measurable dust will be when you are cutting/drilling/sanding the panel opening, and that won't be much.

Use the applicable PPE while fabricating.

Also, I'm curious where you got the "impression" that panels degrade when they are just sitting around?

 

[augiedoggy]

Any concern for the fiberglass unit being around my beer. I was under the impression the material was carcinogenic. Maybe I'd be better with PVC?

Unless you plan on cutting the fiberglass while brewing beer nearby its a non issue.

Edit... I really need to read the whole thread before commenting....

 

[jmhbutler]

Thanks guys, I'll stick with the fiberglass enclosure in that case. Will keep you posted once I start working on it.

 

[jmhbutler]

The only measurable dust will be when you are cutting/drilling/sanding the panel opening, and that won't be much.

Also, I'm curious where you got the "impression" that panels degrade when they are just sitting around?

I read on an electrical forum that fiberglass enclosures shouldn't be used outdoors because heat and UV light can cause them to degrade. Perhaps false information?

 

[processhead]

I read on an electrical forum that fiberglass enclosures shouldn't be used outdoors because heat and UV light can cause them to degrade. Perhaps false information?

I can attest to that. It's not a rapid degradation, but they do weather when used outdoors.
We have some fiberglass cabinets that have been outdoors for 15 years. They are still weather-tight, but are starting to get a little fuzzy

 

[kh54s10]

Boats are fiberglass. The fiberglass will degrade but it takes a very long time. You should have no concerns.

 

[jmhbutler]

Thanks everyone for all the information. Pictures will follow once progress is made.