NEMA classifications for electrical boxes are used to make it easier to select electrical enclosures for specific applications and environments. While the lowest NEMA 1 rated box is used to prevent accidental, electrical contact with workers or tools, the NEMA 4X is used to protect workers and the public from shock or injury in the worst environments. A NEMA 4X polycarbonate electrical box also protects wiring and components in electrical power and control applications when placed in corrosive environments, submerged in water, or when mounted outdoors. NEMA 4X electrical enclosures are used in outdoor applications because these boxes can handle extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, and sleet. And finally, for industrial applications that feature corrosive atmospheres or processes, fiberglass and polycarbonate electrical boxes are the best choice because they are inherently corrosion-resistant. But additional gaskets and rubber seals found with a NEMA 4X electrical box will increase performance and provide additional environmental sealing, insulation and protection. NEMA 4X Polycarbonate Electrical Box Applications Wash-down or Hose down Areas For commercial or industrial facilities that are exposed to frequent washdowns with either cleaning solutions or water, a NEMA 4X polycarbonate electrical box is the ideal solution. Even under directed jet sprays, the NEMA 4X is gasketed and sealed to provide a watertight (waterproof) electrical enclosure. In colder climates, the NEMA 4X will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the electrical enclosure. Industries that can benefit from the watertight polycarbonate electrical boxes include the food and beverage industry, car washes, industrial facilities, and factories that have a high rate of dust generation such as textiles, paper, and pulp. Outdoor Installations
The NEMA 4X is specifically designed for outdoor installations, including solar panel systems, outdoor living spaces, outdoor power connections and rooftop spaces, landscape lighting, and any receptacle boxes exposed to the weather. Hot and humid outdoor locations on the South and West coasts will benefit from polycarbonate electrical boxes in addition to cold environments where sleet and ice storms are prevalent such as in the northeastern portions of the US. Often, it isn't the direct infiltration of water that causes electrical failures to outdoor installations. The culprit can also be moisture in the form of water vapor that can find its way through the smallest cracks and spaces. The result is corrosive mineral deposits that are left after the moisture has dried but continues to cause damage. Exposure to Corrosive Chemicals Corrosive environments are common in some industries such as industrial chemical facilities and oil and petroleum refineries. Polycarbonate electrical boxes won't rust, degrade, or become pitted like steel. Many other industries and locations may benefit from polycarbonate boxes because the environment has water or even salt present. Corrosion from water, chemicals, or salt can reduce current flow or voltage levels. In control systems, sensors may interpret these slight circuit changes as a system fault, which can result in unpredictable operation. Avoid corrosion in electrical systems by specifying nonmetallic electrical boxes in all areas that are exposed to corroding influences. Polycarbonate electrical boxes eliminate the worry of general corrosion and galvanic corrosion between two dissimilar metals. This includes the corrosion of mounting screws that can weaken the support of your electrical boxes. Contact Allied Moulded Products Inc. for a wide selection of polycarbonate electrical receptacle boxes, electrical enclosures, and electrical junction boxes.
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