FAQs Cont.

Q: What are the advantages of the Integra product over the fiberglass product I am buying now?
A: There are several important advantages...

1. The engineered thermoplastic enclosure has dramatically better impact resistance. For example, the Premium Line enclosure has an impact resistance of over 900 lb/in, while fiberglass typically has an impact resistance of less than 220 lb/in.
2. Thermoplastic enclosures are available with a clear cover. For a fiberglass product, an expensive and potentially leaky window installation is required.
3. Thermoplastic enclosures feature a 100% non-metallic hinge design. Fiberglass products normally feature a steel hinge pin that will eventually corrode.
4. Thermoplastic enclosures tend to offer more features inside the enclosure to support component installation. For example, fiberglass products tend to have only four mounting bosses on the base of the box. Integra products feature those same four mounting bosses, plus molded-in mounting bosses surrounding the perimeter of the enclosure (see the DIN-rail comment above). Integra also offers the patented Back Panel Adjustment System, which eliminates the need for expensive stand-offs or allows the installation of multiple panels.
5. Thermoplastic enclosures are much easier and safer to machine, with none of the dust and splintering associated with fiberglass.
6. Fiberglass enclosures will “bloom” when exposed to sunlight. In fact, manufacturers of FRP enclosures recommend painting their products. This is not necessary with Integra thermoplastic enclosures.

Q: How are thermoplastics better than steel?
A: Steel is the industry standard at this point in time, but we see that changing for the following reasons.

1. Thermoplastics are non-corrosive. A steel box will eventually rust.
2. Thermoplastics are non-conductive. This eliminates a shock hazard.
3. Thermoplastics are lighter. This is important in instrumentation or robotic applications.
4. Steel boxes do not offer many mounting options. A thermoplastic, like the Integra product, offers many mounting options molded right into the box.
5. Steel enclosures require a window kit if you want a clear cover. Thermoplastics do not require a window kit.
6. If you want NEMA 4 or 4X, steel enclosures are extremely expensive. A thermoplastic enclosure can provide NEMA 4X at half the price.

Q: What if I buy an opaque cover enclosure and decide later that I really want a clear cover?
A: You can order clear covers, with gaskets installed, and easily replace it in the field.

Q: What about modifications?
A: Contact us for more information and a quote. Also, we do have our CAD drawings downloadable from our website. Use those to define the shape and location of your modifications and e-mail that to us at sales@integraenclosures.com.

Q: I notice that the enclosures are not metric. Why not, and how do you address this concern?
A: Integra provides “dual-dimension” data for our line of enclosures. Also, note that our “DIN rail friendly” design speaks directly to the need for European-designed components and the spreading use of DIN rail mounted components.

Q: Can Integra enclosure products be mounted underwater or underground?
A: Integra’s screw-closed configurations, including the hinged versions as well as the non-hinged versions, are now UL-Type 6P rated when the four provided attachment screws are used.

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