A polyester enclosure is a fibreglass-reinforced polyester casing that protects electrical, electronic or measuring equipment installed outdoors or in harsh environments. It does not rust and does not conduct electricity. Its resistance to corrosion makes it suitable for marine, industrial and urban environments, as explained by Europoly.
This page outlines the Europoly ranges of cabinets and enclosures, the most common applications and the factors to consider before making a choice.
Why choose a polyester cupboard?
Corrosion and durability
Europoly states that its polyester cabinets offer excellent corrosion resistance in environments classified as C3 to C5 or CX in accordance with ISO 12944 Part 2, notably due to the absence of rust. By contrast, a metal cabinet must rely on a paint system compliant with ISO 12944 and a more rigorous maintenance regime to maintain its protection.
Insulation and impact resistance
Polyester is an insulator: the casing does not conduct electricity. Europoly manufactures IP65 and IK10 polyester enclosures made from sandwich panels comprising polyester and polyurethane foam. The IK rating, as defined by IEC 62262, measures resistance to mechanical impact.
Finish and appearance
A surface gel coat improves resistance to chemical and atmospheric attack. The colour, shape and architectural integration are specified in the client’s specifications. The manufacturing techniques and benefits of polyester are detailed on the website.
The Europoly ranges of cabinets and enclosures
Cabinet ranges: Europoly organises its products into ranges based on size, depth and intended use. Europoly
Standard enclosures and cabinets
The Mini Euro range comprises standard IP65 IK10 enclosures, ranging in size from 300 x 250 x 160 mm to 800 x 600 x 300 mm. Euro Medium offers modular IP55 or IP65 IK10 enclosures made from SMC, ranging from 500 x 500 x 300 mm to 1,250 x 2,000 x 500 mm, with over 224 sizes achievable by assembling panels.
Large wardrobes
The Maxi Euro range comprises large IP55 or IP65 IK10 cabinets, with a gel coat finish, measuring 1,900 mm in height and between 665 and 5,325 mm in width. The Euro 1500 range comprises medium-sized enclosures with deep dimensions, ranging from 920 x 720 x 250 mm to 1,500 x 2,000 x 700 mm, and featuring UV and graffiti resistance.
Street cabinets
Euro Urbain is a range of diamond-tipped, anti-poster and anti-graffiti lockers, rated IP44 or IP55 IK10, measuring from 920 x 720 x 300 mm to 1,500 x 3,200 x 700 mm, designed for use in public spaces.
Instrumentation and cockpits
Euro Instrum offers instrumentation enclosures for transmitters, manifolds and valves. Mega Euro offers IP55 or IP65 IK10 cabinets and shelters, measuring 2,400 x 2,000 mm in cross-section and ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 mm in depth, available in single- or double-skinned insulated versions.
Custom made products
Bespoke solutions include, in particular, emergency stop boxes, water supply boxes, battery enclosures, energy storage cabinets, FTTH cabinets and high-voltage cabinets. The cabinet customisation page sets out the options in detail, whilst double-walled cabinets cater to other requirements.
Contexts in which the polyester cupboard is used
Telecoms and fibre optics
Fibre-optic and telecoms cabinets are constantly exposed to the elements and impacts. A rust-proof polyester casing minimises the need for maintenance.
Gas
A gas meter box contains the meter and a supply shut-off system. According to TotalEnergies, it remains accessible at all times to network technicians.
We set out the selection criteria here.
Counting
For a power-monitored connection ranging from 37 to 250 kVA, Enedis requires that the individual main circuit breaker remain accessible to the network operator at all times. For equipment located in the public domain, the Enedis guidance note on additional metering specifies an enclosure equivalent to IP 43 and IK 10. The article on the outdoor polyester meter cabinet sets out these requirements in detail.
Construction site
According to 123elec, single-phase power (230 V) is used to power power tools, whilst three-phase power (400 V) is used for heavy-duty machinery, such as cranes or concrete mixers. The article on single-phase and three-phase site power boxes provides further details on how to choose the right one.
Road safety
The emergency stop post is an example of a bespoke polyester product that is exposed to the elements and vandalism.
Solar energy
The photovoltaic cabinet houses the equipment for an outdoor solar installation.
Water and urban spaces
Water hydrants are made to measure. In urban areas, a guidance document from a departmental architecture and heritage service recommends that the hydrant boxes be integrated into the surrounding architecture: they should be the same colour as neighbouring cladding and grouped together with other street furniture.
Criteria for choosing a polyester cupboard
Environment and corrosion
IEC 60529 does not cover corrosion caused by saline or industrial atmospheres, nor does it cover ageing due to solar radiation. The site is characterised using the IEC 60721 series (Part 3, Section 4), and its corrosivity is characterised using ISO 9223 and ISO 12944 Part 2, as detailed by Europoly.
IP and IK ratings
The IP rating measures protection against dust and water, whilst the IK rating measures impact resistance. Details of the different levels can be found on the IP/IK protection rating page. A high IP rating does not protect against internal condensation.
Condensation and ventilation
Condensation occurs when the walls are colder than the dew point of the indoor air. The balance between airtightness and ventilation is discussed in the article ‘Polyester cupboards: ventilation or airtightness’.
Dimensions, installation and fittings
The internal dimensions must be sufficient to accommodate the equipment, its cabling and access for maintenance. To compare a cabinet and an enclosure, see the page on industrial polyester electrical enclosures.
Draw up the specifications
A detailed set of specifications helps to avoid repeated correspondence. It may include the following points:
- the context of use and the site’s corrosivity class;
- the clear dimensions, including fittings and access points;
- the required IP and IK ratings;
- thermal management: ventilation, insulation and heating;
- colour and finish, as specified by the client;
- installation method: plinth-mounted, wall-mounted or pole-mounted;
- internal electrical wiring, to be carried out by Polyelec in conjunction with the control cabinet;
- interior fittings, to be carried out by Gensollen if required.
From the kit to the complete project: Europoly, Gensollen and Polyelec
A polyester enclosure is often part of a wider project, involving cabling, fit-out and, in some cases, a shelter. The group’s three companies cover all these stages. Their portfolio showcases their projects.
Europoly, the polyester membrane
Europoly manufactures boxes, cabinets and enclosures made from glass-fibre-reinforced polyester.
Polyelec: cabling and electrical integration
Europoly manufactures the cabinet, whilst Polyelec carries out the cabling: internal electrical wiring and electrical integration of the equipment.
Gensollen, the cabins and facilities
Gensollen offers a comprehensive range of fittings for polyester cabins and cabinets: fixed and sliding-track units, HVAC ventilation, and raised floors for cable routing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polyester cabinets do not rust and do not conduct electricity. Metal cabinets must be coated with a paint system that complies with ISO 12944 and require a more rigorous maintenance regime. The full comparison can be found in the article ‘Polyester cabinets or metal cabinets’.
Europoly manufactures IP65 and IK10 polyester enclosures. Depending on the range, the ratings range from IP44 to IP65 and up to IK10. Further details can be found on the IP/IK protection rating page.
Effective thermal management combines insulation, colour, site selection, controlled ventilation – and even heating – with a drainage plan. The article ‘Polyester enclosures: ventilation or sealing’ sets out these options in detail.
The enclosure on its own is never ATEX-compliant by nature: compliance depends on the overall design, the protection strategy and the certification of the entire assembly, as Europoly points out. Europoly enclosures meet the requirements for ATEX zones, without claiming compliance.
From enclosures measuring 300 x 250 x 160 mm to cabinets 1,900 mm high and 5,325 mm wide, and on to enclosures measuring 2,400 x 2,000 mm, the ranges cover a wide spectrum. The internal dimensions must accommodate the equipment, its cabling and access for maintenance.
Are you planning to build a polyester cupboard?
The Europoly teams will assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable product range. Discover the full Europoly range or contact an adviser. Polyelec carries out the cabling and electrical integration, whilst Gensollen manufactures the cabins and their fittings.