Spelsberg els UK has launched a new range of highly durable non-metallic enclosures for electrical junctions and instrumentation protection in the most demanding environments. Originally developed to house sensitive electrical installations in tough petrochemical applications, the Stahlin J Series range of rugged glassfibre-reinforced polyester (GRP) enclosures has now become a versatile option for any application that calls for a high degree of protection from corrosion or other environmental conditions.
Stahlin’s J Series is available in more than 300 configurations and 13 sizes ranging from 150mm x 100mm to 500mm x 400mm. The Stahlin J Series ensures reliable durability including moisture ingress protection up to IP68. Flat, raised, bonded window, and clear cover options are available to suit a broad range of equipment and instrumentation protection requirements, while seven different cover attachment methods - from secure screws to quick release latches with strong hinges - allow users to select exactly the right level of access.
A poured polyurethane seamless gasket provides a watertight, dust-tight environmental seal and all the Stahlin J Series enclosures are submersion rated, guaranteeing protection in the worst conditions. Rounded edges with minimal protrusions and exposed pocket areas minimises the build up of dust and debris in less extreme circumstances. Long-term durability is ensured through the use of 300 series stainless steel for all external hardware and moulded-in threaded brass inserts in all bosses. An integrally moulded mounting flange makes installation and removal quick and easy.
Stahlin’s hot compression moulded GRP thermoset material provides exceptional protection in a lightweight enclosure design. The material stands up to exposure to a broad range of chemicals, resists impact and is electrically insulating. It can be cut, sawn, punched or drilled easily and accurately.
Stahlin’s patent pending SolarGuard material formulation also delivers extremely high protection from UV degradation. In extensive comparison testing, SolarGuard outperformed other available SMC formulations by as much as 60% in its ability to retain gloss and colour after exposure to concentrated UV light.
SolarGuard is a non-haloginated system, meaning that it contains no bromine and no antimony, thereby reducing the risk of smoke-borne toxicity. SolarGuard requires less maintenance than paint, wax or gel-coat alternatives used to prolong the life of electrical enclosures in outdoor environments. Because of its chemical composition and special additives, SolarGuard is able to reduce the effects of UV degradation such as surface roughening and fibre blooming. This new proprietary SMC formulation technology significantly enhances the molecular bond strength and crosslinking that occur during the curing process.
The result is an unsurpassed resistance to polymer degradation achieved by making it much more difficult for UV energy to attack molecular bonds of both primary chains and crosslinks.
SolarGuard provides a second layer of protection, thereby giving a "double protection" through the use of a unique sacrificial additive that acts as a UV absorber. The material of all enclosures actually absorbs UV energy, then releases it without damaging the polymer chain.