The Benefits of GRP Meter Boxes
When choosing a Meter Box, you need to look what material it is made of. Historically Meter Boxes were metallic, however, new materials have come onto the market that allow a better compliance with the intended use of it.
At MeterBoxesDirect we manufacture and provide Meter Boxes and Kiosks made of Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP), this is a material with several benefits, popular, and used in very different industries today.
Where does the Glass Reinforced Polymer comes?
As its name suggests GRP is made of polymer and glass fibres, a fibre-plastic composite. There are several components that can be added on it to allow specific characteristics. For example, while the glass fibres ensure a high stability, the polyester resin makes it flame retardant.
The manufacturing of GRP is a combination of several processes like pressing, spinning, hand laminating, spraying or extruding. Depending on the process, the material is thus formed into the desired shape and hardens.
Benefits of GRP
This material has practical, long term and safety advantages. Let’s have a closer look!
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LIGHTNESS AND EASY TO WORK WITH
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DURABILITY
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CORROSION AND CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
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THERMALLY INSULATING + UV PROTECTION
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FIRE RETARDANT
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ELECTRICAL INSULATION
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ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
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MINIMAL MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABLE
GRP products are up to 80% lighter than steel. This means that a Glass Reinforced Polymer meter box or enclosure will be easy to work with, minimize manual handling risks and reduce installation costs by removing the requirement for heavy lifting gear. This doesn’t affect the strength of the product, you will have the same great strength as steel, but at only a quarter of the density.
One of the main characteristics of GRP materials are their durability. Because they can withstand any wear and tear, pressure, heavy impact, or damage that make them long lasting and remain in good condition regardless of the environment they are installed in.
Unlike metallic Meter Boxes, the GRP ones won’t oxide over time and are resistant to aggressive chemicals, liquids and alkalis.
Furthermore, fibreglass features an excellent resistance against the most common hazards, such as saltwater, oil, or gases. In aggressive environments such as tropical climates, high humidity settings, or areas with salty fog, the life span of the metal cabinet is short, while GRP products last 30 years without modifying their mechanical qualities. For example, our Kiosks fits perfectly in coastal zones and are ideal for wastewater treatment plants, swimming pools, cooling towers and construction, where there is a risk of corrosion.
GRP products can be installed outside, regardless of rain or shine, and remain undamaged and unaffected by the environment.
When a metal Meter Box exposed to the sun may heat up to a point in which it disables the very equipment it’s trying to protect, a GRP one will dissipate heat throughout all its surfaces with an UV inhibitor to prevent any UV degradation from taking place.
Our products meet specific fire and self-extinguishing requirements such as BS 476, Part. 7, 1997, Class 2. The Meter Boxes are highly resistant to fire propagation, and as they are halogen-free, there is no release of toxic or noxious gases nor opaque fumes produced from the combustion of plastic enclosures.
Furthermore, GRP is non-sparking which makes this material perfect for installations where there’s a risk of sparking from a tool dropping onto steel grating.
Our Meter Boxes and kiosks are non-conductive and makes earthing easier. Unless the metal, GRP has an electrical insulation and can hold up to 1500V DC.
Our Meter Boxes and kiosks are inert, they do not cause any electromagnetic disturbances or radio wave frequencies and they prevent any other interference from affecting their equipment.
Our GRP products doesn’t need maintenance or servicing nor replacing. They have a lifespan of 50 years, there is no need to spend more money replacing the meter box or kiosk on a regular basis. With no maintenance or upkeep costs GRP products are affordable considering their life cycle cost comparing to traditional materials.
Have a closer look at our wide range of GRP products and do not hesitate to ask us if you need further help!
