Non-Metallic Enclosures with Knockouts: Faster, Easier Installation
Non-metallic electrical enclosures provide reliable protection for electrical and electronic equipment without the corrosion, conductivity, and weight associated with metal enclosures. When an enclosure includes molded knockouts, installation becomes even faster and more flexible.
Knockouts provide predetermined entry points for conduit, cable glands, fittings, and other connections. Instead of drilling every opening, installers can remove only the knockouts they need—making it easier to configure the enclosure for the specific application.
Benefits of Molded Knockouts
Non-metallic enclosures with knockouts offer several practical advantages:
- Faster installation with less drilling
- Predetermined entry locations for cleaner, more consistent installations
- Reduced risk of damaging internal components
- Flexibility to accommodate different conduit and cable configurations
- Fewer tools required on the jobsite
- Corrosion-free construction for indoor and outdoor applications
Unused knockouts remain sealed, allowing one enclosure design to support multiple installation configurations.
How to Remove a Knockout from a Non-Metallic Enclosure
Always remove knockouts before installing sensitive equipment inside the enclosure. Place the enclosure on a stable, well-supported work surface and locate the molded removal notch on the knockout.
Insert the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the notch. Hold the screwdriver at a slight angle toward the center of the knockout, then gently tap the end of the screwdriver handle with a hammer. Use light, controlled taps rather than a single hard strike.
Once the knockout begins to separate, continue working carefully around its edge until it can be removed cleanly. Do not use excessive force, which could crack or damage the enclosure wall. After removal, inspect the opening and clear away any loose material before installing the fitting.
Protecting the Enclosure Rating
Removing a knockout creates an opening in the enclosure, so the correct fitting must be used to maintain environmental protection.
Choose conduit hubs, cable glands, or other fittings rated for the enclosure and its operating environment. Properly installed fittings help preserve protection against water, dust, dirt, and other contaminants. An improperly sized or poorly sealed fitting can compromise the performance of the entire enclosure.
Always follow the fitting manufacturer’s installation and tightening instructions. The finished assembly—not the empty enclosure alone—determines the level of protection provided in the field.
Fibox Enclosures Available with Knockouts
Fibox offers several non-metallic enclosure families with knockout configurations, making it easier to adapt the box to your installation:
- ARCA–JIC: Durable polycarbonate enclosures for industrial controls, electrical equipment, and demanding indoor or outdoor applications.
- CARDMASTER: Instrumentation enclosures designed to house electronics, displays, controls, and interface components.
- MNX: Compact polycarbonate and ABS enclosures suitable for electrical, electronic, and automation applications.
- TEMPO: Versatile, easy-to-install enclosures for general electrical and electronic equipment.
Available knockout patterns and sizes vary by enclosure family and model. Verify the product specifications to ensure the selected enclosure provides the entry locations required for your application.
An Easier Way to Configure Your Enclosure
Non-metallic enclosures with molded knockouts help reduce installation time while providing the flexibility needed for conduit, wiring, and cable entry. By removing only the required knockouts and installing properly rated fittings, installers can create a clean, professional enclosure assembly suited to the application.
Fibox ARCA–JIC, CARDMASTER, MNX, and TEMPO enclosures are available with knockout options that make it easier to make the box work for you.