Advantages of Stainless Steel Power Pedestals
Pedoc is a trusted manufacturer of power pedestals, renowned for their high-quality, durable products in tough outdoor conditions. Our products boast welded stainless steel construction, ensuring exceptional durability, strength, and corrosion resistance for safeguarding wiring, conduit, and electrical devices.
While there are other materials available for outdoor power pedestals, it is important to carefully consider the properties and impacts of each option. For example, aluminum has a lower tensile strength and can be prone to warping or deforming in extreme temperatures. Mild steel corrodes easily, posing environmental risks. Plastic is lightweight but vulnerable to UV radiation, temperature extremes, and moisture damage.
Pedoc’s stainless steel power pedestals provide the optimal blend of strength, durability, and corrosion resistance for outdoor power pedestals.
Key Stainless Steel Advantages
Superior corrosion resistance
Contains a high amount of chromium, which forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal that prevents rust and corrosion. This allows wiring, conduit and devices to continue to function safely and properly over time.
Durability
A tough material that can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as high winds, extreme temperatures, and exposure to UV radiation.
Uncompromising strength
Uncompromising strength: Its high tensile strength provides resistance to breaking under tension or stress. It is a stable and durable material that is capable of withstanding accidental damage and is resistant to impact.
Aesthetics
Not only is stainless strong, its sleek and modern appearance is easy to clean and can enhance the overall appeal of outdoor electrical component containment.
Environmentally friendly
It is non-toxic and does not release any harmful chemicals or leach toxins into the soil or water.
Cost and time savings
Its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion means less maintenance and a longer lifespan.
Mild Steel Power Pedestals
Mild steel is not ideal for electrical enclosures for several reasons:
Corrosion
Mild steel is prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors. This can result in reduced integrity and higher susceptibility of material failure.
Rust
Mild steel corrosion can lead to the development of rust, which can spread rapidly and cause damage to products.
Safety risk
Rust weakens the material and causes the surface to become rough and jagged. This can create sharp edges that can cause injury to people who come into contact with the product.
Appearance
Rusted mild steel products can quickly turn a beautiful space into an unsightly eyesore.
Recycling
Mild steel can be dangerous and challenging to recycle due to factors contamination, rust, and other impurities that can be present in the material.
Landscape limitations
Extreme temperatures, UV radiation, high winds or heavy rain and moisture can easily compromise the integrity of mild steel rendering it unsuitable for all outdoor environments.
Maintenance and repair costs
Damaged imposed by corrosion requires labor intensive repair which includes chemical or brush cleaning, the use of filler material(s), sanding and coating. Not only can this be a time-consuming headache, it can be expensive.
Aluminum Power Pedestals
Aluminum is not ideal for electrical enclosures for several reasons:
Corrosion
While aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, exposure to certain environmental conditions such as moisture, salt, and pollutants can cause the metal to corrode over time. Corrosion can compromise the integrity of the enclosure, potentially leading to electrical hazards.
Strength
Aluminum, specifically commonly used T5052 and T6061, has a lower tensile strength compared to stainless steel. The tensile rating of aluminum is generally in the range of 30,000 to 45,000 psi, which is notably lower than the tensile strength of 304 stainless steel, which exceeds 70,000 psi. This means that stainless steel has a higher resistance to breaking under tension or stress than aluminum, making it a stronger and more durable material.
UV damage
Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause the surface of aluminum enclosures to fade, crack, or become brittle. This can weaken the enclosure and increase the risk of mechanical failure or electrical hazards.
Maintenance and repair costs
Plastic is prone to damage. Field repair is often difficult, time-consuming, and costly. If a full replacement is needed, not only is there an added material and labor expense, but the availability of power may also be disrupted.
Plastic Power Pedestals
Plastic is not recommended for electrical enclosures for several reasons:
Strength
Its lightweight properties provide limited strength making it prone to cracks and breakage from minimal force. Breakage can cause damage to electrical components and lead to safety hazards.
UV damage
Plastic is susceptible to degradation due to UV radiation from the sun. This can cause it to become brittle over time leading to damaged electrical components.
Appearance
The chemical makeup of plastic makes it prone to discoloration when outdoors which can turn a beautiful space into a distracting eyesore.
Landscape limitations
Since UV radiation can damage the integrity of plastic, it is not a suitable material for all outdoor environments.
Maintenance and repair costs
Since mild steel is prone to corrosion, repair is often difficult, time-consuming, and costly. If a full replacement is needed, not only is there an added material and labor expense, but power availability may also be disrupted.
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