When it comes to protecting vital electrical and telecoms equipment, choosing the right street cabinet is an important decision. These enclosures don’t just safeguard sensitive infrastructure; they also protect people from exposure to live electrical components. The question many project engineers and facilities managers ask is whether street metal cabinets or GRP cabinets offer the best value and performance for their project.
Street Metal Cabinets: Strength And Reliability
Metal electrical cabinets are a popular choice across utilities, telecoms and infrastructure projects because of their resilience. Fabricated from galvanised steel, stainless steel or aluminium, they offer:
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Robust protection: Able to withstand significant physical impact, making them ideal in areas prone to vandalism or heavy use.
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Repairability: If damaged, metal cabinets can often be patched or welded back into service, reducing the need for costly full replacements.
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Long-term value: While the upfront cost may be higher than GRP, maintenance and lifecycle costs are often lower.
A key consideration with metal is conductivity. Because metal conducts electricity, proper earthing is essential to ensure safety and compliance. With the right design and installation, this is a straightforward process.
GRP Cabinets: Lightweight And Low Maintenance
GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) cabinets are often chosen for their non-corrosive properties. They’re lighter than metal and resistant to rust, even in coastal or humid environments. Maintenance demands are low, but when damage does occur, repairs are not straightforward. Unlike a metal electrical cabinet, a GRP unit may need to be replaced entirely if cracked or broken.
Street Metal Cabinets Vs GRP Cabinets
When weighing up the two options, the differences become clear:
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Durability: Metal provides stronger protection against impact and vandalism. GRP offers corrosion resistance, but can’t match the same physical resilience.
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Maintenance: Metal requires surface protection to prevent rust, but it can be repaired easily if damaged. GRP is low maintenance day to day, but difficult to fix once compromised.
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Cost: GRP may appear cheaper initially, but metal cabinets often deliver better value over the full lifecycle because they can be repaired and last longer.
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Applications: Metal is ideal for high-traffic or high-risk areas, while GRP is often specified where weight is an issue or corrosion is the primary concern.
For many infrastructure projects, metal street cabinets strike the best balance between performance, durability and long-term cost efficiency.
Why Choose FDMS?
At FDMS, we specialise in supplying street metal cabinets that are practical, durable and tailored to your project requirements. We know that downtime and equipment failure can cause major disruption, so we focus on solutions that stand up to real-world conditions. From straightforward enclosures to bespoke metal electrical cabinets designed around your specification, we’ll help you choose the right option without unnecessary complexity.
Contact Us
If you’re comparing GRP and metal cabinets for your next project, we can give you clear, honest advice on the best solution. Our team will work with you to understand your requirements and provide a cabinet that delivers long-term reliability and value. Contact FDMS today to start the conversation.
