Two types of insulated housings are employed in elmex terminal blocks:
1. Polyamide 6.6, Injection Moulded
Polyamide 6.6 (or Nylon 6.6) is a resin belonging to the Nylon family of thermoplastic moulding materials.
Polyamide 6.6 possesses a good balance of various properties:- tensile and flexural strengths, allowable service temperature, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, resistance to fuels, lubricants and many chemical properties, for low voltage applications. It is resistant to surface discharge with CTI > 600 (IEC-60112).
2. Melamine, Compression Moulded
Melamine is a resin belonging to the group of thermosetting compounds, generally know as amino-plasts. It has an excellent resistance to deformation, particularly hardness and a very good surface brilliance.
Melamine has an optimum dimensional stability and a strong resistance to surface discharge with CTI > 600 (IEC-60112). It does not ignite and gets converted into char form in case of fire. It is Abrasion and chemical resistant, waterproof and resists high and low temperatures within the limits of-40 C and 130 C.
Melamine is particularly suited for use in severe environmental conditions and is preferred for Circuit Breaker panels, Refineries, Chemical plants, potentially explosive installations and any other high risk environments in general.