FAQs
Shipping containers are hot ovens and not fit for human habitation
Any non-insulated structure can become hot and unsuitable for human habitation in the summer months. A shipping container is as responsive to insulation as any other structure or material. All SMART modules are insulated with Rockwool or PU sandwich panels resulting in a more efficient insulated environment than a standard brick and mortar construction.
Shipping containers should not be used for housing because they quickly become old and rusty housing
Shipping containers are constructed with Corten steel and then coated with epoxy paint, thereby making it near impossible for them to corrode. Any scratched, dented and untreated metal will oxidize and in time corrode. In the rare case this happens, it can be repaired easily. A shipping container home constructed according to building codes will be the most maintenance free structure you could have.
Shipping containers cannot meet conventional housing standards or building codes and therefore should not be considered for use in construction.
As proven by the actual tests and certifications a shipping container, when used far exceeds any international building standards.
Can the product be recycled after its first use? if so how?
Yes. The converted container’s life does not end after use with its current conversion. After its usage, it can be re-modified and refurbished for another type of use or relocated to another location. As the very end of its use, the steel shell can be sold as scrap and recycled for further use in the industry.
Is the product designed for dis-assembly?
Yes. It can be dis-assembled, reconverted and transported to any other location.
What is the period warranty or guarantee?
The structure is under warranty for 10 years. However, with minimal maintenance, the shell can last over 50 years.
Does the smart modules meet international building codes?
Yes. SMART Modules meet and exceed all IBC and UBC codes as a base structural unit. Please refer to the Comparison section for more information.
How much does a smart module cost?
The cost varies according to the type of product and the specifications required. The initial cost outlay does not reflect the true savings of SMART constructs on. When attributes such as:
- saving on foundations
- speed of construction
- faster ROI
- low maintenance
- salvage value, are factored, there is no better construction solution available in today’s world.
How does smart modules compare with porta-cabins?
The benefits of SMART modules far out weigh that of Porta-cabins (see Benefits section for full list of benefits). The main differences are:
- SMART modules are made of steel as opposed to a wood based structure in porta-cabins
- SMART Modules are made to last over 50 years. Portacabins on the other hand, wear away easily in our regional weather conditions
- Porta-cabins are prone to damage during transportation and due to the width of the cabins, transportation on local roads may require special permissions or may face restrictions.
- Porta-cabins are cheaper than SMART modules however, there is signi fi cant recurring maintenance cost associated with the employment of Porta-cabins.
- Porta-cabins are prone to Earthquakes, Fire, Termite, mould and other damaging factors that may severely affect its inhabitants.
- The salvage value when compared to SMART modules are virtually zero.
- Porta-cabins cannot be stacked without proper support frames. This is an additional cost and restricted to 2 to 3 high stacking.
- Porta-cabins are not a Eco-friendly solution.
Can you undertake installation work including external mep at site
We specialise in container conversion and hold an industrial licence to undertake this business. As we are not authorized as civil or MEP contractors, all external works need to be outsourced. The same can be undertaken by a sub-contractor, subject to approved drawings and the requisite statutory approvals from the authorities (which falls under the purview of the client). The services of an approved consultant shall be required for the same. For installation, depending on the location, Smart Box can undertake with its partners. In other cases, Smart Box can depute experienced supervisors to site to coordinate with local labour to install the SMART modules. For specific Turnkey projects, please contact Smart Box.
Can you take all requisite approvals from government authorities?
For all Government approvals, an approved consultant is required and should be appointed by the client. Smart Box will provide all required drawings, technical data and information to facilitate the process. For additional information Smart Box can facilitate to appoint reputed consultants on behalf of the client. e.g. structural analysis and certification, a structural consultant must be appointed.
Can you provide plumbing specification in accordance with ipc 2009?
Yes. In addition, we can also provide special requirements such as DWV (drain/ waste/vent) systems. Plumbing systems can be provided to meet ASTM standards.
What are the electrical earth provisions in a container?
An earth boss is provided which is connected to the earth line of the mains in the distribution box. In addition, earth leakage circuit breakers with 30mA or 60mA tripping capacity is provided as a standard.
What is the prevention against electrical shock in a container?
The prevention against electrical shock in a container has been mentioned above. For humans, a threshold of 30mA current is incorporated in the ELCB which shall trip in case of an earth fault, which means that if someone is subject to a live wire, the circuit shall trip within milliseconds. Every container body is earthed to the system earth line to prevent the body from becoming live due to any fault.
What is the sound insulation in a converted unit?
The sound insulation in a container depends on the type of insulation provided, which can be either PU sandwich panel, rockwool panel, laminated MDF with rockwool insulation, gypsum board with rockwool insulation, calcium silicate board with rockwool insulation, HPL sheet with rockwool insulation, magnesium oxide board with rockwool insulation, plywood with rockwool insulation etc. Sound attenuation depends on the design and type of unit being converted.
Can you provide 3m wide containers?
For a 3m wide container, Smart Box will have to custom fabricate the same by joining an extension to the side of a container. However, the finished unit will no longer have valid CSC certification and hence, not be seaworthy. All custom fabricated units are suited for land installations.
What is the maximum height inside a converted container?
For a 40ft high cube container, the maximum internal height is 2.5m with insulation. Without insulation, on container bare ceiling, 2.84m (for 40’ high cube containers) and 2.39m (in 20’ and 40’ standard containers).
Do 40’ containers have fork lift pockets?
No. Standard forklifts are not designed to lift 40ft containers due to the load and balance.
What type of electrical cabling do you use?
Normally we use BS/IEC standard size PVC sheathed cables that vary from 1.5mm to 10mm, depending on the current load. For NEC standards, we use THHN cables which are UL listed. The cabling colour coding is in accordance with the standards. We can cater to any international electric standard if required, e.g. NEC standard (USA).
What type of plumbing materials do you use?
For black water and grey water lines, PVC schedule-40 pipes in accordance with IPC 2009 and for fresh water, PPR pipes.
What are the certifications provided with a converted container?
A CSC certificate is issued by a qualified IICL surveyor for seaworthiness. If a load test and MPI is required, then a 3rd party certificate is issued from a certified body.