Building an AC current limitable, isolated, adjustable supply for the Lab.

[peteb2]

OK done to death as a subject i am sure but i would really like to build mine in a similar vein to the sort Mr Carlson presented a couple years back. (See You Tube:       ).

My question is to whether i can use a large chunk of 18mm thick clear acrylic sheet to mount the electrical components ( variac, isolation transformer, switches, outlets, hookup wiring etc) on rather that the normal brown coloured phenolic/ FR2 (synthetic resin bonded paper) fuse board panel you'd normally use (as Mr Carlson has done).... Of course there is a serious consideration of electrical safety issues at stake too annd i am really aware of that.

I have access to plenty of heavy duty thick re-usable clear acrylic sheeting and like the idea of a single wall mounted panel setup next the bench in my Lab as opposed to having another set of shelf kit that would be occupying valuable space for real test gear.

So the question is, is thick guage acrylic plastic safe to build mains (230Vac) projects on ? ? ?....  ok idea  or absolutely stupid  ....?

Any input appreciated....