Weatherproof enclosures?

Bradistherad1

New elf
Joined
Sep 13, 2021
Messages
22
Where is everyone getting their enclosures? I've looked around and I can't find anything big enough that isn't super expensive.
 

Freman

Uh Oh Elf
Generous elf
Joined
Aug 9, 2021
Messages
118

djgra79

My name is Graham & I love flashing lights!
Global moderator
Generous elf
Joined
Dec 27, 2011
Messages
2,161
Location
Cranbourne West
Have a search through the forums as there are many posts about people's solutions. All kind of comes down to how actual weather proof, how large and how expensive/cheap you want them to be. Like most things in the hobby there is no single solution.
For my 2c, I just use plastic kitchen containers from Kmart under $6 each, add cable glands and vents for airflow, and then if exposed to the weather, cover them in a large coro box made to look like a present to both add weather proofing and to hide them, also adding to the festive look of the yard.
View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u2137fnbdqmmmyo/Photo%2010-1-17%2C%209%2019%2003%20pm.jpg?dl=0
 

Freman

Uh Oh Elf
Generous elf
Joined
Aug 9, 2021
Messages
118
OMG I never considered covering it to look like a present.
 

Mark_M

Annoying Elf
Joined
Dec 30, 2018
Messages
914
Location
Christmas Light world
I've used two of these side-by-side in an undercover area for power supplies. https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ezy-storage-20l-bunker-heavy-duty-storage-tub_p2583513 Cable enter under the lid. There's photos of someone using these and PG7 glands around the forum.
1632192952851.png

I have one of these: https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/masterplug-weatherproof-power-box-345-x-210-x-125mm/p/270766
It works alright, I put a bit of duct tape over the seem to help stop water ingress.
@LawrenceDriveLights has done a test with one here, there's also my photo of an ants nest inside further down.
1632192887767.png

The best box like that I have is this: https://www.jaycar.co.nz/dri-box-we...dac101644bc9fcaa77f7aba663a051&sort=relevance
1632192863424.png
 

darylc

404 darylc not found
Joined
Dec 8, 2012
Messages
1,146
it's not sealed as such so it's not going to work underwater, but its held down with the metal clips and has a huge lip - 2-3cm so I doubt water will find it's way in.
 

aeiche

New elf
Joined
Nov 19, 2020
Messages
13
Like @Mark_M, I use a DRiBOX - which is very nice, though it may not work for larger setups. My janky setup fit in okay:

img_1387-scaled-e1609056019880.jpg IMG_1385.jpeg
It was really fast and reckless. That said, It kept everything nice and dry throughout the few weeks I had it setup. I was a little worried about airflow but it didn't seem to be a problem (This was just a 5V setup though, so I don't know how a heavy duty system would fair). Overall I'm very happy with it, but my controllers are a Raspberry Pi and some SSRs. If it's not obvious from the picture, a little rearranging could substantially improve the space.

(AUS Amazon link - I'm in the States and bought up here. The prices look comparable to me: https://www.amazon.com.au/Dri-Box-D...child=1&keywords=dribox&qid=1632347329&sr=8-5)
 
Last edited:

damona

Full time elf
Joined
Oct 23, 2013
Messages
296
I thought enclosures need to be rated for 240v. i.e. with stand certain temperatures without catching on fire/melting.
 

Mark_M

Annoying Elf
Joined
Dec 30, 2018
Messages
914
Location
Christmas Light world
I thought enclosures need to be rated for 240v. i.e. with stand certain temperatures without catching on fire/melting.
Theoretically...

If you've bought a cheap Bunnings box designed for plug boards I'd expect them to be. Otherwise you can blame Bunnings in an insurance claim :).
 
Top