Weatherproof enclosures?

B

Bradistherad1

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

Enclosure - "CordTech Outdoor Power"

I was making what seems like a daily trip to a certain big green shed hardware shop this time of year and noticed some of these "CordTech Outdoor Power" Weather Resistant Boxes / Enclosures. I was having a quick look and they seemed ok, some nice features like a rubber seal, removable cable...
auschristmaslighting.com
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The best box like that I have is this: https://www.jaycar.co.nz/dri-box-we...dac101644bc9fcaa77f7aba663a051&sort=relevance
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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.
 
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)
 
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I thought enclosures need to be rated for 240v. i.e. with stand certain temperatures without catching on fire/melting.
 
damona said:
I thought enclosures need to be rated for 240v. i.e. with stand certain temperatures without catching on fire/melting.
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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 :).
 
Notenoughlights said:
Was the box installed by a licensed registered electrician will be what your insurance company says :p
Click to expand...
"Temporary" enclosure is what the boxes are labelled as and they're not hard wired in.
Bring on the fight if insurance wants to say that.
 
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