Electronic Components and Tools Suppliers

• Altronics: https://www.altronics.com.au/
  
• Digikey (USA): https://www.digikey.com/
• Core Electronics: https://core-electronics.com.au/ (e.g. Raspberry Pi, Arduino)
• element14: https://au.element14.com/ (was Farnell)
• Jaycar: https://www.jaycar.com.au/
• Mouser: https://au.mouser.com/
  
• Oatley Electronics: http://www.oatleyelectronics.com/
  
• Rockby Electronic Components: http://rockby.com.au
  
• RS Components: https://au.rs-online.com/web/

• Electrician Supplies: http://www.electriciansupplies.com.au/shop/ (Cable, conduit fittings, etc)
• Sparky Direct: https://www.sparkydirect.com.au (Morayfield QLD)

Cable glands (also called compression glands) are a good way to pass cables through the walls of your controller boxes, etc. When installed correctly, they provide a very effective weatherproof seal and provide strain relief for the cable.

You must however use the right sized gland for the intended cable. The supplier will usually specify the range of cable size that suits each type. For example, the H4304 gland from Altronics quotes a 3mm - 6.5mm cable diameter range that it will accept.

The other thing to check is that the rear threaded section is long enough to mount through your enclosure and still fit the nut on properly.

There are a few common sizes available from Altronics , Jaycar and various other vendors. See Enclosures and Accessories page for further details.

There is a wide range of enclosures you can use to house controller boards, power supplies and cabling junctions. From smaller sealed ABS boxes like Jaycar Electronics sell to large metal boxes (similar to house electrical meter boxes) available from a range of vendors, see below.
You should ensure that any enclosure box you use is both waterproof and able to vent any hot air if required. The ABS boxes, that the likes of Jaycar sell, have internal mounting holes that are still outside of the sealed area, other enclosures use clasps or clips to seal the lid. One thing you might consider is some form of locking mechanism, for instance the CG-1500 enclosure has a loop in the lid and base through which a padlock or zip-tie can be placed.



See also: Enclosures and Accessories Suppliers