I hope somebody here has a suggestion.
I have a fresh-from China digital thermostat, ebay item 121008710907.
I want to put it into a box with a 13amp socket, plus a power lead so that it looks neat.
Any suggestions for a purpose-built box that allows fitting a component (including 'I wouldn't start from here').
Thanks.
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Any good electronics supplier such as RS or Farnell will do enclosures (typically in grey ABS plastic, with a gasket around the lid and screwed shut on the four corners) that have punch-outs in the side you can run the cable through. They're like over-sized versions of outdoor 13 amp junction boxes.
If by "13 amp socket" you mean you want to have a removable power lead, do remember to use a kettle-type connector so there are no exposed live pins. I've heard of someone putting a wall socket on such an enclosure, and a 13 amp plug on both ends of the power lead. It was only a matter of time before he unplugged the wrong end first and zapped himself!
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>>If by "13 amp socket" you mean you want to have a removable power lead, do remember >>to use a kettle-type connector so there are no exposed live pins
A kettle-type connector would leave live pins exposed! A 13 amp socket is designed to be live and is therefore safe.... :o
Thanks, I'll pop into Maplins to see what they have (have you actually looked at the box I've bought tinyurl.com/aaj74g9 as I'm not sure it will really fit one of these boxes. Anyway!
Last edited by: R.P. on Fri 1 Feb 13 at 17:10
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>> A kettle-type connector would leave live pins exposed!
Not if you fitted the correct IEC connector to the box.
eg uk.rs-online.com/web/p/iec-connectors/0489245A/
and then fitted the correct IEC connector to the device that's being powered.
eg uk.rs-online.com/web/p/iec-connectors/0449922/
That's of course if you want a 240v outlet on the box. If however you want to connect 240v up to the box you'll require the reverse equivalents of the above.
Last edited by: VxFan on Fri 1 Feb 13 at 13:46
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Yes, the one on Amazon is the kind of thing I had in mind, but the Maplin ones should be fine for indoors use. Or else Maplin have these too: www.maplin.co.uk/project-boxes-265960
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I used something similar to electronify an Aga.
If you're switching 230v, you can just use the same supply (which should be on a fused spur).
Otherwise, just drill a hole in the box and run your cable in and stick a plug on the end. You can get grommets which offer strain relief on the cable. I would cut a rectangular hole in the box so the controls and display are exposed.
What are you planning to use it for?
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A box for some electronics - Gromit
