hinge Lidded IP44 box

[timtheenchanter]

anyone know of a supplier of these?

Basically I am wanting to put a patch point for my AV kit on my caravan outside, underneath the van, I already have a IP44 socket outlet, and want somthing similar to output AV, so I can have my sky box installed under a bunk inside.

I can only find screw on lid types, any pointers, my google-fu has escaped me thus far.
Ideally something about the size of a double box.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

http://www.google.co.uk/search?sour...ibox+OR+himel+OR+abb+OR+schneider)+enclosures

(Other makes are available - they were just the ones which sprang to mind)

But how would you use one? If you put outlets inside and need to open the lid to get to them then you'll lose the IP rating.

 

[timtheenchanter]

It would be like the IP44 sockets (or most of) that loose the IP rating whilst in use.
The idea is to have a AV patch panel there with audio/video sockets, which I would use a short lead to connect to my TV.
it would be at the awning side of my caravan, so protected form the weather when in use, when not in use, the IP rating would protect the connectors from the elements and road crud.
I will then have an IR receiver hidden just in the corner of the window remote to the box (a butchered magic eye) to control the box from outside the van.

just trying to speed up the setup time when Im away, and also minimise the amount of tech left in the awning.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It would be like the IP44 sockets (or most of) that loose the IP rating whilst in use.

Properly made IEC60309s don't.

MK Masterseal BS 1363s don't.

If you find ones that do, don't use them.

The idea is to have a AV patch panel there with audio/video sockets, which I would use a short lead to connect to my TV.
it would be at the awning side of my caravan, so protected form the weather when in use, when not in use, the IP rating would protect the connectors from the elements and road crud.

I'm confused - I thought from your original description that you wanted a box to put outside somewhere to plug the caravan into, not a box on the caravan.

So this is to be on the outside, or on the underside of the caravan so that you can plug a TV etc into it which you have outside? Will it be convenient to have it actually under the caravan?

Dirt and spray are one thing - what about stones etc? And if the catch on the door should ever give way (those boxes are not designed for automotive applications) it will swing down and all kinds of mayhem could ensue.

What type, and how many connectors do you need?

If you've got to unplug the TV and take it inside when you leave the van wouldn't it be just as easy to have a few cables passed through a window?

 

[timtheenchanter]

my apologies, the exterior socket I have used (not installed) have all been similar to this type

which, as you can see, when in use, the flap is up, removing the IP rating.

I would need an S-vid and L/R phono sockets for video and audio, or I could also use 3 phono sockets, composite vid and L/R audio.

never thought of the lid not being secure enough, hmm, possibly back to the drawing board.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I am not sure if this helps, but MK have added some items to their Masterseal range.
One of these is a blank enclosure into which you can put one or two of their Euro Data modules. You can then shut the lid for IP66 protection.

See HERE for more info..

 

[ban-all-sheds]

my apologies, the exterior socket I have used (not installed) have all been similar to this type

http://www.gwsupplies.co.uk/img/prod/1166619020/13+amp+1+gang+ip55+outdoor+socket+outlet.jpg

which, as you can see, when in use, the flap is up, removing the IP rating.

Ooh no - you don't want to use that sort.

never thought of the lid not being secure enough, hmm, possibly back to the drawing board.

Like TTC I was going to suggest a Masterseal with appropriate modules inside, depending on what you need. Ideally mounted on the side of the van, but I guess there'd be issues of it sticking out.

Subject to structural and insulation problems, can you get any general purpose thingy with a door which you can recess into the side? I'm not a caravanner but I'm sure I've seen them with little doors in various places with inlets/outlets of various sorts underneath.

 

[timtheenchanter]

cheers, an extra locker door might be a better solution here. (would also give better access to storage in the lockers.