PIR Waterproofing

[LeeDowner]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Byron-Motion-Detector-Switch-1000W/dp/B001B0R45W/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I have this PIR to fit but I'm worried about water getting into the unit where the connector block is.

You can see on the picture that the housing for the connector block will not sit flush to the wall, there are 3 of those 'legs' creating a gap of around 10mm between the back of the unit and the hole that will be in the wall for the cable. The unit is supplied with grommets but I don't think they will keep the water out once the cables are fed through

The wall that this will be fitted to is rendered, will I have to drill out some of the render so those legs sit deeper in the wall and the back of the housing sits flush ? Then seal around the whole thing. Or maybe take a hacksaw to it and remove them ?

Thanks.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If you read the product descrition you wiil see that it says

NOTE TO INSTALLER: This product is IP rated 44, this means it can be used externally. Please make sure when installing the unit the connection points are used properly. If used incorrectly this can alter the IP rating.


So all will be fine if you follow the installation instructions to the letter.

If you do something like

drill out some of the render so those legs sit deeper in the wall and the back of the housing sits flush

then the housing may well fill up with water.

The stand off legs serve a purpose, and the securing screws go through those. Many items, like this, come with rubber plugs that fit on top of the screw heads inside. If you do not trust Byron to know about their own products and live up to the IP44 rating, then you could pop some silicone sealant on top of the screws.

You will, of course, be sealing the hole in the wall with silicone, won't you?

 

[LeeDowner]

If you read the product descrition you wiil see that it says

NOTE TO INSTALLER: This product is IP rated 44, this means it can be used externally. Please make sure when installing the unit the connection points are used properly. If used incorrectly this can alter the IP rating.


So all will be fine if you follow the installation instructions to the letter.

If you do something like

drill out some of the render so those legs sit deeper in the wall and the back of the housing sits flush

then the housing may well fill up with water.

The stand off legs serve a purpose, and the securing screws go through those. Many items, like this, come with rubber plugs that fit on top of the screw heads inside. If you do not trust Byron to know about their own products and live up to the IP44 rating, then you could pop some silicone sealant on top of the screws.

You will, of course, be sealing the hole in the wall with silicone, won't you?

I'll silicone everything.

Why would the housing fill with water ? If those legs were sunk into the render and then sealed with silicone afterwards I don't see how water could get in.

The legs seem unnecessary, they're creating a gap where the cable is exposed.

I think I'll sink the legs in so the housing is flush to the wall then seal around the whole thing.

Thanks.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I would think a 'gap' can't/won't fill with water and will dry.

Two surfaces close together will hold water and dirt and become a sponge.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Up to you, if you want to mess with maker's instructions and design. it's designed to have an IP rating of 44. The second 4 means:

"Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect"

I've installed lots of those, never had a leak yet.

You worry too much.

 

[LeeDowner]

Good point EFL.

Maybe I do worry too much, I'm just making sure everything is properly sealed.

I won't sink the legs in then, saves a job