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        Weatherproof box - Your Complete Guide

        A weatherproof box is an essential part of any electrical system. They are essentially a junction box. They protect critical electrical equipment from the elements, and choosing the correct weatherproof box will help keep the electrical system in operation during any weather conditions.

        What is a Weatherproof Box?

        A weatherproof box is a solution to achieving a weatherproof connection solution. Weatherproof electrical boxes, when appropriately connected, seal out the weather and prevent moisture from getting in.

        • Most weatherproof boxes have a rubber seal to prevent moisture or dust from entering.
        • Usually sealed with screws, some boxes are available with marine-grade screws, and some have snap-on covers requiring a tool to open.
        • Contain knockouts - prefabricated sections can be removed to install glands or conduits into the weatherproof box.

        Types of Weatherproof Electrical Box

        There are many weatherproof electrical boxes, but the most common are those with a metal exterior or a plastic (PVC) exterior. These boxes are designed to protect electrical equipment and cable connections from the elements, including rain, snow, and ice.

        Adaptable boxes come in a range of sizes to suit your particular needs. The most common size is as follows.

        1. NLS 30091 | Adaptable weatherproof box 77mm x 77mm x 54mm. A small practical weatherproof box.
        2. NLS 30633 | Adaptable weatherproof box 150mm x 150mm x 75mm. Medium size but narrow box - low profile appearance.
        3. NLS 30093 | Adaptable weatherproof box 211mm x 108mm x 81mm. A sturdy rectangle with plenty of room for connection.
        4. Clipsal 265-5 | Same as above manufactured by Clipsal
        5. Clipsal 265-3 | Adaptable weatherproof box 108mm x 108mm x 76mm

        Weatherproof Junction box, the different types.

        PVC weatherproof power box: PVC boxes are made of plastic material and are often less expensive than other boxes. They can be painted to match your exterior wall or roofing.

        Metal weatherproof junction box electrical enclosures: Metal boxes are made of a metal material and are often more expensive than PVC boxes. They can be painted to match your exterior wall or roofing, and they are often heavier than PVC boxes and require more fixings.

        Accessories for a weatherproof box

        • Screws: Screws attach a weatherproof box to the exterior wall or roofing.
        • Silicone: Silicone should be applied to ensure an excellent weatherproof seal between a weatherproof box and an exterior wall or roofing, 
        • PVC cable glands: PVC cable glands are required when cables need to penetrate a weatherproof box to allow cables to pass in or out of the weatherproof box. 
        • Conduit Adaptors: Plain-to-screw conduit adapters are an option to screw into an enclosure securely on one end and connect to a PVC conduit. 
        • Hole saws: Holesaws are used to cut holes in a weatherproof box.
        • Use standard cable connectors like BP connector types or strip connectors for weatherproof power connections. 

        Why is a weatherproof box essential?

        A weatherproof box is essential because it protects your electrical system from the elements. If your electrical system is exposed to the elements, it can become damaged over time. If water or moisture enters the box, it could lead to circuit breakers shorting, safety switch nuisance trips or even worse, damage to the electrical system. A weatherproof box also helps to protect the electrical system from potential vandalism.

        How to choose the correct weatherproof box? 

        When choosing a weatherproof box, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to decide what type of box you need. There are three main types of boxes: PVC, metal and plastic. PVC boxes are the cheapest option and are often lighter than metal or plastic boxes. They also require fewer fixings than metal or plastic boxes, making them the best option if you're looking for an easy installation. However, PVC boxes are less weatherproof than metal or plastic boxes and may not be suitable for extreme conditions.

        Determine the number of cables required.

        Allow room for the connections and cables.

        IP protection on weatherproof box

        Many of the weatherproof we stock at Sparky Direct have a rating of IP56 or IP65.

        What does the IP 56 and IP65 rating mean?

        IP56, meaning - International Protection 56 - Partial protection against dust that may harm equipment and protection against direct high-pressure jets. Example product Clipsal adaptable weatherproof box 163mm x 108mm x 81mm IP56 grey

        IP65, meaning - International Protection 65 - Totally dust-tight. Complete protection against dust and other particulates, including a vacuum seal, tested against continuous airflow. And protection against low-pressure jets (6.3 mm) of directed water from any angle (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects to the equipment inside). Example product NLS 30632 Adaptable weatherproof box 150mm x 150mm x 50mm IP65

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