Need a BOX for new controller - source recommendations?

[varocketry]

I would like to build a new controller - anyone have source recommendations for cheap plastic or metal boxes that I might use?

[Klein]

Try going to an electrical supply house, such as westburn.


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[still_stirrin]

I would like to build a new controller - anyone have source recommendations for cheap plastic or metal boxes that I might use?

How "cheap"?

I used an 8"x8" PVC electrical box from the big box stores. Not too expensive...but not "free" either.

When it comes to building equipment (tools for a trade), I don't so much focus on aquisition cost as much as requirements and approriateness of the solution. I don't have the "just get by" mentality because I want the "tool" to work, doing its job, safely and repeatedly. You've heard me say it before, but I'll repeat it again here for your benefit, "buy once...cry once".

But to add to your requirements definition, a plastic (PVC) box is easy to drill and cut openings into. They are robust and will support your control devices well, and you can easily add screw standoffs for equipment inside. And because the box is plastic, it won't conduct electricity, so you don't have to isolate devices from the housing and each other.

Happy shopping.
ss

p.s.-Yes, there are two (2) control circuits in my 8"x8" box, complete with 30 amp twist lock output(s).

[Snackson]

I've seen toolboxes used before. Plastic as well as metal.

[Blarney Stoned]

A friend has all his components screwed to a 18 X 18 piece of plywood which is securely bolted to his wall out of reach and cooled by a simple box fan.

Or this:

https://www.google.com/search?q=project+box+images&rlz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[still_stirrin]

panel mounting

Here you can see that I bolted the 8"x8" box to a board (painted dark gray) and then mounted that to an aluminum extrusion. The extrusion is bolted to the keg's top and bottom skirts. This puts my controls at the right height to watch and adjust without bending over or walking to a wall mounted panel. It's attached to the boiler but the nuts that attach it are wingnuts and the whole thing can be disconnected in a minute...for transportation or storage.

I don't know what all your design requirements are, but when I design something I consider many factors. This way I don't have to build and rebuild and build again, over and over. Understanding all requirements up front helps define a solution better.
ss

[Blarney Stoned]

- anyone have source recommendations for cheap plastic boxes that I might use?

Here scroll down a bit. Any cheaper and it would be free:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-1312-Ammo-Can/23247620" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[wannab]

V A this is not a bad deal-http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hoffman-Enclosu ... 6?hash=ite

[rgreen2002]

I used this:

My case

http://www.harborfreight.com/11-12-x-7- ... 69316.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

$15 at harbor freight. I think I got mine on sale for around $10... and they always have some sale. It's easy to modify and easy to open if I need to get inside.

They have the ammo box too for like $8 and I'v seen them down to $5 like the Wal=Mart priced one Blarney mentioned.

[rad14701]

Two of my basic controllers are housed in old PC power supply boxes... I don't really have a need for meters so there is always room to spare in them... My latest, a 240V 4000W controller, utilizes the power switch and power socket to control the cooling fan using a wall wart transformer hot glued inside the box... The circuit I am using has no neutral so I couldn't tap off one 120V leg and Neutral to power it and using the Ground in place of Neutral isn't safe... My other controllers are in electronics project boxes...

[Expat]

8" plastic junction box is plenty for a controller, available at most home despot type stores.

I mounted the SSR to the heat sink, and the attached the whole assembly to the side of the enclosure so that the heat sink was on the outside. Helps a lot with dissipation, no fan required in this setup.

[DBCFlash]

I used an old ammo box

[StillerBoy]

Some of the ones I had or use over the years.. old cash box, presently using.. computer power pack, 1st one.. electrical junction box..