Weatherproof Boxes

[The Medway Handyman]

Looking for a weatherproof box to put an awning switch in, must have a 'flip up, no tools' lid/cover like an outdoor socket.

Can't seem to find one at TLC/SF/TS.

Anyone know where I could get one?

[Phil L]

why can't you just use an outdoor switch?

[fred]

In article , The Medway Handyman writes

How's this:

[The Medway Handyman]

Out/Stop/In

[The Medway Handyman]

Perfect - ta! Didn't think of searching for accessory box.

[Bob H]

B&Q sell them, or they used to.

[Andrew Gabriel]

Yes, they had them in two forms - including a 13A socket, or not including any wiring accessory.

I've used a couple of them, but not in situations where they are often opened up. They're useful if you want an ununsual combination, e.g. an outdoor 3-pole fan isolator in one case.

[fred]

Glad you're sorted.

Not into internet gaming but 'fight the site' has become a regular pastime ;-)

FWIW, I'm not so impressed with membrane protected enclosures like these, haven't seen many long established ones that don't look tatty or are failing:

[ARW]

[Lobster]

IIRC that's what you told me after I fitted mine last year! Have to say it's been fine so far.

TMH - heads up: it doesn't include any weatherproof grommet though; you need to buy those separately, as I found out when I got home from Toolstation. (And Toolstation only do the grommets in packs of 10 :( !)

[The Medway Handyman]

Is there a better one mate?

[Dave Liquorice]

Seems a bit odd that the awning maker can't supply a suitable outdoor switch. After all you're not likely to install an awning inside and being able to control it where you can properly see what is happening is surely a thing the elves would like.

[The Medway Handyman]

I have actually installed an awning inside, but that's another story :-)

An outdoor switch would be ideal. The one in the link is wired as per page 6 here;

anyone knows of such a thing?

[Dave Liquorice]

That is:

o--------- Motor L (out)

L -----o---

o--------- Motor L (in)

o----+---- Motor N | N -----o--- | | o----+

E ------------------ Motor E

The switch is a double pole change over center off (and non-latching I should imagine). I note that the motor is fully isolated from the mains when the switch is in the center position but I don't think that is essential. I don't think you will find even a single pole waterproof non-latching center off switch. But you can get the same effect with two single pole push to make non-latching switches: L ---+---o--- | | o--------- Motor L (out) | | | | +---o--- o--------- Motor L (in)

N -------------------- Motor N

E -------------------- Motor E

Just don't push both switches at the same time, bad things may or may not happen. Donno if you can get single pole push to make non-latching waterproof either... B-)

[geoff]

In message , The Medway Handyman writes

Look at CPC

type "cpc" into google ... it will get you there

[The Medway Handyman]

Not sure exactly what non latching means? With the non waterproof switch supplied, if you press the switch to extend or retract it stays where it is - i.e. you don't have to keep your finger on it.

Sensors on the awning stop it when fully extended or retracted.

[ARW]

You can. MK Masterseal accepts their grid switches.

[ARW]

I am trying to get a list of the MK parts you would need but I am off to work shortly.

[ARW]

MK 56414 and MK4899

should do the trick. If anyone would like to confirm that for me I should be grateful.

I fitted something similar in York last month but I did not order the parts.

[ARW]

Maybe I have heavy handed customers:-)