Weatherproof electrical enclosure

This one is 380 x 300 x 18mm:

If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair.

Thanks for those, but they seem to miss two items in my target specification: tool-free access, seals for cable entry.

Chris

That may well be worth investigation. Any particular recommendations?

Chris

Try a din rail enclosure. I used one of these to house a circuit breaker,

Oh dear! I should read the spec! Well, these aren't exactly to spec, either, but are better. The "tool" to open can be left in place, and cable entry should be relatively easy to deal with (perhaps with the "Hockey sticks" on page 6):

errr, try searching for overcentre catch

Yes, I have done so,and the choice is vast. I was simply wondering if you had personally done that which you are suggesting, and been happy with what you used, or simply offering an option.

Chris

They are simple devices, just choose one that will fit whatever space you've got. Personally, on a box with mains inside, I would want to be able to padlock the box shut so would choose one with appropriate lugs.

The BG model WP23L has a deep cover to accommodate wall warts etc ...

Damme. I was searching for these some time back but was buggered if I could remember what they were called.

I have no need to lock the box. In any case, the box already has provision for this. Everything inside is touch-safe, and would be perfectly fine indoors. I just need to keep it dry.

However, you have now made me wonder if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box?

Chris

That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment?

Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors.

Chris

That will depend on clearance distances inside the box. If you're concerned you could create a cover over the fixings inside the box

Just bolt them on with plastic screws. That is what I have done when mounting a central heating relay box by bolting it through a support that can be accessed from the back.

I've used plastic screws for static things, but I didn't suggest that in this case because I didn't know whether they would cope with the loading from an over-centre catch.

I said it before but was ignored

knock out or drill cable connections and fit whatever glands you want. Screw through back to wall etc and then mastic the screw holes.

No user touchable metal involved. Neat and workmanlike

It's only holding a lid shut, it is not a heavily loaded item like a case, so it only needs small, lightly loaded catches.