Topband: Waterproofing a tupperware - drainage & advice

[Gene Smar]

Gary:

     The proper way to get a cable into an equipment box as you're proposing
is to install a conduit gland in the hole first, then feed the cable through
the rubber o-ring in the gland.  Here's a link to a photo:
http://tinyurl.com/z2pbynr .  Of course, the connectors cannot be put on the
cable ends until they're inside the box, past the glands. 

     I can't tell from your description whether the cables enter the
enclosure from the side or bottom.  If the bottom, you're ok.  If from the
side, then you ought to leave a drip loop of cable along side the enclosure
for each cable.  The downward direction of cables without drip loops just
makes for a path for water on the full length of the cable jackets to follow
directly into the box. 


73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F



-----Original Message-----
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Gary
Smith
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:31 PM
To: topband at contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Waterproofing a tupperware - drainage & advice

Rather than invent a poorly designed
wheel, maybe someone here has already
successfully worked out a better solution to waterproofing.

I am using a Sterilite 25" x 18" x 8" 
container with secure snap on fasteners on each side of the lid to house the
outdoor electronics for the 8 circle array. The lid fits wonderfully and
there is a 1" rim that comes down from the lid to secure the contents from
exposure to rain.

I have drilled the holes for each coax (9 in all) and cut a slot for the
control wire. I'm planning on wrapping each coax & the control cable with
plastic from a plastic bag to make the coax snug to the hole and then
gorilla taping that to the side of the container on each side.

Any ideas to improve this?

Another option I've thought of to seal the openings is to use expansion foam
to seal the holes. My concern is that is that I've never used this foam
before and don't know how easy it is to remove it from the coax should I
ever need to. Seems like it would make a great seal.

Any caveats using the foam instead of the plastic bag & gorilla tape?

Another consideration is drainage; the
container will be placed on a large
boulder to keep it above rising salt
water, should there be any from a
storm/hurricane. 

I don't want to make access holes for
insects but I need to keep it dry inside.
Once the holes are sealed there isn't much access for water getting in.
Murphy being a McGuiver, should I drill a couple small holes in the bottom
for drainage or should I leave it as is and not provide for drainage?

73,

Gary
KA1J

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