On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer
and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off
during winter.

I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights.

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry,
wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the
LV pump outgoing feed.

Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have
already used for Christmas lights.

The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big
enough to accommodate the transformer.

https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories

DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for
wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation.

http://dri-box.com/

Any other suggestions?

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer
and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off
during winter.

I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights.

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry,
wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the
LV pump outgoing feed.

Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have
already used for Christmas lights.

The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big
enough to accommodate the transformer.

https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories

DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for
wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation.

http://dri-box.com/

Any other suggestions?

This one is 380 x 300 x 18mm:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GWBX15127.html

Other sizes available. See Bottom quarter of page (Weatherproof - IP56
Moulded Boxes) at:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Boxes_and_Enclosures_Index/Boxes_Adaptable_Moulded/index.html

--

Jeff

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer
and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off
during winter.

I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights.

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry,
wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the
LV pump outgoing feed.

Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have
already used for Christmas lights.

The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big
enough to accommodate the transformer.

https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories

DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for
wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation.

http://dri-box.com/

Any other suggestions?

Chris

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

On 10/02/2021 13:50, wrote:
On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer
and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off
during winter.

I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights.

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry,
wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the
LV pump outgoing feed.

Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have
already used for Christmas lights.

The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big
enough to accommodate the transformer.

https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories

DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for
wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation.

http://dri-box.com/

Any other suggestions?

Chris

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

+1. That's what I've done for my old Makita drill (from the days when
they had plastic, rather than metal catches).

Jeff Layman wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer
and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off
during winter.

I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights.

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry,
wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the
LV pump outgoing feed.

Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have
already used for Christmas lights.

The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big
enough to accommodate the transformer.

https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories

DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for
wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation.

http://dri-box.com/

Any other suggestions?

This one is 380 x 300 x 18mm:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GWBX15127.html

Other sizes available. See Bottom quarter of page (Weatherproof - IP56
Moulded Boxes) at:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Boxes_and_Enclosures_Index/Boxes_Adaptable_Moulded/index.html

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

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

Any other suggestions?

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

That may well be worth investigation. Any particular
recommendations?

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer
and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off
during winter.

I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights.

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry,
wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the
LV pump outgoing feed.

Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have
already used for Christmas lights.

The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big
enough to accommodate the transformer.

https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories

DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for
wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation.

http://dri-box.com/

Any other suggestions?


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


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and pop a couple of these in it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIN-RAIL-...-/182764232004

Chris



--
Ideas are more powerful than guns. We would not let our enemies have
guns, why should we let them have ideas?

Josef Stalin

On 10/02/2021 14:54, Chris J Dixon wrote:
Jeff Layman wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer
and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off
during winter.

I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights.

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry,
wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the
LV pump outgoing feed.

Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have
already used for Christmas lights.

The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big
enough to accommodate the transformer.

https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories

DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for
wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation.

http://dri-box.com/

Any other suggestions?

This one is 380 x 300 x 18mm:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GWBX15127.html

Other sizes available. See Bottom quarter of page (Weatherproof - IP56
Moulded Boxes) at:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Boxes_and_Enclosures_Index/Boxes_Adaptable_Moulded/index.html

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

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):

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Mitras/Meterboxes_Brochure.pdf

--

Jeff

On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

Any other suggestions?

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

That may well be worth investigation. Any particular
recommendations?

Chris

errr, try searching for overcentre catch

wrote:

On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

Any other suggestions?

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

That may well be worth investigation. Any particular
recommendations?

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
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

On 10/02/2021 18:12, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

Any other suggestions?

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

That may well be worth investigation. Any particular
recommendations?

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.

Chris J Dixon wrote:

Any other suggestions?

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

https://www.bgelectrical.uk/public/downloads/data-sheets/weatherproof/WP21_WP22_WP23_WP24_13amp_Socket_Outlets.pdf

https://www.sparkswarehouse.com/products/WP23L-weatherproof-13A-1-gang-double-pole-unswitched-socket-large-housing

On Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 5:47:51 PM UTC, wrote:
On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

Any other suggestions?

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

That may well be worth investigation. Any particular
recommendations?

Chris

errr, try searching for overcentre catch

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

wrote:

On 10/02/2021 18:12, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:

The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared
off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does
not seem to be around any more.

Any other suggestions?

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

That may well be worth investigation. Any particular
recommendations?

errr, try searching for overcentre catch

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.

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
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

wrote:

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

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
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

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

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

On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

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

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.

On 19/02/2021 12:42, Steve Walker wrote:
On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

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

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.

On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

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

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

I said it before but was ignored

http://vps.templar.co.uk/Odds%20and%20Ends/box2.JPG

Standard weatherproof 'sub consumer unit' DIN rail box.
You can fit anything in it that sits on a DIN rail. so switches and 13A
sockets are available - and you fill up the spare space with
blankin``````````````````````g plates

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enclosure-O.../dp/B07CJS3J6L
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIN-RAIL-...-/182764232004


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



--
The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to
rule.
€“ H. L. Mencken, American journalist, 1880-1956

On 19/02/2021 15:25, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 12:42, Steve Walker wrote:
On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

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

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.

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.

The Natural Philosopher wrote:

On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote:

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

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

I said it before but was ignored

http://vps.templar.co.uk/Odds%20and%20Ends/box2.JPG

Standard weatherproof 'sub consumer unit' DIN rail box.
You can fit anything in it that sits on a DIN rail. so switches and 13A
sockets are available - and you fill up the spare space with
blankin``````````````````````g plates

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enclosure-O.../dp/B07CJS3J6L
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIN-RAIL-...-/182764232004


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

Thanks. I did see your suggestion last time, but it doesn't meet
my spec. I would like tool-free access, and provision for simply
laying cables in under seals, as required.

None of the intended contents, which I already have, are DIN
mounted.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

Steve Walker wrote:

On 19/02/2021 15:25, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 12:42, Steve Walker wrote:

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.

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.

The job is now done, thanks to all for their contributions.
Selecting the right components took much longer than actually
doing the job.

I used these catches
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233457076441

with some M5 nylon fittings.

The catches were just right for the size and shape of the box I
had to work with, and had sufficient adjustment to get the
compression correct. I may slip a nyloc nut on to prevent further
movement.

An oversight was that the handle side needed countersunk heads to
avoid a foul. I used woodscrews into offcuts inside the box,
which effectively prevented them from being accidentally exposed
to any electrical contact.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.