I need to build a new power supply box for my Bridgewerks supplies on my new elevated layout that’s under construction. My last box, on the older layout, I constructed of ¾" PT plywood and painted, but it still delaminated. Still useable but looks bad. What have some of the rest of you used to construct power supply boxes? Or are you using something other than a constructed container? My boxes stay outside all year, although I bring the power supplies inside during the winter. I’d like to leave the boxes attached to or near the benchwork with the wiring hardware inside for easy attachment when the supplies come back outside. Any ideas?

Rich,

Depending on the length of your arms and depth of your pockets, these folks offer ‘plastic’ enclosures that are intended to be outdoors for the long term.

http://www.pentairprotect.com/hoffman

Bob C.

Thanks Bob. You’re right pricy. I couldn’t find one large enough to hold two power supplies though. Perhaps I missed it. Most seem to be for vertical application, and I’m looking for something that can be used horizontally. I did talk to a fellow at a metal shop who can fabricate what I want, but about $350! May have to go back to plywood and seal better.

I’ve seen irrigation control valve boxes used on some layouts. They usually have an opening on the “bottom” and I’ve seen various methods to fill those in with Plexiglas, abs or other types of plastic sheeting. Might be a bit cheaper than other solutions that remain outside in the elements “forever”.

Rich,

Give me an idea of what size you are needing. That is only one supplier I am aware of, and am familiar with their catalog, as others.

Bob C.

Exterior grade plywood, roofed with asphalt shingles (cut down), and faced with some ceder siding on the top panel. Painted with exterior house paint. Sherwin William’s house paint, not that tinted solvent crud I got at Lowe’s.

I don’t have a picture of the other side. It has a door that I lift off the hinges, to access the controls and power supplies.

Neat idea David. Looks like there might be room for storage to. A bit more than I have in mind.

Bob, I need a box about 24"x20"x8" high or so, preferably with a sloped top.

Mark, I’ve seen irrigation control boxes used that way too. Saw one in Arizona that was left open during a rain…not a pretty sight! Thanks for the advice all.

Have you thought of trying marine grade plywood? I have an idea to try that, and seal it with epoxy, similar to building a boat. Then you can paint over the epoxy if you choose. That should last forever.

Trust a sailor to come up with that. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)

Hey! (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)That sounds like a good idea. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-undecided.gif)

But, my Lowe’s doesn’t have marine grade anything. Boy scout grade maybe, but not marine grade. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-frown.gif)

Rich,

A quick search found this P/NA24H2008GQRLP

http://www.pentairprotect.com/ProductDisplay?urlRequestType=Base&catalogId=3074457345616676718&categoryId=3074457345616722182&productId=3074457345616780546&urlLangId=-1&langId=-1&top_category=&parent_category_rn=3074457345616722182&storeId=715838534

and this P/N UU606020

http://www.pentairprotect.com/ProductDisplay?urlRequestType=Base&catalogId=3074457345616676718&categoryId=3074457345616722182&productId=3074457345616780570&urlLangId=-1&langId=-1&top_category=&parent_category_rn=3074457345616722182&storeId=715838534

Yeah, a bit pricey, but you will only buy them one time.

Bob C.

David Maynard said:

Trust a sailor to come up with that. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)

Hey! (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)That sounds like a good idea. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-undecided.gif)

But, my Lowe’s doesn’t have marine grade anything. Boy scout grade maybe, but not marine grade. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-frown.gif)

Try a dedicated lumber yard. Or a boat builder. Contact Eric Schade, maybe he has some scraps.

I saw that some one use a tool box , and another use a tool box for a pickup.

I just reused a meter cabinet

Why does it have to be plywood? Why not PVC board, glued together with PVC pipe cement and a couple braces for strength.

I use it for my station platforms.

Bob thanks for the info on those supply boxes. But they are pricy. Here in New Mexico, our specialty lumber store can’t spell “marine plywood”. But I have come up with another idea. I have scrapes left over from the construction of the elevated layout, all 2x6 and 2x8 PT lumber. I’m gonna build my power box from that material. Cheap, since the lumber is paid for, once seal and painted should never fail, and it will be durable. I’ll only need to get a crane to lift it into place! Hee. Will post it when done.

I looked at these first, but they are open on the bottom…

http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/Valve-Boxes-s/37.htm

then I looked at drainage sumps, and I use one upside down, with the drain screened, and lift off the top:

http://www.greydock.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/9/090k.jpg

But you need something larger:

https://d2pbmlo3fglvvr.cloudfront.net/product/large/Z-sLyumcpEx_.JPG

so do some looking under “drain sump” and you might find one big enough, about $25 to $40 depending on the size.

http://www.greydock.com/fsd-3017-20bkit.html?gclid=CLOisN3nwcwCFQJsfgodHqEBgQ

I’m sure what you need is out there…

Greg

Rich, If you build it out of the lumber, Before painting, Give the whole thing a heavy coating of Tight Bond III, as a waterproofing. The glue is water proof, and coating its entirety has to have some kind of protection factor to it. I have never had a TB III joint fail do to moisture. Then paint up the outside with a premium grade exterior GLOSS enamel, two coats min., 3 would be better, with several days curing between coats.

Rich,

My solution is probably too small for your needs but I thought I’d submit what I have done to provide a weather tight container for my track power supply.

I found this weather tight tool box at Lowes.

Here’s what I managed to fit inside - A Bridgewerks Magnum 15 SR power supply and two of their UR-15 remote control units.

Here’s an end view of the box showing the external power connections and holes for some air circulation.

Although I don’t leave my supply outside all the time. It has successfully survived a copy of heavy rains.

Doc Watson

Thanks Doc. My second home is Lowe’s. Next time I’m there I’ll see what options there are. Certainly mobile.