[Joven76]

Alas I have search this forum far and wide and could not find a topic on this. Maybe I didn't use the right key words to search, or maybe I just didn't try hard enough, so I thought I'd start this thread.

I have quite a few power supplies that I took from various PC's around where I work since we were disposing of them. I'd like to use these in my haunt this year, but feel they would need to be made weather proof in case it rains. Has anyone ever done this before and what would be the best method?

 

[Palmdale Haunter]

I was thinking about this the other day... How about an inexpensive plastic tool box or tackle box... One could add a vent on the side for heat to escape...
There is always the disposable containers from ziplock or Rubbermaid too...

 

[bfjou812]

I built one about 3 or 4 years ago using a fiberglass electrical enclosure and a bunch of multi pin plugs. It was a pain to do due to many wires and keeping track of everything but in the end it turned out to be a dream to use.

 

[Joven76]

I built one about 3 or 4 years ago using a fiberglass electrical enclosure and a bunch of multi pin plugs. It was a pain to do due to many wires and keeping track of everything but in the end it turned out to be a dream to use.

You wouldn't happen to have a pic would you? I'd like to see it...

 

[Oak Lane Cemetery]

Tupperware containers turned upside down with the power supply attached to the lid.

 

[Joven76]

Tupperware containers turned upside down with the power supply attached to the lid.

I thought about that, but there is an air intake fan on it, so I'd be a little concerned of it overheating because it couldn't get any air flow...

 

[The Pod]

I basically just place 4 of them on the ground around the yard and put a piece of cement board on top that over hangs about 3" on all sides. Been working for the last 6 years for me and only lost 4 I think in those 6 years. Although I have been thinking it might be better to have something that was a bit more waterproof.

 

[bfjou812]

I built one about 3 or 4 years ago using a fiberglass electrical enclosure and a bunch of multi pin plugs. It was a pain to do due to many wires and keeping track of everything but in the end it turned out to be a dream to use.

No I don't have any right now .I may be doing another one this year and if I do I'll post some pictures and info on what I'm doing.

 

[Deadview]

The large tupperware container sounds great. I have an extra one here. I'm going to give it a try. The connections should not too difficult to attach to the side the tub and venting should not be difficult. I'm going to take pics. and post as I go. Will let you know how it's coming along and would take suggestions as I go. Thanks Nightfisher. I have been working on the box .Here are some pictures.I believe this is what you all are talking about.. I used chicken wire cut to 11"x 6" and 16"x 6". #6-32 x 3/4" machine screws and 1/8" x 1" washers to hold the wire in place and 1/4"-20 x 1" machine screws to hols the plywood in place. Next would be to mount the electrical supply to the boards. I'm going to mount Defiant 6 outlet, 1000 joules surge protectors to the boards, you could hook anything to them.
, , ,

 

[brd813]

II actually did this once, long ago so sorry no pictures. I used a large plastic storage tub to house it. The power supply was mounted on a board with 4 standoffs; the board was then attached to the lid. We used round bulkhead connectors for the power and other signals in and out of the plastic tub. The venting for the required air flow was done by mounting 8 ninety degree pvc connectors in the side of the tub pointed at the ground, the pvc connectors may have been threaded I really don't remember, the lid sat on a couple of bricks and the tub part was placed over it. I lasted a couple of months outside at least until the project was done. It looked like a horrible kluge, but it did work. Science + no budget = strange ideas

Hope this is of some help,

Bill

 

[texmaster]

I actually had a pc power supply outside for 3 years. All I did was put a brick under it to get it off the ground and a plastic box over it.

 

[discozombie]

I used an old UPS case it was large and plastic and kept my power supply dry for two years now. I also think a 5 gallon bucket from home depot with a lid would also work well and very inexpensive. you could make a shelve for the power supply to sit on and cut vent holes under the shelf to allow air flow. I think no matter what method you try condensation may be you worst enemy.

 

[Old Man Bakke]

I use old military ammo cans. Drill holes for wires and hot glue them to seal them back up. they work GREAT!!

 

[CreepyCreations]

I like the Tupperware container idea... maybe leave it right-side-up, so the sides slope inward to keep the rain out. A few holes for ventilation should be good, and I would cut notches along the top lip to slide the power cord in. That way, you can snap the lid on and off as required. Remember... these puppies have 120 volts going through them... so be careful!

 

[Deadview]

I did mine opposite so when it rains the water would run off and wire was used all around for ventilation and keeping animals out.