A box to put an electrical circuit into.

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Oily Rag

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I haven’t built anything electronic in decades, but I’d like to put together a neat box with fuses, perhaps a relay and a couple of switches. The alternative is a mess of wires and components screwed to bulkheads etc.

Can anyone suggest a source of such boxes, plastic or metal?
 
These from toolstation come with terminals. Just used one of these to interconnect AIS , Chartplotter, Radio, Auto Pilot, Instruments, and wifi transmitter.
Amazing how tidy it looks now all the cables are properly linked together.

IP55 Junction Box
 
I would add that in my experience it is always better to buy an enclosure that is bigger then you think you're going to need (subject to availability of space of course). It makes populating the box during build much easier and gives more flexibility on component placement, particularly if you might be adding bits at a later date. Easier too if you find yourself in there doing diagnostics.
 
What I want are short flexible leads to fit inside boxes so that my RPi connects to outputs on the box. HDMI, USB etc. Short 100mm or less one would do. Most are far too long and too difficult to bend.

Any suggestions?
 
Oily Rag said:
I haven’t built anything electronic in decades, but I’d like to put together a neat box with fuses, perhaps a relay and a couple of switches. The alternative is a mess of wires and components screwed to bulkheads etc.

Can anyone suggest a source of such boxes, plastic or metal?
Click to expand...
There are loads of enclosures available. Do search for "ABS Enclosures" see which one suits your needs
 
ABS are usually cheapest with polycarbonate stronger and a bit more expensive. Larger boxes are often GRP for more rigidity. Look for at least IP66 and IP67 or IP68 if exposed on deck. Plastic cable glands are really cheap and well worth using for strain relief and sealing. I quite like using boxes with clear lids as you can check for water ingress without opening them.
I second CPC Farnell as a good source of boxes, glands and waterproof connectors
 
Many thanks all for your alternatives to Tupperware!
I’m trying to make a neat job of new circuits to provide power to some electronics and to a fuel pump.
 
I like enclosures. But consider that there are reasons the wiring on the back or your car's dash board and much boat wiring is not in enclosures. It depends on the bulkhead location.
  • The enclosure provides protection from the elements, physical damamge, and contact with things that could cause a short. If the bulkhead is in a dry area of the cabin the first probably does not actually apply, just as it does not behind the dashboard. The two may or may not apply. Is the area protected? Are there loose items?
  • Heat. You mentioned a relay, for example. Some throw off considerable heat. Some electronic components do not react well to heat. The enclosure might have to be quite large or be well ventilated, the second of which challenges watertight construction.
  • Space. Obviously, you need space to work. You may need space for expansion in the future. Just something to consider.
Sometimes the damage/contact problem can be solved more easily with a removable divider or access cover, rather than a full enclosure.

That said, I've added many junction boxes when some factor suggested them.
 
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