Cable entry methods for moulded plugs on weatherproof boxes

1

Morning all.

How do you deal with cable enties into weather proof boxes for moulded plug leads (USB leads, RP PS leads, etc)?

Standard cable glands don’t work and grommets big enough to slip around the moulded section never seem to be tight enough on the cable. I don’t have a 3D printer so making bespoke thingos is out.

The application is for boxes sized for Pico or Pi projects.

Cheers.

2

Hi Mark
Re USB. If you google “Weather proof USB” you will come up with lots. Jaycar have an IP67 rated USB panel mount socket.

You will probably find they also have different plugs and sockets it the IPXX range.

TLE or similar outlets would also have a range as these suppliers deal quite a bit in data related cabling.

I think if you look a bit you will find some suitable connectors. They are not uncommon..
Cheers Bob

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Thanks Bob but what I’m after are weatherproof cable entry devices, not ports/sockets. In a perfect world there’d a be a split cable gland that can be opened, wrapped around the cable, closed and that fitted to the box. I’ve seen these but only for industrial use and big $$.

I’m hoping others here can show some practical applications.

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Hi Mark
If it is split then it probably won’t meet IPXX specs.

Assuming you only want rain and weather proofing and not some exotic use the best I can suggest would be some rubber or neoprene grommet that might stretch over the cable connector and if still too big use some self amalgamating tape to build up the cable diameter.

This Will make the grommet a bit harder to fit into a panel but can be done.

If the cable ends are soldered into a board etc then what is the problem. Just pass the cable through a properly sized grommet and solder into place and job done.

If it has a connector on the cable then putts on after the cable has been passed through a grommet or similar.

Or spend the big $$$.

If you could enlighten us on exactly what is on the cable ends inside the box you might get some specific answers.
Cheers Bob
Or simply have all the wires exit the bottom of the box usually works well with nothing in the hole. Provides a “breathing” vent also to help with any condensation.

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5

Hey @Mark285907,

At that point, I feel like you have three options:

  • Design everything to sit inside the waterproof enclosure with absolutely no egress point. This is obviously not ideal for powering it or using sensors, but with Lora it’s at least feasible.
  • You can buy the expensive split cable glands.
  • You just cut the USB cable, put it through a standard gland, and re terminate it. It might seem daunting at first but it’s gonna lead to a neater result overall. And reterminating cables is a very useful skill to learn.
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There you go! No one’s ever accused me of leaps of logic. Cutting and reterminating is the logical, neat, cost effective thing to do.

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Hi Mark
I did not consider this option as a large percentage of contributors on this Forum run the other way as soon as soldering is involved.
Cheers Bob
I did mention something similar.

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I’m happy to solder as long as I don’t have to show anyone.

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