[RE-wrenches] raintite box mounting angle

[boB Gudgel]

Conrad Geyser wrote:
>
> We always fill any conduit at the point of building penetrations for 
> air sealing. Otherwise in winter, not only will the conduit get house 
> moisture condensing inside of it, but it will act a a nice thermo 
> siphon for pulling warm air out of the house…..
>

Just a note here...

All six of the MidNite PV combiner boxes are rain "proof", but allow moisture to escape.

boB








> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> *From:* re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org 
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of 
> *Wind-sun.com
> *Sent:* Tuesday, August 25, 2009 11:49 AM
> *To:* jryago at netscape.com; RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] raintite box mounting angle
>
> It is almost impossible in a normal installation to get a totally 
> waterproof enclosure.
>
> What you describe with the flooded box is more common than people 
> might think.
>
> What causes most of that is condensation. Humid air gets sucked into 
> the enclosure at night or whenever else it cools off. The water then 
> condenses inside. Next day, the box heats up again and the air expands 
> a bit again, but the water has already condensed and cannot get out.
>
> That is why the weep hole as you noted is mandatory, especially in 
> areas with high humidity. But we have seen this even in the desert 
> regions of Arizona and CA, so it can happen anyplace over long periods 
> of time.
>
> ..................................................................................................
> Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity >From The Sun Since 1979
> Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/
> ..................................................................................................
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>
>     *From:* Jeff Yago <mailto:jryago at netscape.com>
>
>     *To:* kirk at vtsolar.com <mailto:kirk at vtsolar.com> ; RE-wrenches
>     <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>
>     *Sent:* Tuesday, August 25, 2009 8:40 AM
>
>     *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] raintite box mounting angle
>
>
>     I am getting more convinced that there is no such thing as a
>     water-tight electrical enclosure, regardless of gasket covers and
>     sealed openings. We always drill a very small "weep-hole" in the
>     bottom of an enclosure. We have found this is too small to allow
>     insects to enter, but will drain any leaks or moisture that gets
>     condensed into a liquid. I was recently called by the owner of a
>     large pole mounted array (that was installed by another firm )
>     when the system stopped working and the originally installer was
>     long gone. I absolutely swear to you that when I pulled the covers
>     off several electrical junctions boxes, water POURED out of the
>     enclosures! I am not talking about wet, I am saying about a quart
>     of water was being held inside each enclosure by their water-proof
>     gasketed covers. Needless to say, all of the electrical terminals
>     and wire connectors inside these junction boxes were badly corroded.
>
>     I know they make totally water-proof electrical equipment for
>     under-water applications, but have found most outdoor rated
>     electical enclosures will get some water inside and that includes
>     under-ground conduit. Take some advice and regardless of mounting
>     orientation, drill a small weep-hole in the bottom if there is not
>     one provided by the manufacturer.
>
>     Jeff Yago
>
>     DTI Solar
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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