IP 55 Enclosure from screwfix! code 33991

[HappyHippyDad]

I have just used 11 of these boxes with SWA terminations

They are awful and I dont want someone else to have the same problems I did.

They seem ok, quite sturdy and the price attracts you, however one or two of the screws snapped when doing up the front cover and then MANY more snapped when undoing to test. This leaves a snapped screw in the box which you either have to remove and rebore or provide a new box (both options being a right pain). This happened to 5 of the 11 boxes.

The reason I am writing is because screwfix is the biggest seller to electricians on this site (according to the poll). Screwfix themselves are great, but I would strongly recommend against this product.

IP55 Enclosure Grey 85 x 75 x 65mm | Weatherproof Enclosures | Screwfix.com

 

[uksparks]

I didn't have any snap myself but the issue is similar to thT of the bg outdoor sockets, the screws could do with being improved. I use a flat head not to thick but the full width of the screw, works best.

 

[uksparks]

TBF HHD the image you posted had knockouts.

They are not knockouts, although they look like it, you still have to drill it out with a wood beaver or something.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

TBF HHD the image you posted had knockouts.

Sorry Ferg, when I say knockouts I mean ones you can just give a 'knock' and out they come, BG do these I think. The BG ones (as in the link) you have to drill.

 

[ferg]

Used a CK pozi size 2 and after one or two snapped I treated them like a beautiful woman and still they snapped!

I'm sure you will tell me off for teaching a granny to suck eggs...

But are you sure you are not cross threading the screws?

Either way lesson learned..

Buy something decent from your local wholesalers that you trust.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I'm sure you will tell me off for teaching a granny to suck eggs...

But are you sure you are not cross threading the screws?

Either way lesson learned..

Buy something decent from your local wholesalers that you trust.

Nope, threads wern't crossed. Judging from the other reviewson the screwfix site it seems to be a common fault with them (albeit only 3 reviews). The only reason I ignored the reviews is because I had used a couple in the past without problem.

 

[uksparks]

Ferg, honestly HHD speaks the truth on this I can vouch for the issue.

 

[uksparks]

They are good boxes do it may be worth sourcing good quality screws that will fit.

 

[ferg]

Sorry Ferg, when I say knockouts I mean ones you can just give a 'knock' and out they come, BG do these I think. The BG ones (as in the link) you have to drill.

Fair point I didn't look properly.

I thought they were like the MK weather.... kit.
I'm sure BG do them to where they are more Push outs than knock outs.

Basically an insert with an O ring.

Going back to my previous post, if you are going to go to the effort of using a 20mm holesaw anyway you may as well buy decent and cheap adaptable boxes from your local wholesaler.

 

[telectrix]

i never use a\ holesaw on plastic. takes ages to get the partly melted crud out of the holesaw. use cone cutters every time.

 

[ferg]

I always use a holesaw on plastic and always take ages to get the partly melted crud out of the holesaw

Thanks for the tip Tel

 

[shanky887614]

i never use a\ holesaw on plastic. takes ages to get the partly melted crud out of the holesaw. use cone cutters every time.

I got a similar set to this for around the same price

 

[shanky887614]

I got a similar set to this for around the same price

bassically a 32mm 22mm and a 12mm

 

[Corbs]

+1 but you cant use them with plastic back-boxes ends up looking like Swiss cheese lol

 

[shanky887614]

+1 but you cant use them with plastic back-boxes ends up looking like Swiss cheese lol

? use a knife to get rid of the swarf.

pilot drill it first though

 

[edexlab]

? use a knife to get rid of the swarf.

pilot drill it first though

Or a hand deburrer for sheet metal you can pick up cheap ones for a quid or 2 or spend a tenner and have one which will last, "Swiss" are pretty good