Requesting assistance locating power enclosure

[unsung]

Some companies make these finished cabinets/enclosures for mounting and routing electrical equipment in vehicles. I am trying to source just this enclosure, or a similar one. I have emailed about four companies in Australia, including Redarc, but none have replied. I am hoping there is something stateside to save on shipping but if that is the only path then so be it. I already have the Redarc Manager 30 Redvision combo Rogue/Prime package so I only need the enclosure. Seems these companies want to sell their completed kits for thousands of dollars over the parts alone just to wire them up. Well, I wire up nuclear plants so I think I can handle it.

Ideally the size I would need is 16"x30" with max 2" of depth/volume in the enclosure. The length and width can be fudged a bit but using a 4' deep box is not in my ideal situation. There has to be something out there, digikey doesn't have it. Most enclosures I find are for industrial applications and not something you'd really want in a vehicle simply because of sizing. My space will be in my Land Cruiser on the side of my Trekboxx fridge cage, so space is limited.

I get that they want to sell completed packages, but that isn't something I have any interest in.

I have added a couple of examples for your viewing pleasure.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I imagine the enclosures are something they make or have made for them custom.

The closest I can think of are thin IEC enclosures (like Eaton B-line below) but those are going to have a door and full back, which may be redundant in this application. You know what I mean, for control panels, meter boxes, service entrances and such.



Why don't you have exactly what you need made? Any fab or panel shop should be able to punch and fold one up easily.

 

[unsung]

Yeah, I am exploring that route, a machinist at work has offered. I just didn't want to be subject to someone's free time since my entire interior is out right now.

 

[Verkstad]

Fwiw,
At my job we had good results with a local Sign Shop. They have loads of experience making custom electrical enclosures.

 

[dstefan]

https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/5/Panels

 

[llamalander]

You might consider making a frame out of "C-channel", possibly steel studs- thinnest I know of are 1-5/8", and adding a flat sheet to the front and back and screwing/ riveting as required. Getting the front cut for all your switches/ openings isn't very expensive, is totally custom and will take whatever finish you want. If the box is going to be attached to the vehicle, non-welded construction will work fine..

 

[unsung]

I was thinking a sheet of ABS as a backer then use some 2" spacers with another sheet of ABS to mount everything together. Drill out appropriate holes to route wiring and then run the cables between the two sheets for hidden value.

 

[tencentlife]

I was thinking a sheet of ABS as a backer then use some 2" spacers with another sheet of ABS to mount everything together. Drill out appropriate holes to route wiring and then run the cables between the two sheets for hidden value.

That's the way to go! You'll save a ton of money, too, the commercially made stuff in this segment is insanely overpriced.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Your best bet will be to build something, if you are doing the install, cutting the wire to length, crimping the ends, etc.
Should be easy enough.

 

[alia176]

Another option is to use the 80/20 stuff and 1/8" alum plates. You can build the frame out of 80/20 then place one plate on top, and one plate on the bottom. This will be a little heavy vs simply bending 1/8" or even 1/16" alum plate into a box with a lid.

The enclosures I deal with in my profession are simply too industrial and heavy. They're meant for a whole different application where NEMA ratings are needed. But for this project, thin alum or even ABS should work well.