Junction box on equipment

[jrcampbe]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a junction box I can mount on my skid steer loader, which is stored outside. The loader has a battery tender and a block heater, each powered by a separate 115V plug.

I would like to permanently mount the tender on the firewall, along with a switch box (or breaker box) with two switches, (one for block heater and one for battery tender). This box would have a 115V male plug receptacle that would accept an extension cord.

How this would work is: I could leave the loader plugged in using an extension cord connected to the junction box male plug. The battery tender would be ON and the block heater OFF. On a very cold day, I could go out and flip the switch to turn on the block heater without dicking around with stiff, cold, snow-filled extension cords and brittle, frozen block heater cord. Just flip it on.

After the block heater does its thing, I can come out, start the loader, switch off the block heater breaker, unplug my one and only extension cord from the loader and do my plowing.

Plug it back in when done and the battery tender keeps it charged.

So I need a box with a double breaker and a male plug. Or I guess a single breaker could work because the battery tender can be on 100% of the time. But a double breaker is nicer. Then I can cut the male plugs off the tender and block heater and permanently connect them up inside this box.

Now, what is this box called and where do I buy one? Does it even exist???

Thanks in advance!

Jim

 

[Mustang51js]

Your going to have to use a weatherproof panel and either make or cut the end off a extension cord. But the tractor should have the male end of the cord and then plug it into a outlet that is controlled by the breaker box.

 

[nu2me]

Factory-style Zerostart block heater recessed male receptacle kit w/cover and boot 8605688, available at truck and diesel parts houses, for example:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d....oap?ck=Search_N0650_-1_-1&pt=N0650&ppt=C0076

It's worth noting that the special male body is replaceable separately if the contacts ever loosen or rot off.


If you want to mount the box on the outside, you may have to fabricate the switch enclosure, starting with a Hoffman box with a hinged, gasketed cover and bail-clamp latches ($$), then install switches and push-button circuit breakers to a face plate that sets inside. The plate would be screwed or maybe push-fastened to small angle-brackets. Be sure to seal all exterior fasteners against water entry.

 

[79firebird]

wouldent something like this work? http://www.cantexinc.com/image/HD1M31.jpg

ive used ones like that out side for pumps lighting etc and work good.

 

[jrcampbe]

Thanks, guys, this is great! I bet I could modify a Cantex junction box by drilling a hole and mounting that zero start male receptacle. Actually, found one of those waterproof switch covers for a double-gang box with an outlet on the other gang. That with an "inlet" in that gang will get me there.

You guys are awesome. This got me headed in the right direction.

Thank you!

Jim