Waterproof box for network connection?

[Innovate1]

I have a network cable connection outside under a deck that I need to put in a waterproof box. Thinking I can find a small plastic box and mount it upside down so the opening is on the bottom, cut a couple notches in the side of the cover for the two cables and close it up with the cables coming out the bottom. Going to see what I can find at Menards tomorrow but thought I would post here if anyone has suggestions on what to use.

 

[wssix99]

Textbook answer is something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M46JVXJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Get some dielectric grease and smother over your connections in the box you select and that would do the trick.

 

[WildBill]

I have a network cable connection outside under a deck that I need to put in a waterproof box. Thinking I can find a small plastic box and mount it upside down so the opening is on the bottom, cut a couple notches in the side of the cover for the two cables and close it up with the cables coming out the bottom. Going to see what I can find at Menards tomorrow but thought I would post here if anyone has suggestions on what to use.

I used a chunk of small diameter plastic pipe and filled it in with silicone from both ends. Not sure if something else would be better for filling it though. And definitely not the correct way, just what I had on hand.
They also make ones for using over two extension cords plugged together for holiday displays. Those might be locally found.

 

[BrandonV]

In the past I've used the telecom gel splice boxes for applications like this.

 

[Innovate1]

Textbook answer is something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M46JVXJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Overkill for a splice for one cable. I was thinking a 1 gang outlet box or something about that size. Ideally I could mount it so the openings/cables would exit the bottom but all of the boxes I see have mounting opposite the opening meaning the lid is on the side but that would work. Maybe just a length of conduit vertical with a cap on the top so both cables come out the same end. Or a conduit horizontal with a bend so both ends are sloped down.

 

[BrandonV]

Overkill for a splice for one cable. I was thinking a 1 gang outlet box or something about that size. Ideally I could mount it so the openings/cables would exit the bottom but all of the boxes I see have mounting opposite the opening meaning the lid is on the side but that would work. Maybe just a length of conduit vertical with a cap on the top so both cables come out the same end. Or a conduit horizontal with a bend so both ends are sloped down.

I've used these too. Try to stick to a name brand one.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1491574-REG/platinum_tools_740c_waterproof_rj45_splice_coupler.html?ap=y&smp=y&srsltid=AfmBOopObaklcWhhn3gkaokHQRKxojF_o0QfonmxlPjwkh7GQWzac1QJwL4

 

[Innovate1]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1491574-REG/platinum_tools_740c_waterproof_rj45_splice_coupler.html?ap=y&smp=y&srsltid=AfmBOopObaklcWhhn3gkaokHQRKxojF_o0QfonmxlPjwkh7GQWzac1QJwL4

Looks good but a bit spendy. And in my case it needs to be about 10" long. It's for a camera and it has a molded joint where the cable splits into three cables - the network, power (used only if you don't do power over ethernet) and a reset button (not quite sure why that is needed and expect a power cycle could be used if it is ever needed). They actually include a cover for the network connector which looks pretty good with gasket and oring but not for the other two things.

 

[BrandonV]

Looks good but a bit spendy. And in my case it needs to be about 10" long. It's for a camera and it has a molded joint where the cable splits into three cables - the network, power (used only if you don't do power over ethernet) and a reset button (not quite sure why that is needed and expect a power cycle could be used if it is ever needed). They actually include a cover for the network connector which looks pretty good with gasket and oring but not for the other two things.

Got you. Honestly a gel box is your best bet. Messy but once it's sealed it's sealed.

 

[Chukster]

I used a chunk of small diameter plastic pipe and filled it in with silicone from both ends. Not sure if something else would be better for filling it though. And definitely not the correct way, just what I had on hand.
They also make ones for using over two extension cords plugged together for holiday displays. Those might be locally found.

NO!! NO SILICONE !!

Or any compound that smells like vinegar while it's fresh/while it's curing. The vinegar smell indicates acetic acid, which will corrode your connections, and you'll be in the same or worse state than when you started!!

I'm googling 'gel-filled splices' but my google-fu is weak tonite. When my wife worked for Raychem about 25 years ago they had splice closures for telephone cable bundles, (the BIG ones between poles, and such); complete the cable splice, close it in this gel-filled body & snap it closed, the gel sticks to itself ; and keeps out moisture. Common marketing gimmick was to use this on some wires and submerge the thing in a tank of water while it continues to pass power or signal.

 

[Innovate1]

You make a good point but they do make non-corrosive silicone sealants. I am looking at boxes of Dow 838 and 3145 RTV. They are used for electronic assemblies among other things. Most commonly available stuff is corrosive and smells like vinegar. They also make silicone grease for contacts. It helps keep moisture out but doesn't harden.

 

[WildBill]

NO!! NO SILICONE !!

Or any compound that smells like vinegar while it's fresh/while it's curing. The vinegar smell indicates acetic acid, which will corrode your connections, and you'll be in the same or worse state than when you started!!

I'm googling 'gel-filled splices' but my google-fu is weak tonite. When my wife worked for Raychem about 25 years ago they had splice closures for telephone cable bundles, (the BIG ones between poles, and such); complete the cable splice, close it in this gel-filled body & snap it closed, the gel sticks to itself ; and keeps out moisture. Common marketing gimmick was to use this on some wires and submerge the thing in a tank of water while it continues to pass power or signal.

It was designed for electronics, we use it at work in electronic manufacturing. But yes, a lot of silicones will cause corrosion. Good point.
Most gel boxes for making connections are filled with some form of silicone. Wago makes some nice ones I've used for field repairing of buried sensor cables. They are filled with something else, polyurethane maybe. 207-1373 is the wago part I have used.

 

[dogdog]

Looks good but a bit spendy. And in my case it needs to be about 10" long. It's for a camera and it has a molded joint where the cable splits into three cables - the network, power (used only if you don't do power over ethernet) and a reset button (not quite sure why that is needed and expect a power cycle could be used if it is ever needed). They actually include a cover for the network connector which looks pretty good with gasket and oring but not for the other two things.

I bought a bunch of these when I was installing my Lorex cameras these are the cap end to their cameras that is mating to their female end crimped and molded

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All the network connections are housed inside network camera mounting box weather proof like these. The box will house all the connections and weather proof. The camera either mount on top of the box or next to it. If you are planning to mount on top. Just make sure the hole pattern match or drill and tap your own. Boxes are specific to brand or universal—> drill tap your self.

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