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| delicado:
Hi I've recently added a remote switch to a mains-powered exhaust fan and I'm currently using just a Tupperware to house the switch and wiring. Is it a good idea to 'upgrade' to a junction box? Are junction boxes more fire-retardant than Tupperwares? How about lining the inside with aluminium foil? Thanks |
| Zero999:
--- Quote from: delicado on August 05, 2020, 04:17:44 am ---Hi I've recently added a remote switch to a mains-powered exhaust fan and I'm currently using just a Tupperware to house the switch and wiring. Is it a good idea to 'upgrade' to a junction box? Are junction boxes more fire-retardant than Tupperwares? How about lining the inside with aluminium foil? Thanks --- End quote --- Yes. A Tupperware container is a bad idea, because it's flammable and any idiot can open it. A proper enclusure will be fire retardant and require a tool to open. Lining it with aluminium foil is a bad idea. It will need to be eathed, which is just about impossible to do reliably and foill can easilly flake, causing short circuits and an increased fire hazard. You haven't posted enough information for anyone to suggest a specific product. My advice would be to ask an electrician. |
| ChristofferB:
My philosophy with regards to this is that cludges and bodge solutions belong to low energy low voltage stuff. Once dealing with mains voltage, either do it right or dont do it at all. Yes plastic junction boxes are usually flame retardant, and more sturdy. Also of no small importance, they signal to other people that "here is a mains installation". I agree with zero999, if you need to ask this question you should probably consult an electrician :) |
| TimFox:
Tupperware is made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and has a low melting point. It is fine for its intended purposes of food storage. I totally agree with those who posted that "real" junction boxes (easily found at hardware stores at reasonable prices) are required for mains voltages. Depending on your jurisdiction's regulations, they may be metal or good plastic. |
| duckduck:
--- Quote from: delicado on August 05, 2020, 04:17:44 am ---Is it a good idea to 'upgrade' to a junction box? Are junction boxes more fire-retardant than Tupperwares? --- End quote --- Plastics are thermoset (won't melt) or thermoplastic (melt when they get hot enough). Plastic mains enclosures use thermoset plastic or they use metal. If you use a metal enclosure it must be connected to the ground wire of your home. Mains electrical connections must be crimped or screwed, not soldered (because solder can melt). Mains enclosures should not be able to be opened without tools (because kids and humans). The live wire of a mains device should be fused where it enters the device (to prevent a fire). There are many many other rules that must be followed for the sake of safety, and this is why many jurisdictions require an electrical inspection for significant modifications to home wiring and why responsible manufacturers submit their mains-powered devices to UL or similar testing companies. If you feel uncomfortable at all working with mains, you should pay an electrician. If a device that you built and connected to mains starts a fire that burns down your house, the insurance company could use that as an excuse to not reimburse you for the loss of the insured property. If a child touches a live mains wire in a device you created and is injured or dies as a result you could face severe criminal and civil penalties. This is not the place to play and learn and save money because the results of a small mistake due to ignorance or oversight can be tragic for you and your loved ones. EDIT: Re-read and realized I sound like a jerk. I'm just trying to say "Yes, and please take this stuff very seriously." EDIT EDIT: ...and I got the thermoset thing wrong. |
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