Custom Control Panel: Any Electricians Out There????

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11839431#post11839431 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheReefKeeper
Good question! That's a question reptilemanmark will have to answer I'm not Licensed. I would think not. But then again I could be wrong. Lets wait and see what mark says. I'm curious.
Click to expand...

You would think it still would not be in CODE even if I added the boxes? There is nothing else to really do that would be any different to having it in the wall. You have power, the outlet, and a box. Thats it. The only thing I am lacking is the boxes.
 
Like I said I could be wrong! I think you should actually have to be licence to do any electrical work for it to be covered by code or something like that. Their's a lot of code requirements that need to be met space,amount of wire,routing paths so on. Lets wait and see what Marc comes back with or someone else.
 
This is a great thread. I am currently setting up my first reef tank, and is going to be in my basement about 15 feet from my breaker box. I looked in the box, and there is an empty slot. I plan on doing this exact setup, but the top half and bottom half will have there own cords plugged into two seperate GFI outlets that each run to a 20amp breaker. I really like the clean look. Not to get off topic, but I am also stealing your plumbing design for your refugium. Hope you dont mind =).
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11839589#post11839589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by btmarquis
This is a great thread. I am currently setting up my first reef tank, and is going to be in my basement about 15 feet from my breaker box. I looked in the box, and there is an empty slot. I plan on doing this exact setup, but the top half and bottom half will have there own cords plugged into two seperate GFI outlets that each run to a 20amp breaker. I really like the clean look. Not to get off topic, but I am also stealing your plumbing design for your refugium. Hope you dont mind =).
Click to expand...

hehe not at all man, that why I shared pictures. :rollface:
 
Is the box actually attached to the wall? Is it actually just plugged into an outlet and not actually "hardwired" into the house wiring? If it's not permanently attached to the wall or hardwired into the house electrical system, depending on the electrical code in your area (You may have to check), it may not fall under the electrical code. It's possible that it might just be considered a power strip.

I'd actually be tempted to just call an electrician and ask... Tell him that you are "thinking" about building the power box (pretend you haven't built it yet) and ask him what he thinks. It definitely couldn't hurt... I bet most electricians wouldn't mind answering a question or two as long as you don't take up too much of his (or her) time...
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11839856#post11839856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Slphappy
Is the box actually attached to the wall?
Click to expand...
I attached the box to the wall with a couple screws.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11839856#post11839856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Slphappy
Is it actually just plugged into an outlet and not actually "hardwired" into the house wiring?
Click to expand...
Its plugged into a GFI outlet not hard wired into the house.
 
This whole thing boils down to "do you trust your own wiring or not"? You COULD use that power box for the next 20 years and never have a problem.

However, I really would hate to be the one to say "yeah looks good, use it." Only to read a post here on RC that your house burned down (which I pray never happens).

If you wired the box correctly and you feel safe using it, then go for it. It sounds like the box can be removed if needed, and you have it plugged into a GFCI... More than likely, it will be OK to use. But it's your call...

Lot of people use boxes like that, and if wired correctly they don't pose a problem.

On a side note: I'd consider putting the switches and receptacles in boxes. Boxes would add an extra layer of safety. You could also seal the backside of each box with caulk to make them that much more water resistant...

Good luck...

Todd
 
Its just a big switch panel. No codes are in play except with the panel you made. Is it code? Probably not. Will It work yes. Do you need it to be code? It probably should be but you first question was does this look O.K.? It is fine. Not all Switch panels Have little boxes behind them and all the wires are exposed to each other. You should just make sure its water tight seal it all and make the back removable like I mentioned before. All GFI would just be layers of security from the whole thing shutting down to just individual outlets. Outdoor receptacle would have been good too because some have foam around the covers and are water tight. That way if the whole box is sealed the only part you have left is the front where the switches and outlets are. Again layers of security. I highly doubt you throw water around your house. It looks nice and clean and dry. LOL and it is off the floor. Just pay close attention to what you are doing and you should be good.
Man this is turning out to be a long thread.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11840416#post11840416 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheReefKeeper
Its just a big switch panel. No codes are in play except with the panel you made. Is it code? Probably not. Will It work yes. Do you need it to be code? It probably should be but you first question was does this look O.K.? It is fine. Not all Switch panels Have little boxes behind them and all the wires are exposed to each other. You should just make sure its water tight seal it all and make the back removable like I mentioned before. All GFI would just be layers of security from the whole thing shutting down to just individual outlets. Outdoor receptacle would have been good too because some have foam around the covers and are water tight. That way if the whole box is sealed the only part you have left is the front where the switches and outlets are. Again layers of security. I highly doubt you throw water around your house. It looks nice and clean and dry. LOL and it is off the floor. Just pay close attention to what you are doing and you should be good.
Man this is turning out to be a long thread.
Click to expand...


Don't be guessing with electricity! You need all the devices to be in a box that is not flammable!:eek2:
 
As long as all the receptacles and switches are in boxes you should be OK. You can do Electrical work in your own home but not in someone elses unless you have a License. Also wires are supposed to be stapled at each entrance to each box.
 
theres a lot of stupid little codes also if your worried about being covered by insurance. boxes for each device are a must tho.
 
When you buy a power strip from the store and screw it to the wall for making drip loops, there is no "code" involved with that. I see that as a DIY power strip. If it's not in the wall I dont think codes apply.

As for the construction of it.. As long as all of the switches/outlets are grounded together, there should not be any potential for "Electrical seepage" through the wood. (I am trying to compare it to ungrounded romex and I cant find the article Im thinking of right now). If a component is not grounded, it will try to use the wood as ground. After a while of this, the wood really becomes dried out and there is a potential for fire. Plastic boxes eliminate this problem.
 
I am assuming you broke all the tabs of the outlet neutral and hot screws to separate the top from the bottoms. Due to the sheer size of that, and the way you constructed it I would consider it a part of the structure, which you would need to use boxes to cover the devices. Like someone else mentioned only drawback is if the feeding GFCI trips everything will go out.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11842905#post11842905 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Professor
I am assuming you broke all the tabs of the outlet neutral and hot screws to separate the top from the bottoms.
Click to expand...

Yes on the bottom 3 they are not like that. I am going to be putting all switches and outlets into boxes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

FishMann
Electrical Upgrades
Replies
2
Views
145
wvned
wvned
T
Reef octopus Varios 4 0-10V connection to Hydros controllers
Replies
2
Views
268
tmann51
T
rockryno
32gal Maxspect Lagoon Build - Chicago Sunburst BTAS and SPS!
Replies
3
Views
332
rockryno
rockryno
Reefing102
My UPS - Do you have a UPS back up?
Replies
12
Views
1K
tbone28
tbone28
S
Tank is not cycling
2 3
Replies
44
Views
1K
wvned
wvned
Back
Top