Need to protect a small inverter & battery on an outdoor post

[newbury]

Look into a cheap plastic Sterilite from Walmart, drill some drain holes, modify as needed,
/edit - plan on replacing annually so maybe buy several

 

[MossRoad]

Look into a cheap plastic Sterilite from Walmart, drill some drain holes, modify as needed,
/edit - plan on replacing annually so maybe buy several

Yeah, I don't know how Sterilite will hold up to UV and weather.

 

[MTGreen]

Nema rated electrical enclosures including ventilated ones are frequently available surplus on ebay for good prices. I've purchased several that way.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Yeah, I don't know how Sterilite will hold up to UV and weather.

Anything not clear, not white, will hold up.

 

[jyoutz]

I was gonna say what MossRoad said: ventilated. This is very important. You really only need protection from rain so a big umbrella would work. But whatever you do make sure it is well ventilated. Otherwise moisture will condense on and inside your inverter. Add a lead acid battery and you are setting yourself up for pretty bad corrosion. I would also suggest you check out lithium motorcycle batteries. At least they don't outgas corrosive fumes like lead acid batteries. Good ventilation should make it possible to use lead acid batteries though.
Eric

Would it be a better idea to mount the inverter and battery in separate boxes?

 

[jyoutz]

Yeah, I don't know how Sterilite will hold up to UV and weather.

I mounted an electronic bird repeller in my orchard in a Sterilite box and got three seasons out of the box before it became brittle. I did store it out of the weather during off seasons.

 

[etpm]

Would it be a better idea to mount the inverter and battery in separate boxes?

If the battery is completely sealed they could be in the same compartment.
Eric

 

[oosik]

Tupperware. They make heavy duty "boxes" of all sizes and shapes. Get the correct size - turn it upside down - put it over your inverter and battery - attach to post. Leave the bottom open for ventilation.

 

[MossRoad]

Tupperware. They make heavy duty "boxes" of all sizes and shapes. Get the correct size - turn it upside down - put it over your inverter and battery - attach to post. Leave the bottom open for ventilation.

But then you have to host a party and get your friends to buy some, too.

 

[cbg8670]

Build small box wooden. Use small pieces of sheet metal for roof. Leave one long side open for ventilaton / access