Outdoor Installation

Working on a home project? Post it here.
Post Reply
bruh91ha
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:06 pm

Outdoor Installation

Post by bruh91ha » Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:18 pm

Hello,
So I recently found the GEM and it looks like a very well made and customizable product. I was hoping to buy one, but I have a logistical issue I need to sort out. My electrical panel is outside!

I was wondering if anyone has installed the GEM outdoors and ran power to it? I live in Colorado and it gets icy and cold. So I would need to enclose the GEM in some kind of weather proof box. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Raul
bruh91ha
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:06 pm

Re: Outdoor Installation

Post by bruh91ha » Sat Mar 07, 2015 2:54 pm

I found this: http://www.l-com.com/nema-enclosures-14 ... p-mounting

That seems like a good option. It has the 120VAC so I can connect the power supply and current monitor. Thoughts?
Teken
Posts: 2700
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 4:09 pm
Location: The Bad Lands

Re: Outdoor Installation

Post by Teken » Sat Mar 07, 2015 5:47 pm

Hello Raul,

So long as the ambient temperatures do not exceed 0-40'C / 32-104'F while enclosed in the box you indicated it should be fine.

You should obviously order this unit with the Ethernet module which at this point in time is a combination Ethernet / WiFi module so that is a win in that regards. You will need an electrical outlet for the PT transformer which monitors the line voltage from the POCO.

The other transformer is to power the GEM itself so ensure you have AC near by. It goes with out saying you will need to measure how long the distance is from the panel to the mounting point of the GEM and run the proper length of conduit per your local NEC / CEC codes.

Ensure you run enough pairs of CAT5e / CAT6, or 22-4 wire for any 1 wire temperature or pulse channels you wish to monitor.

All of this should be taken into consideration when sizing and purchasing the conduit. Bigger is better and you can never go wrong with having more room. That can't be said for having less room and trying to push / pull cable through a small hole in a conduit.

Looking forward to your project along with photo's! :P
Teken . . .

My ongoing projects thread: http://www.brultech.com/community/viewt ... ?f=2&t=929
Buy me a cup of coffee: https://www.paypal.me/Teken https://gfinotify.com/ Discount Code: PC10
bruh91ha
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:06 pm

Re: Outdoor Installation

Post by bruh91ha » Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:23 am

So there is actually a tube going from the electrical panel into the crawl space. I haven't opened up the panel yet to see how much room is left in the tube, but I think I should be able to run all the CT wires through it. How long are the CT wires? I think I might need about 6' to reach from the panel into the crawl space. If the CT wires are shorter than that, is it ok to extend the cables?

I dunno if this is to code or not, but I was thinking that if I had to extend the cables I could install an RJ45 patch panel in the breaker box and terminate all the CTs there. Then I could run CAT5 from the electrical panel into the crawlspace.
Teken
Posts: 2700
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 4:09 pm
Location: The Bad Lands

Re: Outdoor Installation

Post by Teken » Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:31 am

bruh91ha wrote:So there is actually a tube going from the electrical panel into the crawl space. I haven't opened up the panel yet to see how much room is left in the tube, but I think I should be able to run all the CT wires through it. How long are the CT wires? I think I might need about 6' to reach from the panel into the crawl space. If the CT wires are shorter than that, is it ok to extend the cables?

I dunno if this is to code or not, but I was thinking that if I had to extend the cables I could install an RJ45 patch panel in the breaker box and terminate all the CTs there. Then I could run CAT5 from the electrical panel into the crawlspace.
No problem with extending the CT wires at all but you need to be mindful of proper termination practices and the method used. I do favor soldering when long term reliability is the key goal and resistance sought after.

If you must use Ethernet cable please use CAT6 cable as its thicker then CAT5e. One is 24 gauge while the other is 23 gauge. I prefer to use 22-4 alarm wire as its 22 gauge and pure copper. Do not purchase any CCA cable which is not NEC approved or endorsed to be run within walls.

CCA is (copper clad aluminum) wire and is cheaper but also offers less performance never mind quality & safety issues.

Can you clarify where you intend to install the RJ45 patch panel?? It can not reside with in the electrical panel unless you're generalizing?

NOTE: Also low voltage wiring can not be run inside of the conduit which has high voltage 120/240 VAC line power which is against code.
Teken . . .

My ongoing projects thread: http://www.brultech.com/community/viewt ... ?f=2&t=929
Buy me a cup of coffee: https://www.paypal.me/Teken https://gfinotify.com/ Discount Code: PC10
Post Reply