Looking for source recommendations; hydraulic flow control valve and waterproof junction box

Dear davidd31415:

I've only done such with hydraulic oil, so I can't help you here.

Plastomatic will make "metering valves", but as to automating them... If you have a low pressure flow, you could probably use an "I-to-P converter" and an "air pinch valve". Sounds pretty embarrasing if you use them for shutoff, however. ;>)

Vynckier. Sold in the US by various big shops (Hubbell?). Best to contact a local electrical supply house to see what is available.

Split grommets are a lousy idea. Best to use cordage and a sealing "strain relief" or "cord grip". Better sill to have the "device" made with sufficient cordage built in.

David A. Smith

davidd31415 thought carefully and wrote on 6/29/2005 7:12 PM:

When searching for the box try NEMA 4 or 4X as search terms. NEMA 4 electrical boxes are designed to keep their contents dry when exposed to a jet of water. 4X adds requirements for corrosion resistance.

Personally, I would use bulkhead electrical connectors to ensure a leak-proof seal instead of running a couple wires through a grommet.

Lance

Changing electrical connectors is a problem, unfortunately; I'd like to use such a box to protect the electrical connectors of devices being tested. The original connectors must be used at various times in the test, and if the box can not be removed and placed over another connector in less than a minute or so the current "place the connector in a plastic bag and cable-tie & tape it together as to keep out as much water as possible" method will need to stay in place.

As it sounds that the split-grommet idea is a terrible one, I guess it's back to the drawing board.

Lance wrote:

"davidd31415" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

Check with Vickers or Parker to see if they offer something for water.

I would suggest using Pheonix Contact sealed quick-connect blocks or sealed Amp connectors ( IP67 rated ) for your box. This will not only fix your need for quick change-out of wiring, but will seal at the same time.

Are you suggesting new connectors for each device? I have too many parts to justify spending the time to change the connectors on each one, plus the original connectors are needed at various times (unfortunately). I need to be able to get the current connector (not waterproof) into the box, and then seal the box around the wire (without depinning the connector).

Anth> "davidd31415" wrote in

First the valves, would the diversion valves used in some domestic combined central heating / hot water systems be suitable ?

with regard sealing a wire that must be removable, this will be difficult. A possible solution might be to have the equipment on a very short lead, and build a sealed socket into the box side.