openinverter forum

So I am looking to start putting the HV contactor box together.

Does it matter whether the enclosure box is plastic or metal- my gut is saying go with metal, don't know why

My opinion is if you're doing an isolation monitor take your pick of plastic or metal.

If you're skipping the isolation monitor, I'd personally rule out using metal.

zippy500 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 21, 2024 10:09 pm So I am looking to start putting the HV contactor box together.

Does it matter whether the enclosure box is plastic or metal- my gut is saying go with metal, don't know why

I use those plastic boxes they use to install into houses.
The best one is the smaller one 300mm x 200mm they use for telecom or optics installation.

I put several long bolts from the bottom of the box and fix them with double nuts so i have firm anchors for brass contacts to DC switch.
The idea is to make bottom inaccessible for bare handsor tools... just in case.

Edit: I use another plastic shelf under the contact box not to allow fingers or tools to come in contact with DC.
It was either that or i fit an undershelf inside the box. Latter wouldnt fit with DC contactor, so i use the forme.

If i want to use rubber standoffs i take rubber blocks with M6 or M8 stub on both sides. That way i can bolt it firmly from one side and the other side is a good fixture for either cable lug or a fuse holder.

https://mazdamx3ev.wordpress.com/2024/0 ... ntact-box/

arber333 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2024 8:54 am I put several long bolts from the bottom of the box and fix them with double nuts so i have firm anchors for brass contacts to DC switch.
The only caveat is to make bottom inaccessible for bare hands... just in case.

NOT ACCEPTABLE

HV should remain in a box, use isolated standoffs. Never create a path out of the box.

tom91 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2024 11:54 am NOT ACCEPTABLE

HV should remain in a box, use isolated standoffs. Never create a path out of the box.

No need to shout.
Those red female isolated standoffs arent good. They crack under vibration. If i want to use the likes i take rubber blocks with M6 or M8 stub on both sides...

I use another plastic shelf under the contact box not to allow fingers or tools to come in contact with DC.
It was either that or i fit an undershelf inside the box. Latter wouldnt fit with DC contactor, so i use the former.

arber333 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2024 12:14 pm No need to shout.
I use another plastic shelf under the contact box not to allow fingers or tools to come in contact with DC.
It was either that or i fit an undershelf inside the box. Latter wouldnt fit with DC contactor, so i use the former.

These practices maybe fine for you but you do not know who will read this. Nor is there any guarantee will they look beyond your post.

The OP is asking for advice/best practice. Having HV conducting bolts outside of the enclosure is NOT best practice or advice to give to anyone.

tom91 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2024 12:16 pm These practices maybe fine for you but you do not know who will read this.

The OP is asking for advice/best practice. Having HV conducting bolts outside of the enclosure is NOT best practice or advice to give to anyone.

Sure!
The advice being to have cover over all exposed HV parts that you can access by fingers or tools.

Murphy says if there is a way to touch exposed HV you will manage to do it someday.