Safely using DMX dimmers outdoors

[cmoneyster]

I was just wondering if anybody had any suggestions on how to keep DMX dimmers safely outside, without having to worry about rain or snow messing up the equipment? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks in advance!!

[DynamoBen]

The safest way is to place the dimmers indoors and run extension cords out to your load.

However, the best bet might be either Tupperware contains or storage totes depending on the size of the dimmers. If you are building dimmers an outdoor rated box might be worth the extra expense.

[JEC]

Especially larger dimmers, which can potentially switch thousands of watts per channel. I'd do everything I could to keep them away from water (and for that matter, high humidity).

If you're building, make sure each channel is fused and/or protected with circuit breakers.

[cmoneyster]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll prolly just keep them indoors and run extension cords out to my lights. Any suggestions on where to get long extension cords for a good price?

Thanks!

[DynamoBen]

There are two schools of thought. One is find the least expensive premade cables that meet your length requirements. The other is to build your own to length.

If your "show" is static and you intend on using the same/similar stuff year after year building might be the way to go. Buy a big spool of SO cable and edison ends and away you go. The other cool thing you can do is run multiple circuits through one cable with multiconductor SO.

[JEC]

The other cool thing you can do is run multiple circuits through one cable with multiconductor SO.


Mmmmmm.... Socapex cables.

And oh-so-flexible in the cold. :)

[DynamoBen]

Don't get me started on soco an veam... ;)