IP65 LED array enclosures for outside?

[VanIsleDSM]

I've been searching for a while now and haven't been able to come across any IP65 rated aluminum enclosures for LEDs.

If anybody knows of any specifically for LEDs that'd be awesome. If not even just a slim profile IP65 aluminum case with a window on the front that I could attach heatsink(s) to the rear would also work.

Thanks!

 

[jeffosborne]

Hey VanIsleDSM, pardon my ignorance, but what is the significant property of the special aluminum you are asking about?

Cheers,
Jeff O.

 

[TexLite]

I've been searching for a while now and haven't been able to come across any IP65 rated aluminum enclosures for LEDs.

If anybody knows of any specifically for LEDs that'd be awesome. If not even just a slim profile IP65 aluminum case with a window on the front that I could attach heatsink(s) to the rear would also work.

Thanks!

I'm not aware of any that are specifically IP65 rated, but you could use a standard aluminum project box like this, Aluminum Allow Box ,replacing the front cover with a piece of plexi-glass or similar transparent plastic. You might have to cut a gasket from a sheet of gasket material available at auto parts stores.

You could do the same thing with an aluminum electrical conduit or a conduit junction/gang box from one of the home improvement stores, replacing the front cover with a clear plastic. Those already have the gasket in place and are available in several sizes.

The boxes from Fry's are bare aluminum and could be anodized black, the electrical junction/gang boxes are coated/painted grey and would have to be stripped first.

These Aluminum E-Case's are nice as well.

Hey VanIsleDSM, pardon my ignorance, but what is the significant property of the special aluminum you are asking about?

Cheers,
Jeff O.

I could be wrong, but I assume he's referring to the properties of the case itself, not the material its made of.

The IP65 referring to weatherproof/waterproof IP Protection Code, while aluminum is referring to the material the enclosure is made of.

-Michael

 

[bshanahan14rulz]

Van Isle, weren't you also trying to put some prototype LED automotive headlamps together a while back over on hidp? I may be imagining things though...

 

[VanIsleDSM]

Headlamps no, taillights yes.

Although I took part in a few discussions about them.

The taillights are still incomplete unfortunately.. haha. Pretty much done, but I've still got to diagnose a fishy issue the controller board, can't seem to pull the voltage regulators low, there's a current leak somewhere, and I just haven't had it in me to go searching for it, but I will soon.

As for the replies about the case, thanks. I'd really like to be able to find some IP65 cases that I don't need to modify, the waterproof stuff is not something I like to take liability for myself when making something for a customer. Just like I only use UL listed stuff on the AC side of things. Not that I can't build that stuff on my own.. I'd just really prefer not to take that responsibility if someone is paying for it, haha.

I've seen some awesome cases before, but only on premade LED arrays. I'll see if I can find some examples.

 

[LukeA]

Several vendors make some nice aluminum enclosures that you could modify with a panel of clear plexi and some silicone (and maybe some screws) that would definitely hold IP65.

Here's one that is definitely worth a second look.

I don't know of any commercial LED products that have enclosures with transparent windows that aren't made custom for the product inside them.