Sealing a 4-gang electrical enclosure around front panel

D

Daniel Postilnik

Junior
Jan 14, 2011
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San Francisco, CA
I'm having issues with the remote control devices for a certain manufacturer's DSP unit behaving erratically when exposed to sweat and moisture. It could be argued that the manufacturer needs to step up and make a more robust volume controller, but that's not going to happen.

We have a source select and three volume knob controllers housed in a 4-gang enclosure. From the looks of it, the rear part of the assembly is a weatherproof enclosure. However, the front plate is just a quadruple gang wall plate: Amazon.com: Leviton 80412-W 4-Gang Decora/GFCI Device Decora Wallplate, Standard Size, Thermoset, Device Mount, White: Home Improvement

I believe that sweat is leaking in through the front panel at the edges on the front face of each volume controller, and through the seam where the wall panel attaches to the rear part of the enclosure. Is there some kind of rubber seal that could be inserted behind the wall plate but in front of the volume controllers? It could just be a rubber rectangle with holes in the corner, I just wanted to see if anyone knew of a specific product that already exists.

Thanks.
 
Re: Sealing a 4-gang electrical enclosure around front panel

Gaskets exist for outdoor GFCI plates, but I've never seen one bigger than 2 gang. I suppose you could make one yourself from rubber sheet, especially if you're handy with an Xacto.

On the other hand, is this something that could be solved with a strategically located towel?
 
Re: Sealing a 4-gang electrical enclosure around front panel

I've always used clear silicon caulk for sealing up outdoor electrical boxes. Apply a thin bead sparingly and if you ever need to remove the plate, apply slow and firm pressure and it should peel off reasonably easy.
 
Re: Sealing a 4-gang electrical enclosure around front panel

Tom Manchester said:
I've always used clear silicon caulk for sealing up outdoor electrical boxes. Apply a thin bead sparingly and if you ever need to remove the plate, apply slow and firm pressure and it should peel off reasonably easy.
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I think this is the way to go, since these panels are not serviced frequently. Also, the foam would probably expand when it got wet and warp the front panel (or put pressure on the insides). No good!

Rob, I tried the strategically placed towel but it didn't help. These people sweat a LOT.
 
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