Elk modules installed in damp crawl space, how to protect?

[relay]

Hi there,
I am looking to install several Elk modules under my house in a 5' high crawl space that has dirt floor and high humidity during the summer. Are there any cabinets designed for this purpose? Basically a sealed box but not sure on heat buildup.
I want to do this to remotely mount Elk zwave adapter and VRCOP at opposite end of my house to be close to zwave door locks. I am not planning other zwave devices to repeat signal so seems like moving the adapters closer to the lock is better idea.
Need it large enough to accomodate Elk Zwave, VRCOP, Elk zone expansion, M1DBH and perhaps the Elk GE wireless.

Thanks!

 

[JimS]

If it isn't already done you should cover the dirt with plastic to keep the moisture down and have vents for the crawl space. These are standard things that are done to keep the structure from rotting/rusting, etc. The humidity under your house shouldn't be much different that other places outside your house.

But I would still be hesitant to mount things there. At times you are likely to have a condensing environment - where the humidity reaches 100% and condenses on things. It is nearly impossible to completely seal a box. Over time with changes in temp the box breathes and draws in humidity - some vents to let any moisture that collects get out is actually not a bad idea. If it gets slightly warm that is a good thing and will help eliminate condensing conditions.

I would think seriously about putting your equipment in closets or other out of the way conditioned space. If you still want to mount this under the house take a look at outdoor breaker panels or pool control panels to see how they do it. They sit outside in the weather and are just sheet metal enclosures that keep the rain from running in the top and running over the circuit area. The boxes are far from air tight. The wires go in the bottom so any water the falls or condenses on the cables runs away from the box. You should do similar things. Check it periodically to see if things are deteriorating.

 

[apostolakisl]

Put one or more dehumidifiers in your crawl space. Put a wireless hygrometer in there to confirm you have sufficiently addressed the problem. Lacrosse technologies makes a bunch of very inexpensive wireless models. You will need a floor drain or you will need to mount your dehumidifier high enough that you can drill out the foundation above grade to run a gravity fed drain hose to outside. If that is not possible, run the dehumidifier into a well (large partially buried bucket) and put a small submersible pump in it. A few hours work and about $500 is what it will take. As Jim above mentioned, you should not let your crawl space be too humid even if you don't have the Elk stuff in there.

 

[relay]

Thanks for responses.
I get that the humidity is tough but solving this issue is VERY difficult.
I already have commercial grade dehumidifier that cost me $1,500 down there that pumps to the outside and there is plastic covering the floor. They are recomending large dehumidier but given the cost of electric to run this and cost to replace, nah, not happening.
The area is large, about 30' x 80' at 5' high and there are 3 beams running full length with cinder block support every 6' for all 3 beams.
Sealing with proper thick mil plastic is around $8,000. No one wants to work in a 5' high space so they want to charge double any regular job.
Basically, not going to happen, hence my asking if alternative solution is available.

Thanks again guys!

 

[apostolakisl]

You could build a small "room" in the crawl space and put a dehumidifier in there.

Very surprised that you can't get it dehumidified. Our family has a lake house on lake michigan that is only about 10 feet above the lake. The crawl space is similar to yours in size, but not quite as big, maybe 2/3rds. We have a single plain old dehumidifier from HD and it is doing the trick. This is up in northern michigan where the summer time sees 100% humidity pretty much every night where everything covered in dew once it hits about 60.

 

[Del91574]

They have cabinets designed to install commercial FACP's and similar into, however you don't want to know the cost for a conditioned space unit.


Is there some reason you can't find a closet somewhere and install the equipment there? I'd plan on replacement as part of the install if you're going to mount electronics in a location like that.

I'd suggest adding a couple of devices to extend the mesh rather than going the route of installing electronics in a space like that.

 

[relay]

Part of the issue is that the water table in my area is very high.

Given the push back, I am realizing that I really should have thought this through better.
I have a 1/2 bath at that end of the house with a large cabinet that I will mount a 14" lockable can in and install the equipment in that.
Problem solved.
Thanks for the reality check. Sometimes a dope slap is needed.