Wall mounted network enclosure that is not recessed

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iwantplaytv

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#295976 10-May-2022 19:32

So I'm looking to install a small network cabinet on the wall where my ONT is, I found this: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ENCDNX1009/Dynamix-HWS-2004V2-20-Network-Enclosure-Recessed-W and similar ones but they are all recessed into the wall. The exterior wall is cinderblock and the studs are less than 90mm so I cannot have it recessed into the wall. I have studs with 400mm between them. Am I able to wall mount that straight to the gib board through to the studs? I am not sure what 400mm centre stud means in the description of that enclosure, does it mean 400mm distance between studs and it screws horizontally into them? Are there any other options out there? Looking to put a 8 port switch, 4 way power plug, and 2 routers in it.

eracode

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#2912515 11-May-2022 05:09

“… does it mean 400mm distance between studs and it screws horizontally into them?”.

This means the cabinet is made to fit between studs that have their centres 400mm apart - that’s why the cabinet is 355mm wide. Studs are typically 45mm wide and 400mm centres is a common spacing. From your description it sounds like you should be able to mount it in the wall as intended by the manufacturer - and yes, you would screw horizontally through the cabinet sides into the studs. Nice tidy job.

If you want or need to mount it on the wall, you could make a simple 90mm deep pine frame to hide/tidy up the sides of the case that would normally be hidden inside the wall. Paint the frame to make it noice. Mount the cabinet in the frame as if it was inside the wall, then mount the whole thing on the wall - either through the back of the cabinet into studs or onto the gib using Ramset hollow wall fixings.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/pinetrim-90-x-18mm-untreated-d4s-dressing-grade-pine-1-2m_p0294005

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Goosey

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#2912520 11-May-2022 06:45

You should be able to mount this on the block wall... however is this model of cabinet going to satisfy your needs?

i.e. its only 90mm deep total (so less once you take off a few mm for that steel front and back and especially the inner "grate" mounting grate).

I know I have issues trying to squeeze in one ISP supplied router, a small switch and have that existing with the ONT, small patch panel and power pack for the POE to drive the wifi access point.

Will you be running a wifi access point? (having your ISP router in here is going to severely impact your wifi coverage.

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
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#2912523 11-May-2022 06:56

Sorry - just re-read your post and I had overlooked the most important part where you said "studs are less than 90mm" - so my first para is nonsense.

In that case you could do a hybrid job where the cabinet is partly recessed into the wall and then framed around the part that's still protruding. Would make it lower profile - but you may find the 'studs' are something like 20mm battens so may not be worth doing this way. Depends on the depth of the studs.

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cyril7

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#2912525 11-May-2022 07:08

Hi, the noted box is designed to sit snuggly between two standard 400mm centred studs which they do exactly, installed more than most have had hot dinners.

Dynamix also do a surface mount option for the cabinets which you purhcase in addition to the inwall cabinet, to be honest never installed one so not too sure if you dispose of the orginal inwall section and put the door on the surface mount one, I suspect thats what you do

https://dynamix.co.nz/78246

As others have said, if this is in the garage, then its great for mounting the ONT in and a small patch panel and switch, but if the router is there also and you are using its WiFi then being metal its not ideal.

Currently, how many data outlets terminate at the intended location of this box, got a photo for perspective.

Cyril

Jase2985

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#2912528 11-May-2022 07:15

dynamix do surface mounted ones too

https://www.dynamix.co.nz/HWS-28SMK

Personally i would go the partially recessed route, with a nice wooden frame or something to space if off the wall a little, as the recessed cabinets have way better mounting options for equipment. I would also go for the 28in one.

This is my 28in cabinet as in reasonable full, and it doesn't have any patch panel in it, i have that elsewhere.

cyril7

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#2912532 11-May-2022 07:35

I should point out that a key distinction of the surface mount ones is rear entry, which is ideal if your on a timber framed wall with cables in it that then come through the rear of the panel into the box, rather than throught the top or bottom cut outs that woud be used if recessed.

Cyril

iwantplaytv

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#2912749 11-May-2022 21:03

Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll order a surface mount unit and will install that. Just wanted to get everything off the floor, and its only one router and 8 port switch and powerboard going into the unit, no wifi from the router.