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I have a small Ethernet switch that I'd like to mount in the entrance corner of my crawl space, where there's plenty of room to stand and electricity.

I'm having a hard time finding one, though. Can someone recommend something for this?

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By "box" do you mean "enclosure"? If so do you want it sealed or ventilated? Bug-proof I presume? – Bob Jan 28 at 19:30
Yes, an enclosure. My main concern is keep critters away from it. I'm conflicted because if I use a sealed enclosure, I worry about overheating and if it's ventilated I worry about moisture in the air. Then again, I have seen entire server racks in the dankest basements that run for years without problems... – Ronnie Overby Jan 28 at 19:49
Changed title to use the word enclosure instead of box. – Ronnie Overby Jan 28 at 19:51
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This sounds like a "shop for me" type question, which are off topic here. You could try Amazon, google, or simply taking a walk around your local hardware store (where you might find a sales person who could help find exactly what you need). – Tester101♦ Jan 29 at 12:09
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@RonnieOverby Maybe you're asking the wrong questions on Stack Exchange sites? Not all questions fit the scope of the sites, it's an unfortunate downside of having sites with specific focused topics. You shouldn't take this personally, It's just not a good fit for the site (in my opinion). I often find inspiration while wandering aimlessly through the hardware store, so I don't see why this is such a bad suggestion. – Tester101♦ Jan 29 at 14:41
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2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote

What you want to do, may not be the best idea. Typically networking equipment (and more generally electronic equipment), is best installed in a conditioned space. Ideally, you'll want a clean, climate controlled location. A crawl space generally does not fit the bill, and may be the exact opposite of the ideal location.

Some of the features of the enclosure may directly contradict each other in an environment like this, making it difficult and/or expensive to find a solution. For example. The enclosure should be enclosed to prevent dust, dirt, debris, moisture, and bugs from entering. However, you'll need ventilation to prevent overheating.

In a conditioned room, you can typically be sure the equipment will only be exposed to moderate amounts of dust, dirt, moisture, and bugs. In an unconditioned space; such as a crawl space, all bets are off. There could be dust and water everywhere, extreme temperature swings, etc. in a crawl space.

It's possible that you're having such difficulty finding an enclosure, because the best solution is to not install the device in this location. Maybe others have attempted this, and concluded that the easiest solution was to install the equipment somewhere else. Sometimes "The only winning move is not to play."

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You've nearly talked me out of the idea... and then I read Philip Ngai's answer..... – Ronnie Overby Jan 30 at 0:35
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I have seen this done in some old buildings, along with Ethernet switches put in attics. Leave alone the mourning and environment issues, the maintenance on those switches because a nightmare as access to those spots is not usually very conducive. Try to find a better spot to terminate your wiring and to locate your network switches. – tegbains Jan 31 at 7:27
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If your equipment generates enough heat that you have to vent it to prevent overheating, it's not going to suffer from condensation.

If your equipment is in danger of condensation, put it in a sealed box, it doesn't need venting.

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