SWITCH/ 3-PIN SOCKET PROTECTOR

Outdoor water-proof switches

Outdoor water-proof  3-pin socket

Electrical switches and power sockets for outdoor use have to be weather-proof, particularly against natural elements of water and heat. These special switches and sockets cost about RM180.00 each compared to the ordinary ones ranging from RM3.50 to RM6.50.

In addition to the weather-proof switches and power sockets for the garden and fish pond, there are a few power sockets on the exterior wall of the building. Although shaded from direct sunlight and rain, they are exposed to rain splashing down on them during thunderstorms. Water then seeps into the socket and over time oxidize the copper element inside, disabling  the electrical contact point.

Outdoor switches for pond fountain pump and lighting.

Switch Protector with the 3-pin socket

A new and cheap gadget is now available. This PVC switch/ 3-Pin socket protector comes in two designs. One is in opaque white and the other comes with transparent cover. The price ranges between RM5.00 to RM13.00, depending on the quality of the PVC material and the brand. 

Spoilt 3-pin Socket.
See the fungus growing on the edges.

To install the switch/socket protector, one needs to unscrew the socket from the wall. For safety reasons, the power supply should be isolated or completely switched off.  

Isolate the electrical power at the MCB
switch board.

Slip the switch protector’s base plate onto the switch and secure the switch with a screw that is ¼ inch longer than the original screw. This is due to the base plate thickness and the soft pad linning . The longer screw is available from any DIY or hardware shop. It costs about 5 to 8 sen each.

No disconnecting of wires is required to install the switch/socket protector.   

See below, the socket protector installed with the 3-pin socket sitting neatly inside.


The flip cover should be closed when the socket is not in use, to prevent water from seeping in.

The spoilt 3-pin socket was replaced with this new socket,
with the socket protecter fitted.

Harvest Rain Water for cleaning and garden use

There was a huge stack of used plastic containers at the back of my office building. They were used for storing chemicals for the factory use. On closer examination, I discovered the containers were well protected with galvanized iron (GI) cages and pallets.

Each container is equipped with an outlet stop valve and top filling port with a 5-inch diameter cap. The manufacturer of the container is Schutz Container System Incorporated, Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. I noticed a label – RECYCLABLE CONTAINER.

Existing rain water downpipe

Wow! It’s a dream come true! I have been scouting around for some time for these! What a waste if I do not recycle them. With the help of my colleagues, I brought the container home and connected it to the rain water downpipe. 

nTo complete the pipe connection, five pieces of elbow, one T-joint, 10 feet of 4-inch diameter PVC pipe is required. Since there is no high pressure from the rain water, it is not necessary to seal or glue the joints.

At the outlet valve, a pipe reducer from 2 ¾ inch to ½ inch is connected to facilitate tap fitting and enable the usage of standard garden hose.

Downpipe cut for joining to the 
storage tank port

The total cost of the connection fitting is RM76.00(USD25.00). With this rainwater harvested and collected, I can save RM30.00(USD9.00) per month on my water bill.

Two inlet pipes connected to the
 top filling port holes

  

Completed connection to downpipe.

Two storage tanks assembled and connected.

Grease the elbow for easy joinning

Outlet valve before fixing the tap connection

Storage tank with outlet tap fitted.