Orbit 57095 Grey Outdoor Water Timer Box Cover - Weatherproof Sprinkler Controller Enclosure for Garden & Lawn Irrigation Systems

This is the second one I bought, and it accommodates a variety of controller (or even non-controller) items. My only complaint is that the internal plug receptacle (which is a ground fault plug) is positioned very close to inside edge so that adapter plugs for the device you are protecting don't fit easily. Plug in photo should "hang" for weight, but wire gets in the way, so I plugged it in upside down and prevent a "tilt" with a small stone. I also have a similar box that has the plug receptacle behind the mounting plate for the controller which gets the plug conveniently out of the way.Okay, so, let me start with the disclaimer. I do not own a sprinkler system. I do not need a sprinkler system. It rains so @#*$& much here that my lawn is mostly moss and mud. The last house I owned I spent three months completely redoing the foundation drainage just to make all the water go away. So, I have no idea how well these boxes would work for their intended purpose.On the other hand, these are hands down the best inexpensive outdoor network enclosures I've ever used.Generally when I get a generic NEMA enclosure I have to build some kind of standoff front plane to have more space to mount things to, install an outlet, and find a lock. These make it easy. These already come with a built-in outlet, a front mounting plane mounting surface (with holes that never quite match the slots on your gear, but at least you'll only have to drill one hole and not two), and a lock. Mind you it's a cheap lock, but with any lock on a plastic enclosure is really only there to deter the casually curious. There's plenty of space on the bottom to drill holes for cable glands, or you can use the existing 3/4" hole.One of these right now is housing an 8 port switch, 3 cat6 lightning arrestors, and an 802.3bt POE++ injector, so for the price it's a heck an enclosure.Some caveats:1. I don't see a NEMA rating on these, but I've had them several in service for multiple years with consumer-grade switches and other equipment and never had water intrusion issues despite pouring rain and high winds. What I have had to deal with in one unit is ants. I'd recommend a thin, concave bead of RTV silicone around the seal.2. The hinges on the most recent unit I got were somewhat wimpier than I'm used to. Be aware that the front cover might detach if you swing it open too aggressively.3. The hole under the outlet doesn't quite fit a 1/2" Carlon male adapter. I had to ream it out a bit.4. The GFCI outlet is prone to tripping during heavy lightning storms when you're using these as networking cabinets with long twisted pair runs, even with (gas tube) lightning arrestors. I'm sure a GFCI is warranted if you're dealing with water, but for networking hardware you'll probably want to swap it out for a regular outlet.All that said, these are about the best bang for your buck I've seen on here, and I prefer to use them whenever possible.Very good quality enclosure. For outdoor controls (like irrigation controls for RainMachine, Orbit etc) You can't ask for much more -- and you won't find any better at a cheaper price. Buy with confidence.Be aware the box is quite deep with a mounting panel dividing the depth in half. This is, I suppose, to support routing wiring behind the panel. Although irrigation and similar controllers don't run the wires that way -- they come in the bottom and go straight to the controller connections. I have trouble imagining an application that needs the amount of space they provide. Perhaps CAT5 if you wanted to put a switch in an enclosure? In any case, you have a lot of room behind that panel if you need it.One possible downside is the depth of the box means you need a bit more width to get your fingers in for some applications. For example: I bought this for a RainMachine controller and thought I'd have way more width than needed. In practice, the RainMachine buries their front panel releases deep on the sides. So you have to get your fingers almost under the edges to remove the front panel. This means this box was just the right size -- any smaller and I couldn't get my fingers in around the RainMachine to open its panel.My point: Check the dimensions -- AND access needs -- for the controller you'll be installing. You've probably got way more space than you expect -- but maybe not :) This is in no way a negative for the box. Just some perspective when sizing your job. I evaluated multiple enclosures and this one was the best all around fit BY FAR without spending $100+.I repurposed this enclosure for an outdoor router to improve WIFI coverage in my yard, it worked out very well. I swapped out the included GFCI outlet and put it at the first outlet on the circuit. Overall I am very happy with the sturdiness, included GFCI and price for this enclosure.I only have few small complaints: - The latch is a little unintuitive. - I have noticed a very small amount of moisture on occasion inside the gasket of the enclosure. - If this will be opened and closed regularly or you want it to be secure when locked, you may want to find something a little sturdier. - The holes for wires are not knockouts, so If you won't be using all of the holes you will need to get plugs.The added two keys are a handy security feature. The box is fairly thick plastic. It would take quite a bit for someone that is unwanted to get in it.Exactly, what I wanted. I did not need the GFCI as my outside plug already had one.Looks great outside and was easy to install. Definitely a 5 rating.