Opinions on Enclosure Backing

[buck]

What would be best to use for the back of an enclosure......

- Peg Board

or

- solid board with air vents??

[hugsta]

I personally don't like peg board. I think it looks bad and can allow too much heat out. I prefer to cut vents in a solid board. IMO.

Yeah, what huggy said!

[herptrader]

Ventilation is an area where many enclosure designs fall down.

Peg board can look ok if finished properly and the heat loss is not always a problem. (eg: if the room is well insulated and the room temperature close to the minimums you are looking for.)

Vents are mega pricy. Even those dinky cupboard vents ad $.50 each add up because of the quantity you need. Depending upon the size of what you want to put in the enclosure and what it is made of you may wish to consider routing slots to create the ventilation.

Another area overlooked is the gaps around doors , light fittings etc. which if positioned properly can reduce the need for extra venting.

[angelrose]

i agree, peg board you would have an awfull time trying to control heat and humidity

JMHO

Angel

[boa]

Try to avoid pegboard, it can warp and distort if it gets a bit wet or even too hot. It can be protected but I don't think it's worth the trouble. IMO though.

[buck]

Ok so it seems that vents is the go. How many vents will I need for a 4x2 enclosure? Will 2 be enough or should I use 4?

[boa]

How long is a piece of string ? It all depends on the size of the vents and to be honest that is usually personal choice, they don't have to be huge, maybe 20 x 25 at each end. There are no rules with this, you just need enough to allow lots of air to enter.

Ok so it seems that vents is the go. How many vents will I need for a 4x2 enclosure? Will 2 be enough or should I use 4?

[montyette]

ive been using sink strainers from clints .40 each 2 close togetther at the back an 1 either side in my new enclosures ive been building.just cut the holes with a drill cutter

[instar]

How long is a piece of string ?

Its twice the length from its centre to either end!

My vote: Solid with vents!

[hugsta]

You can use wire fkyscreen mesh, the thick stuff. Cut it to whatever size you want. Thats what I do.

Yeah ive used the wire fly screen mesh, Blocker (coastal 7-8 footer) pushes against it and it holds up very well.