Mollom 8 Way Circuit Breaker MCB Distribution Protection Box with DIN Rail, IP65 Waterproof,for Indoor and Outdoor

Why I picked this enclosure

I needed a compact, weather-resistant DIN-rail box to tidy up a small outdoor distribution job: a handful of breakers, a surge device, and some clean cable management for a shed and garden circuit. The Mollom 8‑way enclosure looked like it hit the right balance—IP65 weather protection, IK08 impact rating, a built-in DIN rail, and a footprint that doesn’t dominate a wall. On paper it’s 200 x 155 x 92 mm, built from a PC+ABS alloy, and ships with stainless steel mounting screws and a pair of waterproof cable glands. After installing and living with it for a bit, here’s how it fared.

Build and weather protection

The enclosure feels sturdier than most budget plastic boxes in this class. The PC+ABS shell has just enough rigidity that it doesn’t oil-can when you torque down devices on the DIN rail, and the molding is clean with no sharp flashing. The gasketed lid mates evenly to the base, and the fastener pattern compresses the seal uniformly. IP65 is the right rating for this sort of work: it keeps out dust and handles wind‑driven rain, provided you treat penetrations correctly and use proper glands. It’s not for submersion or pressure washing, but mounted upright on an exterior wall it’s well within its comfort zone.

Impact protection is rated IK08, which in practical terms means it can shrug off incidental bumps and the occasional dropped tool. I wouldn’t mount it where it’s subject to carts or vehicles, and I wouldn’t expect it to survive heavy abuse, but for residential and light commercial use it’s appropriate. The stainless hardware is a thoughtful touch—no rusty streaks down the siding six months later.

One thing to note: the front cover fastens with screws that thread into plastic bosses. They bite well, but they are self-tapping into plastic. If you expect to open and close this box frequently, be gentle and don’t over‑torque; repeated cycles will eventually wear the threads. A dab of silicone grease on the gasket and a hand screwdriver instead of an impact driver go a long way toward longevity.

Layout and capacity

This is an eight‑module layout sized for standard 18 mm DIN devices. In practice, I fit a main switch and six single‑pole breakers with a two‑module surge arrester without drama. The included DIN rail is straight and sits at the right depth for standard toggles to clear the lid. Once mounted, devices latch securely and the rail does not flex that much, which speaks to the shell stiffness.

Space around the rail is where you pay for the compact footprint. There is workable room for bending conductors, but not a lot of slack. Top and bottom cable entries are the most natural; side or rear entry is theoretically possible, but you’ll fight bend radii and clearance, especially if you’re landing larger gauge conductors. If you know you need side entry or heavy gauge feeds, consider stepping up to a deeper or wider enclosure.

There are no knockouts. Plan on drilling your own penetrations. I prefer this to thin, perforated knockouts that compromise the seal anyway, but it does mean you need the right tools. A step-bit or hole saw and a deburring tool are essential, and it’s worth laying out your hole pattern carefully before you commit. The included cable glands are serviceable for standard round cable; if you’re using conduit, you’ll want appropriate fittings and locknuts.

Installation experience

Mounting is straightforward. I leveled and anchored the base to a masonry wall using appropriate anchors (the supplied stainless screws are for wood mounting), then I installed the DIN‑mounted devices, dressed conductors, and finally brought the lid on. The enclosure’s back has enough depth to keep screw tips clear of wiring—an underrated detail. The included waterproof connectors seated cleanly and held their IP rating after torqueing to spec. If you add extra glands, make sure the panel thickness and gland nut range are compatible; PC+ABS walls are thick enough to hold a thread but thin enough that overtightening can deform them.

Be aware that there are no integral neutral/ground distribution bars. That’s not a flaw, just a design choice at this price point, and it keeps things flexible. I added DIN‑mount terminal blocks for neutral and earth, which let me keep the internal wiring neat and serviceable. If you’re planning an application that needs a phase distribution bar, plan for that as well. Space is adequate for a small terminal strip on the side away from the hinge line of your conductors.

Wire management is the main constraint. I kept my runs short, measured twice before cutting, and used ferrules on stranded conductors to save space at terminations. For PV or DC work, consider low‑profile breakers and compact surge devices to leave yourself more breathing room.

Compliance and suitability

The literature that came with mine cites a UL test report number, but the enclosure itself does not carry a UL Listing or CSA mark. In many jurisdictions, that’s the difference between “tested to a standard” and “approved for use in inspected mains installations.” If you’re using this for low‑voltage DC, control circuits, off‑grid solar, or in a setting where the Authority Having Jurisdiction doesn’t require listed enclosures, it’s a great fit. If you’re building a permanent residential subpanel that will be inspected, check with your inspector first or choose an enclosure with the required listing. That caution isn’t unique to this box—it applies to any import enclosure at this price.

Real‑world performance

Once closed up and mounted outdoors, the enclosure has been uneventful, which is the highest compliment for a weatherproof box. No leaks after several storms, no condensation inside, and no UV chalking yet. The clearances are tight but manageable; top entry for the feed and bottom entry for the branch circuits kept the interior clean. Heat hasn’t been a problem, but I’m not loading it to the maximum current the breakers are rated for. If you’re packing it with heat‑generating devices in a hot climate, derate appropriately or consider a larger volume to improve convection.

I appreciate the compact footprint. On a narrow exterior wall, it looks tidy rather than industrial. The finish is conservative and blends in, and the build doesn’t broadcast “budget” from a distance. The clear labeling recess on the front is handy for a circuit directory if you print one to size.

What could be better

• Working space: The interior volume is the limiting factor. If you anticipate frequent modifications or need generous slack, go up one size.
• No knockouts: I don’t mind drilling, but beginners may prefer guided knockouts. Clear internal drilling guides would help.
• Frequent-access threads: Self-tapping screws into plastic bosses won’t love constant opening. A metal insert or a quarter-turn latch would dramatically improve serviceability.
• Accessories: Including basic DIN‑mount neutral/earth bars would save a separate purchase for common AC jobs.

None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re worth factoring into your planning.

Who it’s for

• Installers and DIYers needing a compact, IP‑rated eight‑module enclosure for small outdoor or damp‑location projects.
• Solar tinkerers who want a tidy box for DC breakers, a disconnect, or a small combiner on a budget.
• Anyone building a small subdistribution for a shed, pump, or garden circuits where top and bottom entries suffice.

Who should look elsewhere: facilities that require UL/CSA listed enclosures for inspected mains projects, or applications where the box will see frequent opening, hard physical abuse, or very heavy-gauge wiring that needs generous bending room.

The bottom line

The Mollom 8‑way enclosure gets the fundamentals right: a solid shell, a reliable seal, sensible dimensions, and the basics in the box (DIN rail, stainless screws, and a couple of glands) to get you started. It’s not a heavy-duty industrial chassis and it doesn’t pretend to be; it’s a compact, reasonably tough, weather‑resistant home for a small lineup of DIN‑mounted gear. Treat it with sensible expectations—plan your penetrations, add proper terminal blocks, and mind the limited working space—and it will reward you with a clean, dry, and tidy installation.

Recommendation: I recommend it for small, budget‑conscious indoor/outdoor DIN rail projects where IP65 is required and local code doesn’t demand a listed enclosure. It’s good value, looks tidy on a wall, and does its job without fuss. If your application involves inspection under strict listing requirements, frequent service access, or larger cable management needs, step up to a listed, larger, or metal enclosure instead.