Can somebody post their setup of how you are running it on the balcony.
I am not worried about snow or rains because ahead of time I can always check the forecast but the problem is dirt, dust, ants, getting into the miners and PSUs.
Miners I dont really care about at this point since most are useless but I don't want to ruin a perfectly good PSUs.
I dont have any running outside (my balcony has pigeons, and i
really dont want them trying to nest around a heated object/container), but heres my suggestion:
1) build a secure rack or container.
container: buy a large outdoor storage bin or shelf that is easily enough space for all your gear (cords, power bars, PSU, miners). cut some holes in the sizes where you want the air to come in and exit. keep in mind that equipment like PSUs may receive less airflow then the miners that have 100cfm+ fans running - size and locate holes so that the container wont trap heat and become too hot inside
rack: buy some sort of rack/shelf that is sufficient to hold all your gear at a safe distance above ground level. If it doesnt have a solid top/sides, buy some plexiglass or fiberboard to build a top+sides. The front and back should be open wherever you anticipate wanting airflow
2) protect the inlet/outlets with a breathable filter to keep out rain, debris, animals, etc. Polyfill fabric (see image) or furnace filters are both good
cover the airways in a breathable material like a polyfill fabric or
3) locate somewhere that rain and debris shouldnt even be an issue. ideally the filter will seem like overkill because there is so few hazards where you place it
4) keep all the wiring elevated. minimize the wire runs between the box and house. if water gets on wires, the surface tension can sometimes carry it along the wire - keep this in mind and make sure if rain hits the extension cable, it wont run along the cord and reach your powerbar/outlet.
theres no real risk to the electronics from either humidity (unless you are in florida or somewhere crazy-moist) as long as the units dont suck in any water droplets, and are running 24/7. the airflow and heat will prevent any sort of condensation. If the power stops though and a component cools down, it can become susceptible to moisture eventually condensating on it (but still unlikely, as long as it is warmer than the outside air).
only thing to really avoid doing would be to turn on the hardware in the early morning, when the air outside is starting to warm up and carry moisture, but the hardware in the box will be cold from the overnight. a >10F difference like this could result in moisture from the warm air condensating on the cold mining equipment metal. once the unit is running though, hot metal wont pull moisture from cool air
