I just realised power to a small ethernet switch should not be a problem. I built a router (freesco box), and incorporated an old 4 port hub into it. It then got dismanteled. But that ran off 5v, and most i have seen run off less than 12v, so you could get a regulator to get the correct voltage, or maybe even mod a 12v regulator for a car (the ones for running discmans ect).
most pre-mod all acrylic cases dont include provision for static protection as far as I know, they dont even have anything to ground everything together with, or atleast I have never seen one with such provisions. So in short I would not be to concerned about it, but see what everyone else thinks.
this is like me...going to home depot buying a ish ton of plexiglass and building the case myself...there is gonna be static i believe...
