Terminal Box Vs. Junction Box

Many times people confuse terminal and junction boxes due to their similarities in their appearances and functionalities. However, there is a fine line between a terminal box and a junction box. We are going to look at the differences of each, compare their functionalities and the materials used to make them, and finally, look at how they hold up against each other head to head. If you have always had trouble telling these two apart, then stick around to the end.

What is a Terminal Box?

An electrical terminal box is an electrical structure that is used to house specific connections but lacks any room for future expansion or any addition of more connections later on. This is how the box acquired its name as Terminal box. Another unique tarot of a terminal box is the size. It is much bigger than a junction box, and this makes it ideal for holding bigger and more complicated connections. This is why you are likely to find a terminal box in huge industrial complexes that require safe connections to high voltage for their operations to run smoothly.

Advantages of Terminal Boxes

There are several benefits that come with using terminal boxes over any other type, and the following are the main advantages that push people into selecting them in the first place.

They make use of space more efficiently as they reduce panel space by over 50%. Terminal boxes have multi-level blocks in them that ensure that space is utilized in the most efficient way.
They increase the safety of operations by grounding the wires nicely and silting any type of wire that may lead to danger to the people who are using the facility in question. They come with finger connections and killer switches that can be used to bring everything to a halt in case of an emergency.
The installation of the terminal box is also easy, and it can be put up and be running within minutes if you have the right tools with you. This also makes it easy to take it apart for maintenance and repairs.
It is made using a copper alloy that makes use of the same expansion coefficient identical to the wires in use. This is very important in the broader scale of things as it helps stop any loss from happening due to variations in temperatures which can lead to fires.

Disadvantages of Terminal Boxes

Solid as they may be, terminal boxes do have their own limitations that can make them a headache to have around. They include the following.

What is a Junction Box?

A junction box is an electrical appliance that is used to distribute power to normal electrical wiring. They are the juncture through which electricity is pulled from the main power lines to the house or the building in question in a way that doesn’t expose the wires to any extreme elements that may cause danger to the people. When compared to a terminal box, a junction box is much smaller and can be used both for domestic and commercial purposes. They are also expandable and can always have room for more connections later on when the need arises.

Advantages of Junction Boxes

Junction boxes are the most commonly used types of electrical connections, and they come in varying sizes and shapes. The following are some of the advantages that make them a very attractive option for any type of electrical wiring.

They are easy to install and can even be handled by anyone who has any basic knowledge of electrical wiring.
Junction boxes can be expanded, and more connections added at any point in time without any need for restructuring the nature thing or having to remove it from the wall.
It handles grounding very well, and this is a good safety feature that makes it the ideal electrical box to use in places that have residential houses with a huge number of people.
They are made using solid material that is able to protect the internal wiring from the elements that may cause problems. Water, for instance, is not good for electrical wiring, and having a junction box is the best way to keep the wiring dry even in a storm.

Disadvantages of Junction Boxes

Despite the reliability and brilliance, junction boxes also come with their own limitations that can cause a lot of inconveniences if action is not exercised. The following are some of the disadvantages you have to be on the lookout for.

Depending on the material you use, you may have to deal with maintenance costs in the long run. Plastic, for instance, is not that reliable and can be broken with enough physical force. Metallic boxes, on the other hand, are prone to rust and, if they are not well grounded, can lead to electrocution.
They lack internal blocks, and this limits the number of connections that can be added inside the box. For most junction boxes, three is the maximum number of connections that can be added, unless you chose to go with bigger ones that are designed specifically for larger connections.

Conclusion

Choosing to go with terminal boxes or junction boxes comes down to your immediate needs and the nature of the establishment you plan to do the wiring in. The bottom line here is that they both work perfectly well for what they are designed for. For more information on electrical boxes and how they function, check out our website.