What are Junction Boxes Used For

Junction boxes have been used for ages to ensure that safety is upheld when it comes to dealing with electricity. Junction boxes are ideally electrical enclosures that are made using metal or plastic that are used to house outdoor wiring that is derived from the main power lines into the building.

We are going to explore the main functions of junction boxes, the types that exist, and at the same time, we will look at the benefits and limitations that they bring to the table. If you have always wished to know more about junction boxes, then you are in the right place.

Uses of Junction Boxes

There are many applications of junction boxes in both domestic and commercial settings, and the main ones worthy of note include the following.

Junction boxes are used to provide housing for electrical wiring outdoors where natural elements like rain tend to cause electrical hazards when the wires are exposed to water. The casing on most junction boxes is waterproof and hard enough to stop water from getting to the wires inside, and this makes things safer for people.
Junction boxes provide protection from vandalism, something that is more common than what people may care to admit. Electrical components are made of metallic parts, and this makes them easy targets when they are placed outside. Proper; junction boxes are made using hardy material that can be locked, making it hard to break down.
Junction boxes provide avenues for a clean installation of electrical wiring in a way that makes it easy for people to know where everywhere leads to and the type of current it carries. This makes it easy for anyone to operate without any risk of electrocution.
Junction boxes come with safety features like grounding and emergency switches that one can rely on when things go wrong without warning. By being equipped with main switches, for example, one can turn the electricity off immediately if there’s an accident taking place involving electricity.

Types of Junction Boxes

As we have already mentioned, there are different types of junction boxes that are used for different situations. The following are the main types that are in common circulation today in both domestic and commercial settings.

Outdoor Junction Boxes: These are solid junction boxes that are designed for the outdoor conditions. They are made using durable and reliable materials that are able to withstand rain and heat without affecting the wiring connections within them. They are also made to be super solid to stop any form of physical vandalism, something that is common in most places.
4-Inch Square Box: These are smaller standard boxes that are designed for indoor settings. They usually measure between 1.5-inches and 2.8-inches and pack enough space for basic wiring to be done around an interior space. It is especially handy when it comes to the type of wiring that is moving in different directions, and they can be added in any location around any room.
Ceiling Electrical Boxes: These are junction boxes designed for inner spaces that are usually installed in ceilings. They are built to be solid and are held in place securely to give them the support they need to hold any heavy item that may hang from them. They are mostly made round or octagonal and can accommodate a good number of wiring without compromising the functionality and structural integrity.
Round Junction Boxes: They are the most flexible electrical enclosures that are mainly used for small spaces around the house or the office. They are strong enough to support electrical appliances that are about 50 pounds in weight hanging from the ceiling or jutting from the wall. Most are made using metal, and this makes them very reliable as far as protecting the electrical wiring inside.
Standard Residential Boxes: These are specially made boxes that are made for residential houses. They are mostly made for indoor spaces, and they come in plastic enclosures that are either square, rectangle, or a circle. They are slightly larger than ordinary junction boxes to give them the capacity to hold more wiring in them, considering the high needs that an average house demands.

Enclosure Materials

To better understand the functions of a junction box and how it is able to work the way it is designed, it is important that we also look at the materials used in making them in the first place. The following are the main enclosure materials that are commonly used to make junction boxes.

Steel: This is one of the most commonly used materials in making electrical boxes, and there are several reasons for this. It is sturdy and hard to break, and this makes it hard for vandalism to take place. It is also reluctant to rust and water, and this protects the wiring inside from any damage.
Polycarbonate: This is a form of plastic that is also one of the most commonly used due to its availability and the fact that it can withstand the most extreme conditions, especially water. They are also very easy to make, and the repairs and maintenance are not that complicated. Junction boxes made using polycarbonate also tend to last for very long.
Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter and less hard than steel, but it is stronger than plastic, and this makes it an ideal material for making electrical boxes. They are waterproof, and with proper grounding, they are among the safest boxes you will ever come around.

Conclusion

Junction boxes are very important in any major electrical wiring setup. There are many types that exist out there that are suited for different functions. If you happen to be looking for one and you are unsure about where to begin your search, then check out our website and find the information you need.