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 A junction box is an enclosure made of porcelain used mostly for connecting wires or adding additional sockets, for extending the circuit further. To be precise, a junction box is used to connect additional sockets to circuits, add lighting points, and to extend circuits. Depending on the future expansion of the circuit and the number of connections to be made, use of junction boxes should be made.
For instance, junction box used for high voltage application is different from junction box used for low voltage application. However, nowadays, integrated junction boxes have become popular due its ability to act as a low voltage junction box and high voltage junction box.
Besides these, some junction boxes are made with pre-wiring, and have sockets fitted into them . These kind of junction boxes are known as pre-fabricated junctions. Since these junction boxes have common set of sockets and switches in the junction box, they are ready to use devices and easy to install. Hence, they are very useful for home use. However, excessive use of junction boxes is considered an indication of bad planning.
Junction box is also available for mounting meter relays and counters. For example, they can be used in industries where a suitable enclosure is needed for open installation of equipment like meters and relays due to improper environment. Furthermore, junction box provides protection from heat, humidity, chemical degradation and shock or vibration.
Types of Junction Boxes
The various types of junction box are as follows:
-Type 1 Junction Box
Type 1 junction box are made to suit for general indoor purpose in order to protect wiring and equipment from dust.
Type 3 Junction Box
Type 3 junction box are designed to be used in outdoors for protection from dust and rain.
Type 4X Junction Box
Type 4X junction box are designed to offer corrosion resistant protection indoors and outdoors.
Type 6P Junction Box
This Junction Box provides a water tight enclosure and can be used in places where the junction box may be submerged for a prolonged time period.
Type 7 Junction Box
Devices fitted in hazardous locations may damaged rquirese protection from gas or vapor form of chemicals, where type 7 junction box is the most suitable.
Specifications of Junction Box
Dimension:Dimensions correspond to the size and shape of the junction box
Mounting Type:Mounting type specifies the type of mounting possible with the junction box.
Material Type:Material type specifies the type of material used to make the junction box and its properties.
Free Room Space
:Free room space available specifies the room space available inside the enclosure apart from the space dedicated for the equipment, which maybe used for wiring, etc.
Advantages of Junction Box
- By using junction Box, the installation of switches, sockets and other utilities can be simplified
- The junction box gives a clean external appearance and accomodates enough wires at the same time
- The junction box enables future expansion of the circuit in an easy way
- The junction box provides protection for electrical and communication wire connections
- Special models are offered to protect equipment which may be subjected to prolonged submersion under water
Applications of Junction Box
- Junction Box could be used as a protective casing for switches and sockets in houses and other buildings.
- Junction box could be used to protect equipment such as relays and switches.
- Junction box could be used to protect outdoor equipment from damage due to natural forces.
- Junction box could be used to enable submerging of equipments by providing a water tight enclosure.
- Junction box could be used to serve as a protective casing in hazardous environment
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