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If you hear someone talking about an electrical system, you might hear them say something about junction boxes. Most, if not all, residential and commercial properties have some kind of junction box. Still, you might not know what it is or how it plays into your electrical system.
If you’re asking, “What are junction boxes used for?” you’re not alone. As a top-rated electrician in Scituate, MA, our Crowe Electric team frequently deals with residential and commercial junction boxes. Here, our experienced technicians explain the purpose of junction boxes and their common applications to help you understand their importance for your property’s electrical system.
What Are Junction Boxes?
Many people assume electrical systems are mostly outlets, switches, and wires. However, you’ll find junction boxes throughout your home, making it possible to run electricity through different receptacles, switches, and other electrical hookups.
Junction boxes resemble small metal or plastic boxes with a removable cover and at least a two-wire or two-cable connection inside. They’re usually mounted onto a building’s framing.
What are junction boxes used for? They house and protect electrical connections at vulnerable points.
You can use junction boxes to run wires or cables throughout a room to provide sufficient electricity without needing long wiring running through the entire house to connect to the breaker. Instead, you can use the junction box as an accessible alternative connection point.
Types of Junction Boxes
The significance of junction boxes is that they provide safe connection points for wiring throughout the house. They’ll protect the wiring from external damage from weather, animals, and other potential hazards. Still, you’re likely to have different types of junction boxes around your property, including:
- Standard Residential Boxes: The most common junction box inside houses is the standard residential box. They’re usually plastic enclosures with enough space to house plenty of residential wiring.
- Round Junction Boxes: These metal boxes are standard in small residential and commercial spaces. They’re strong enough to support up to 50 pounds, so they’re good for supporting electrical appliances on ceilings or walls.
- Outdoor Junction Boxes: These junction boxes have increased durability to withstand weather conditions and shield vulnerable wires from heat, rain, and vandalism.
- Ceiling Junction Boxes: As the name suggests, ceiling junction boxes are for mounting on ceilings. They offer exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for accommodating a lot of wiring in its interior and supporting anything that may hang from it.
Everyday Uses of Electrical Junction Boxes
One of the most practical uses for junction boxes is mitigating electrical hazards, specifically water interfering with wiring. The tough casing on these boxes prevents water from seeping inside, which reduces electrical fire risks.
Junction boxes are also suitable for protecting properties against vandalism. Some people try to steal metallic components like copper from electrical systems. Though junction boxes should be accessible to property owners and electricians, they’re also durable and lockable, making it harder for vandals to break into them.
You’ll also find safety features for your electrical system inside junction boxes. Emergency switching and grounding wires are common examples. If a problem with your system’s electrical current develops, the safety features could shut off the electricity to prevent additional damage or complications.
Junction Box Functions and Features for Commercial Properties
Commercial junction boxes are similar to the residential variety. However, commercial buildings tend to have more power demands than houses, so the junction boxes must be more robust in these situations to handle the property’s energy demands and environmental conditions.
Common applications of junction boxes in commercial settings include protecting wire splices, minimizing accidental contact, and weather protection. Still, commercial junction boxes should consist of several features to ensure their effectiveness:
- A high NEMA or IP rating to determine the boxes’ protective qualities
- Custom cutouts to accommodate commercial wiring entering and exiting the enclosure
- Hinged covers for easy accessibility
Contact the Professionals for Help with Your Property’s Junction Box and Electrical System
Since you have the answer to “What are junction boxes used for?” and understand their importance, you now need to know who to call if you need help troubleshooting electrical problems at your home or business. If you’re a Scituate, Massachusetts resident, Crowe Electric is the company to call.
Our certified master technicians have years of training and experience handling everything from junction box installation to repairing or covering exposed electrical wires. We offer an impressive range of electrical services with unparalleled customer service. Call (781) 678-8266 to request an appointment with Crowe Electric today.