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What is a Junction Box?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Electrical junction boxes are devices that contain the wiring junctions or intersections that allow the wiring in the home or public building to interface with the main power supply provided by a local utility. The presence of the box is generally regarded as both practical and more esthetically pleasing than a bunch of exposed electrical wires. While the exact configuration for electrical junctions containers of this type vary slightly, there are a few basic elements that are common to all designs.

For many people, the main purpose of a junction box is to conceal the electrical junctions from sight. Usually constructed with the use of metal or hard plastic, the general appearance of the box is either a square or rectangular design. A door on the front allows access to the interior. The door may be recessed in the front of the junction box, or the entire facing may swing upward or downward to allow access to the junctions within the device. In many homes, the box proper is recessed into a wall, with only the front panel open to view. This makes it very easy to hang a piece of art over it and hide it completely from view.

A junction box contains electrical wiring intersections.
A junction box contains electrical wiring intersections.

While it is true that the junction box presents a neater means of concealing electrical junctions, the real value of the box is providing a degree of protection for the wiring interface at various junction points. It can also help contain sparks in the event that one of the junctions overloads for some reason, and thus limit the amount of damage that is caused. The typical device today usually includes a safety switch that allows the connections made within the box to be shut down in an emergency.

The life of a typical electrical junction box can be measured in decades. Occasionally, upgrades to the wiring within the building will dictate the installation of a larger box to accommodate additional electrical junctions or larger electrical cables. However, if the original wiring remains in good condition and there is no added burden placed on the overall electrical system within the building, it does not usually have to be replaced.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

rosoph

While some junction boxes are indoors, like the kind that can be inset into a wall and covered by artwork, there are also outdoor junction boxes. In this case, I would recommend a weatherproof junction box. Outdoors, the electrical wiring should be protected from the elements.

upnorth31

As a parent of young children, I'm happy that electrical junctions are covered by a junction box. While it is definitely pleasing to the eye to have wiring covered, for me it's more of a safety precaution. If all of those wires were exposed, they would definitely be a temptation to children.

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    • A junction box contains electrical wiring intersections.
      By: pds209
      A junction box contains electrical wiring intersections.