The junction box is an important element, especially if a person has bought a new apartment or is doing major renovations. To some, this product may seem insignificant. However, this is only at first glance, in many respects this device is indispensable and will help to secure the room from unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best junction boxes for 2020.
Content
History of origin
As soon as people were able to invent the first electrical unit, where dozens of different cables and wires were connected, then a person immediately had a need to protect it. To prevent oxidation of contacts, as well as to protect a person from accidentally touching an electrical element. This eliminates electric shock, which creates a safe operating environment. In addition, the elements had to be limited from external factors, such as moisture, dust, etc.
The first thing that scientists came up with was to protect the place of twists with a special box, but at that time it was impossible to put such a production on stream. Therefore, people found a way out of this situation and began to use canned food cans. This method is still preserved in some settlements and does not look very aesthetically pleasing. In these cans, special holes were created where cables were passed, and then twisted. The most crucial moment was precisely in the creation of the grooves, since it was not always possible to make the edges even and not jagged.
But as soon as progress went further, people began to forget about this method, because more practical and beautiful junction boxes appeared. They look great in the apartment and provide the owner with reliable protection for the entire period of operation. But the reality is that there are people who still prefer to use tin cans because they think they are more reliable, although this is far from the case.
If you plan to carry out a complete repair with the replacement of all wiring, then the purchase of a distribution element should also be included in the list of necessary items. Their installation and cost will allow everyone to purchase the product, but it will give more useful things than a person can imagine. Today it is easy to find such a product, it is enough to open a popular marketplace or just come to the first hardware store, there will be hundreds of such products. It is not recommended to use improvised means to create a simulation of a junction box, as this can cause more problems than practicality.
Same purpose, but different names
Arriving at the store, a person will notice that dozens of different models are sold there, and they differ not only in shape, but also in names, so there are 4 main types:
- Exclusive;
- Desoldering;
- Distribution;
- Branch line.
A junction box can be compared to a large station from where dozens of cars are sent. The element is a distribution point for the power supply.Since all wires diverge in different directions, the product is called "distribution". The branch version is nothing more than a common synonym, the product does not add any new functionality, everything remains at the usual level, even the material is used the same.
The next name "junction box" was obtained for the reason that the wires that were inside the product were twisted and then soldered, since this method guaranteed more reliability. Therefore, most electricians gave the device this name. There are no functional features here either, it's the same standard box.
The last interesting name is "junction box". How can you understand the word "disconnection" does not exist in Russian at all, so it will not work to translate it into a foreign one. This name was given by professional electricians who combined two words: "distribution" and "connection". Oddly enough, but it is this option that best describes the principle of operation of such a box. First, the wires are distributed inside this element, and then they are connected according to the instructions or diagram.
Today, there are hundreds of other ways of connecting wires, for example, using a terminal block or welding. Also, some users use special clamps, which are highly reliable and durable. Despite this, in stores you can find another name for the junction box: "wired", which is also strange, but familiar to some users.
All these names are described for a reason. Having come to the store, a person will make sure for himself that such options are used there, although they are not official. It will become easier to choose a box, since there will be a general understanding that regardless of the label, the essence of the device is the same.
Is it that important?
Some users do not see the point in this device and often ask an electrician or consultant such a question. The majority answer positively to this, since from a theoretical point of view, this product has little special functionality.
However, there is a practical side. It is enough to imagine the principle of its operation. From the electrical panel there are wires that go to light sources, switches and sockets. If you do not use the box, then it will take a person a lot of wires and time to connect each device. In addition, you will have to spoil the walls with large grooves in order to lay the cables inside in several rows. Therefore, if we think from this point of view, then buying a junction box can save a couple of thousand.
Some users argue that it is irrational to use such a product, since there is a high risk of a fire situation, due to the fact that all the wires will be concentrated in one place. Therefore, the gasket from the shield to the outlet is much better. However, this is not entirely true, because if you hire an experienced electrician, then the chance of an emergency is minimal.
To use the box or not - everyone must decide on their own, because, indeed, there are times when the purchase of such a device is not so necessary as it can be written on the Internet and it is preferable to use a standard gasket.
Kinds
Despite the fact that the product performs only one function, it comes in several types and is classified according to several main criteria.
Installation method
The first thing to choose is the preferred installation type. Everything is simple here, in total there are two types: open and closed. Most of the products differ in this very parameter, so it must be taken into account first of all.
Open
Another name for this method is outdoor installation. This option is suitable for those who are going to install the product on a wall surface. This will save time, since the installation process will take a minimum of time, because the operations do not require preliminary preparation of the base.All assembly takes place on the outside of the wall and is fixed with conventional fasteners.
The advantages of this method:
- Profitability;
- Ease of installation;
- Versatility;
- Reliability;
- Easy access to wires.
Rating of the best products for outdoor installation
ABB AP9 / AP9M / AP9 / G
An excellent option for external mounting, which is suitable for installation in any room. It has an IP55 protection class, which is a positive moment for a home installation. Made of durable and non-flammable plastic.
The average price is 95 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Good strength indicator;
- Safety;
- Long service life;
- Good dust protection.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
IEK KM41233
An excellent product from a well-known manufacturer that will fit most structures. Has standard dimensions. The number of inputs is 6, which is the optimal value. The body is made of polystyrene.
Sold at a price of 45 rubles.
Advantages:
- Strength characteristics;
- 6 inputs;
- Efficiency;
- Reliability.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
RUVinil Tyco 67040
A good product for outdoor installation. A beautiful appearance makes it possible to place the product anywhere. The body is made of durable materials that show high resistance to various influences.
It is sold at a price of 45 rubles apiece.
Advantages:
- Long service life;
- Optimal dimensions;
- Good durability;
- 6 inputs.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Schneider Electric BLNRK000011
A high-quality and cheap version produced by a European company. It is made of ABS plastic, which is safe for human health. Protection class - IP42.
The average price is 40 rubles.
Advantages:
- Good strength indicator;
- Low price;
- Dimensions.
Disadvantages:
- Low resistance to moisture.
Closed
Indoor or indoor installation is designed to create hidden wiring, which is located in the mill. The product is installed in a special hole, which is created in advance in the wall using special tools or improvised means. A distinctive feature of such boxes is that it is also necessary to look at the material from which it is made, since it depends on which walls the product can function with. If a person plans to place a product in a concrete or brick wall, then it is enough to make a corresponding hole and place the device.
Advantages:
- Hidden wiring will not spoil the unique interior;
- Durability;
- Safety, since the product is inside the walls;
- Will not break from accidental touching.
Top best products for concealed installation
Schneider Electric IMT35121
High-quality equipment that is suitable for installation in dry rooms, as it has a small class of protection - IP30. The production used polypropylene.
The average price is 170 rubles.
Advantages:
- Strength;
- Easy installation;
- Reliable case.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
TDM ELECTRIC SQ1403-1026
An excellent model that has a unique design and will suit most rooms. There is a convenient removable cover that allows you to monitor the condition of the wiring.
Sold at a price of 60 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Strength;
- Efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
IEK KM41004
An excellent product that can be easily installed into any wall. The box body is made of high-quality material, which eliminates deformation and will not break.
The average price is 20 rubles.
Advantages:
- Easy installation;
- Made of quality plastic;
- Good dimensions.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Hegel KU1103
The robust Russian version, which is designed for concealed installation in concrete structures. Differs in good resistance to mechanical stress.
The average price is 200 rubles.
Advantages:
- Strong plastic;
- Optimal value for this quality;
- Durability;
- Does not burn.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Difference in material
This is an important parameter, since the service life of the product depends on it, if you use low-quality elements, this can become a safety threat. It is better to bypass such parts as they cannot guarantee reliability and may break during or after installation. Most often, boxes are made of non-combustible plastic, which increases fire resistance and can prevent the spread of fire. In addition, some products are made of high quality metal, which is additionally treated with an anti-corrosion layer.
In the production of metal structures, sheet steel is often used; in some cases, they allow the use of aluminum alloys, which show high resistance to corrosion. If a short occurs and the wiring sparks, then a durable metal case can significantly stop the spread of fire, which will allow you to take appropriate extinguishing measures. Such products are rarely used in apartments, most often found in garages, in manufacturing or in sheds.
A plastic box is a suitable solution for those who want to install it in an apartment or house. It is in no way inferior to metal construction. Only proven materials are used in their manufacture, for example, polyamide, polypropylene, etc. A distinctive feature of such products is that they are not subject to sudden flames and are insulated, which will prevent electric shock. The strength of such devices is not inferior to previous models, at times it reaches a large scale. In addition, the plastic junction box shows resistance to aggressive chemical components. It is also environmentally friendly and not prone to corrosion, which is an important advantage when choosing. Of course, it will not be possible to save a room from a fire if such a situation arises, but some boxes differ in their non-combustible properties, so they can hold back the spread of the flame for a long time.
Difference in other parameters
In addition to the method of installation and material of manufacture, devices differ in size. Here, a person needs to be careful, since the choice is made on the basis of:
- Application area;
- Number of inputs;
- The degree of protection against dust and moisture.
The minimum pin value in the box is 2, only two cables can be connected there. The maximum value is 16, which is the limit for all modern boxes. Accordingly, the dimensions of the product depend on the number of such holes.
In addition, the product has a geometric shape and can be round, square or rectangular, it all depends on the scope. For outdoor installation, it doesn't really matter which model to use, the main thing is that the material is durable, everything else does not really matter. At that time, if a person wants to make a hidden installation, then it is best to buy round options, since it is many times easier to create holes in them.
The last thing that is recommended to pay attention to is the protection class. It also affects the final cost of the product, only several types are known:
- IP20, IP This option is intended for installation in dry rooms where there is no humidity. Because such a class does not have moisture protection, which can create problems.
- IP This option is suitable for both outdoors and indoors with normal moisture conditions. For outdoor use, it is recommended to select a location under a canopy to prevent rainwater from entering.
- IP This option is suitable for placement in places where it rains frequently. This degree of protection excludes the possibility of dust and moisture ingress.
- IP This option can be used anywhere, it does not leak or collect dust.
- IP Expensive and high-quality devices used on land and under water are distinguished by their high efficiency and durability.
Finally
The choice of a junction box also needs to take time, since the safety of the user depends on its quality. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting representatives, tell us about it in the comments.
