An IP55 Junction Box is an enclosure housing electrical connections and protects a connection of two or more wires carrying electrical current. A box provides protection against fires, dirt and moisture from the background.
Any box with an IP rating is capable of resisting an amount of liquid and solid penetration. However, they are all not the same. Some survive a few drops of the water and some survive a glass of water.
Types of ip55 junction boxes
-
One-gang plastic ip55 junction box
One-gang Plastic ip junction box also known as nonmetallic-sheathed cable. They are also known as single gang boxes or standard rectangular boxes. One-gang plastic nail boxes have thick plastic coatings that guard it from damage and accommodate outlets and switches.
-
Standard rectangular ip55 junction box
Like standard rectangular boxes, there are 2, 3, 4 gang boxes. They are used to hold household switches and electrical outlets. They are larger than the nonmetallic-sheathed cables. The same effect can be created by using standard rectangular boxes with a gang-able design that allows the sides to be removed so the boxes can be joined together to form large boxes.
-
Round Pan ip55 junction box
The third in the list is Round pan boxes. They are used mostly for ceiling or wall mounted light fixtures. The advantage of using round pan electrical boxes is that it can be properly connected and fitted within the round pan box. Round pan boxes are shallow electrical boxes with only enough space for fitting two or three electrical connections. If you need to fit in more than three wired connections, you need to use octagon or round electrical boxes of greater volume.
Octagon and round electrical boxes range from 1 to 3 inches deep and are best for bigger weight fixtures that wouldn’t be otherwise supported by round pan electrical boxes. Round electrical boxes which are made of plastic often have ears for fastening to the wall or ceiling surface in existing applications.
Ceiling fans electrical boxes come in several different types including deep pan cake and standard versions. They are usually round but maybe octagonal shaped.
What are ip55 junction boxes made of?
Plastic boxes are usually made of PVC. It is the most common type and easily found in stores. It has an outstanding feature that it is made of self-extinguishing thermoplastic material that in case of fire, will not propagate the flames despite being made of plastic. Its double insulation allows a higher level of protection. The plastic boxes prevent the flames from spreading. Hence It is used in the places where there electrical joints are vulnerable to catching a fire.
On the other hand, aluminum boxes are less common in the market and less used. It is harder to be pierced and have screws in order to provide higher sealing to the wiring. The fact that it has a much higher level of melting point allows greater level of security for electrical wiring applications. Additional benefit of it over the electrical boxes that it doesn’t bend or crush like plastic boxes when twisted or hammered. It should be noted that aluminum boxes can be more difficult to work with. Aluminum boxes have rear and side knock-outs that require supplementary clamps. In addition, metal boxes can take a toll on hands. For this reason, it is recommended wearing gloves while working with aluminum boxes.
Steps of Installation of ip55 junction boxes
Before proceeding to the installation, you need to determine which type of box to be used. For example, outdoor locations require a weatherproof box with gaskets with moisture to prevent intrusion. And make sure the wiring box is large enough for the wiring box connection to be made. For easy installation, many DIYers choose the largest box that is practical.
The next thing is to make sure you have the tools available for installation of an ip55 junction box. The tools required are screwdriver, hammer, pliers, wood screws, wire connectors, wire strippers, electrical box with cover and non-contact voltage tester.
The first step is to remove the knockout on the box for each cable that will enter the box. Use a screwdriver or hammer to break out each knockout, then twist off the metal knockout dish with pliers.
The next step is to separate the circuit wires at the existing splice and loosen the cables as needed to make room for the new box. Anchor the box to the framing with screws driven through the factory made holes in the back or side of the box, as applicable.
Step Third
Third step is to set up clamps for each cable, as needed. Standard plastic electrical boxes don’t have knockouts and contain internal cable clamps. In contrast, metal boxes have internal clamps. You need to insert the threaded end of the clamp to the knockout hole and secure the clamp inside the box with the ring-shaped nut. To anchor them in place, these boxes have a clever fastening system that uses retention tabs and mounting ears located in opposite corners of the box
Fourth step is to feed the cable through the clamps and into the box. The cable sheathing should extend into the box beyond the clamp, and the individual conducting wire should extend about 6 inches into the box. Never connect wires out of the electrical boxes.
The final step is to join the wires with approved wire connectors, following the manufacturer’s instructions. First join the bare ground wires together. After that, join the neutral wires together. Then join the black wires together. Finally, install the box cover, securing it with two screws.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the different types of ip55 junction boxes, their uses and applications and finally how to install them. Junction boxes are critical and important when it comes to protection of electrical wires and their joints.
