Electrical junction boxes hide wiring intersections and provide protection from sparks. They are made of metal or plastic and have a door for access. They can last for decades and may need upgrading for larger splices or wires.
Electrical junction boxes are devices that contain the junctions or intersections of wiring that allow home or utility wiring to interface with the main power supplied by a local utility. The presence of the box is generally considered practical and more aesthetically pleasing than a bunch of exposed electrical wiring. While the exact configuration for electrical junction boxes of this type varies slightly, there are some basic elements common to all designs.
For many people, the primary purpose of a junction box is to hide the electrical junctions from view. Usually constructed with the use of metal or hard plastic, the overall appearance of the box is a square or rectangular design. A door at the front allows access to the interior. The port can be recessed into the front of the junction box, or the entire enclosure can swing up or down to allow access to the junctions inside the device. In many homes, the box itself is recessed into a wall, with only the open front panel exposed. This makes it very easy to hang an artwork over it and completely hide it from view.
While it is true that the junction box presents a neater means of concealing electrical junctions, the true value of the box is in providing a degree of protection for the wiring interface at various junction points. It can also help contain sparks should one of the joints become overloaded for some reason, and thus limit the amount of damage caused. Today’s typical device usually includes a safety switch that allows the connections made inside the box to be disabled in case of an emergency.
The life of a typical electrical junction box can be measured in decades. Occasionally, upgrades to in-building wiring will require the installation of a larger box to accommodate additional electrical splices or larger electrical wires. However, as long as the original wiring remains in good condition and there is no additional burden on the entire electrical system within the building, it usually does not need to be replaced.
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