Advantages of a Weatherproof Junction Box

Sometimes, electrical boxes are necessary on the outside of your property, whether at home or work, and to such a degree that there is a particular type of box and associated accessories that can be purchased. If you are looking to achieve a weatherproof connection outdoors, then a weatherproof junction box is the ideal solution. West Tool Enclosures provides the best weatherproof junction boxes on the market. With a vast catalog of sizes and configurations to choose from. Get Started here!

When properly connected, weatherproof electrical boxes effectively seal out weather, which helps prevent moisture from penetrating and subsequently shorting out the connections.

Weatherproof junction boxes are the ideal fit for safeguarding elements from harmful external components. These boxes are typically sealed enclosures built for mounting to roof overhangs, exterior walls, decks, among other surfaces. These boxes are utilized in installing light fixtures and outdoor receptacles.

Weatherproof junction boxes must include an outdoor fixture or cover-rated for wet or damp locations, although it is dependent on the application. Usually, they are IP (Ingress Protection) or NEMA-rated (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) to effectively withstand various weather conditions like extreme cold or heat, UV rays, moisture, and high winds.

Common Conditions Where Weatherproof Junction Boxes are Necessary

Extremely low or high temperatures
Particulate matter like dust and dirt, not to mention other substances which can corrupt and jam electrical components
Precipitation including hail, snow, and rain
Ice formation caused by low temperatures on the enclosure’s surface
Corrosion from salt or seawater spray

By following this outline, you can have a basic working idea of the various risks your electrical components will likely need to face, and subsequently start narrowing down your enclosure options. Luckily, there are distinct industry standards which clearly define and dictate the type of environment an enclosure can find use. What rating does a weatherproof junction box need?

Junction Box Protection Rating

NEMA is the body that defines standards, particularly in North America in respect to various electrical enclosure grades like junction boxes.

In the standards, NEMA sets out an outline of the various environmental conditions which a junction box can effectively withstand, e.g. whether it can safeguard electrical components against light, dust, snow, and wind, among other numerous weather conditions.

When it comes to the weatherproof junction boxes, the relevant NEMA rating is Type 3 (i.e. Type 3X; Type 3RX; or Type 3SX if you want to safeguard your components against corrosion).

Typically, these NEMA ratings will outline where junction boxes can find use, which can be outdoors or indoors, or even whether it can work effectively in hazardous settings.

Similarly, another universal rating system used is the IP rating (Ingress/ International Protection). This rating system basically defines the degree of protection that junction boxes offer against foreign objects ingress like moisture, dust, and many others. This typically means that it outlines whether a junction box can protect against the entry of external objects within it.

Usually, there are different protection levels, for instance, water or dust-resistant enclosures, submersible, dust-tight, and weatherproof junction boxes. The precise protection level depends on the appropriate IP rating.

Eight Advantages of Weatherproof Junction Boxes

Secure

Most weatherproof junction boxes are built from robust and sturdy material like stainless steel, thermoplastic, or ABS, and as such can withstand both high impacts as well as multiple challenging conditions. Due to their robust material composition, these boxes afford a decent security level; not just for safety but to also prevent unauthorized removal or tampering.

Durable

As previously mentioned, weatherproof electrical boxes are built using robust materials designed to work effectively no matter the weather conditions. Weatherproof junction boxes made of stainless steel assure resistance to various environmental concerns resulting in long and durable product life.

Shock Resistant

Depending on the material used to build a weatherproof electrical box, it can offer a degree of impact resistance. In particular, the high dimensional stability of polycarbonate enclosures allows these boxes to provide shock resistance.

Aesthetic Appeal

Polycarbonate weatherproof electrical boxes are remarkably appealing. While other materials such as fiberglass tend to create a surface degeneration which is noticeable in gloss and color loss due to prolonged exposure to UV rays, polycarbonate or aluminum materials retain their look. What’s more, junction boxes made from stainless steel allow for great visibility that facilitates easy connections even in dark conditions.

Protect Against Extreme Weather Fluctuations

Sometimes when junction boxes are exposed to severe cold and hot weather or UV light, they tend to deteriorate and their ability to safeguard your electrical elements is compromised. Nonetheless, weatherproof junction boxes can effectively tackle this imminent weather threat since it features quality material designed to withstand extreme weather flux. These junction boxes are available in various robust materials including polycarbonate, aluminum, FRP (fiber reinforced polyester), and stainless steel.

Protect from Accidental Damage

Weatherproof junction boxes offer protection against accidental damage on the elements due to heat, loose connections, sparks, and short circuits. What’s more, these boxes also conceal the cables, keeping them dust, dirt, and dampness free.

Multiple Applications

In comparison to other NEMA-rated electrical boxes, weatherproof electrical boxes find use in numerous applications in industrial and residential applications like communication, steel smelting, and electrical industries among others. They are designed to ensure your connections and components remain tidy and dry.

Promote Higher Flexibility and Reliability

Finally, one of the significant applications of weatherproof junction boxes is in the CCTV camera installation. It effectively safeguards the camera wire connections not just from external elements but also from other threats such as potential wire-cutting, masking, and vandalism. Therefore, utilizing these boxes during security camera installation enhances the appeal of your surveillance system and also affords higher operation reliability and enhanced installation flexibility.

Having a quality and durable weatherproof junction box is necessary, especially if you want to safeguard your electrical elements from the numerous harsh elements found in outdoor settings.

Where Can You Get the Best Weatherproof Junction Boxes?

As one of the leading weatherproof junction box suppliers in the USA, West Tool Enclosures (WTE) is the place to be for quality, durable, and NEMA-rated junction boxes.

WTE’s weatherproof boxes are an ideal solution for both industrial and residential applications. Acknowledged for their exceptional quality, dimensional accuracy, shock resistance, and durability, our weather-resistant products are our testimony of the high quality, and they are widely used in construction and electric industries nationwide.

All our junction boxes go beyond just being rainproof. They adhere to the relevant IP and NEMA ratings to guarantee proper protection. From industrial enclosures to project boxes, WTE provides an assortment of style and size options to keep your application watertight. Besides this, our weather-resistant junction boxes are all available at cost-effective prices, with timely and effective delivery.

In fact, if statistics are anything to go by, we are unrivaled when it comes to delivering fully assembled enclosures to our clients. This not only expedites the whole process for you, but it also saves you the hassles you often get when trying to install any of our competitor items. With our weather-resistant junction boxes, you can be sure that you are getting your money’s worth.

If you are looking for a quality weatherproof junction box or need assistance with tailoring weather-resistant junction boxes to suit your project needs, be sure to contact us at West Tool Enclosures today.