Rating of the best junction boxes for 2020

When organizing home electrical wiring, a small device becomes important - a distribution box, where incoming electricity is distributed to consumers using switches or sockets.

In electrical stores, there are popular models that differ in design or material, but with almost the same functionality. Everyone independently chooses which product is better to buy.

Our overview shows the main types of junction boxes. You can find out how much the products cost, what new items are, how to choose, and also what to look for in order to avoid mistakes when choosing.

General information

A junction box is a type of electrical product that organizes the switching and branching of electrical wires outside or inside the premises for laying the electrical network.

In everyday life, this term also corresponds to other names:

• unsoldering;
• branching;
• exclusive.

These are synonyms for one product, not separate types of boxes.

Electricity consumers determine the division of electrical wiring in buildings and premises into different groups. Correct installation of the boxes ensures uninterrupted power supply and reduced financial costs without the need for a separate cable for each electrical appliance. The even distribution of wires increases the level of fire safety due to the isolation of flammable materials and joints in the walls.

In addition, the electrical design provides ease of repair and the ability to expand the electrical circuit by adding new branches. As a result, everything looks beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.

Junction boxes provide connection protection against:

• dust - during installation at industrial facilities;
• water - for installation in objects with high humidity;
• mechanical damage - for placing cables outdoors;
• sudden temperature changes - when installing in wooden buildings or on walls with flammable materials.

Device

The design of the junction box is a compact container with openings for cable input-output, with a removable cover for access to the contacts when conducting the power network. The internal design provides several options for conductor connections.

Soldering or welding

With the help of a soldering iron (welding machine) and solder, contact is ensured between stripped of insulation, twisted and sealed (welded) to a monolithic state of the wires of the electrical wiring. After cooling, the joints are insulated.

• durability;
• reliability.

• mandatory presence of a soldering iron or welding machine;
• laboriousness of a process that is difficult for a non-specialist to perform;
• non-separable connection;
• over time, the resistance at the soldering point increases, leading to voltage losses.

Crimping

Reliable connection of conductors by placing them in a metal sleeve, followed by crimping with a special tool, followed by insulation.

• reliability;
• low price of sleeves.

• disposable liner;
• the use of a special tool for crimping;
• the complexity of connecting copper and aluminum wires;
• it takes a long time to install.

Terminal connections

They are used in cases where cable materials exclude direct connection. An uncomplicated option, requiring only a screwdriver and the skills of tightening bolts without effort.

Electrical Installation Rules (PES) do not mention simple twisting among the connection methods

Possible dangers when twisting:

• increase in resistance due to insufficient tightening of the wires;
• increase in current in weak contact;
• heating the weak joint area and melting the insulation;
• risk of fire, short circuit and electric shock.

However, electricians do not reject the twisting option when performing a short-term network, during repair work or testing the line.

How to correctly install the junction box is clearly presented in the video review:

Classification

By form

1. Square.

2. Rectangular.

They are used when there are many wires.

3. Round.

They are used in concrete floors or with few cables.

By installation method

1. Open (outdoor) installation.

The boxes are not mounted inside the wall, but are fixed to the surface using fastening devices. As a rule, they are installed indoors in production, because they look ugly. However, this provides quick access to the wiring. Installation is simple and convenient.

2. Concealed (internal) installation.

Typically used in residential construction for cabling. A recess is prepared in the wall in advance, where the structure is mounted. If the box has a decorative cover, then the plaster is not covered and access to the electrical connections remains. In addition, the interior is not disturbed. Mounting the box in the wall ensures reliability, safety and long service life.

3. Installation in drywall.

By material

1. Metallic.

Products made of tinned sheet steel or aluminum alloys are used in production or in public places when installed in an open way. At home, they are not often used, for example, if it is necessary to distribute the wiring in a utility room or garage.

2. Plastic:

• polypropylene;
• polyamide;
• fluoroplastic.

• reliable insulation;
• resistance to mechanical stress and corrosion;
• fire resistance and immunity to chemicals;
• light weight;
• low price.

By configuration

1. Without filling.

The structure consists of a body with a cover. According to professionals, it is best to use this option when self-laying electrical wiring.

• connection of conductors can be done in any way;
• Correct mounting prevents the contacts from loosening.

2.With terminals.

Quick connection of wires using clamps simplifies installation work.However, on objects with high humidity, such models are not installed due to the gradual oxidation of the terminals.

By the number of inputs

1. Minimum with two inputs.

 

2. Maximum with more than twenty inputs.

By cable entry method

1. No holes with smooth walls.
2. With perforated holes.
3. With tapered seals.

By protection class

1. Common.

For installation in dry rooms when laying 220V power grids. Covers and entries are not equipped with gaskets.

2. Dustproof.

More advanced design, equipped with a seal to prevent dust from entering the container. They are installed in enterprises where a lot of dust is generated.

3. Splash-proof.

Seals are installed on the cover and in the holes to create a reliable seal. At home, they are practically not used due to excessive protection. Typically installed in chemical plants with high vapor concentrations.

4. Heat resistant.

Equipped with special clamps for a secure fit of the conductors and to prevent sparks in the contacts. Are used

By closing method

1. With a latch.

2. With screw fixing.

Criterias of choice

With a well-designed wiring diagram or telephone connections, the required junction box modification is very easy to select.

It is necessary to consider:

• the ability to expand the number of consumers in the future and choose a product with a spare number of inputs;
• the place of installation depending on the external or internal wiring;
• section of the wires to be connected;
• possibility to connect 10-pair cable with plastic sheath for distribution of telephone pairs.

Where can I buy

A wide assortment of various types of junction boxes can be found in the "Electrical goods" departments. Which company is the best product should be clarified when considering the wiring diagrams and readiness to purchase the required product. Do not give up on qualified advice from consultants who have experience in handling a similar product. It is useful to listen to the recommendations and advice of a reputable electrician who is well versed in these matters.

An available way is also online ordering in the online store. With this method, the Yandex.Market aggregator is of great help, on the pages of which there are many samples of such devices, where you can find out how much it costs, study the description, analyze the functionality, clarify the store and order online.

Rating of quality junction boxes

Products are included in the review based on the analysis of user requests in the Yandex.Market service, which demonstrates the popularity of models in the opinion of buyers in various price segments - budget devices, for the middle class, as well as premium products.

TOP 5 best overhead junction boxes

Ecoplast JBS and JBR series

They open the rating of an economy-class model of a domestic manufacturer for wiring external electrical circuits. They are used in the organization of low-current or power grids using smooth or corrugated pipes for wire branches. Container bodies in white or gray are made of ABS plastic.

The products are equipped with glands for entering pipes with the required degree of protection. Modern design meets safety requirements.

Brand - Ecoplast (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	JBS070	JBS120	JBS150	JBR065
The form	square	rectangular	rectangular	round
Colour	white	Gray	Gray	white
Protection class	IP44	IP55	IP55	IP44
Dimensions (LxWxD), mm	70x70x40	120x80x50	150x110x70	65x65x35
Weight	60	110	230	38
Material	ABS plastic	ABS plastic	ABS plastic	ABS plastic
Number of inputs	6	6	10	4
Cable diameter	20	25	25	20
Cover fixing	snapping	helical	helical	snapping
Guarantee	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
price, rub.	29	59	152	23

• tightness;
• meet safety requirements;
• long service life.

• clearly expressed are not identified.

RuVinil Tyco series

Excellent models of Russian production for outdoor wiring. Placement is possible in any convenient place on the wall or ceiling. The high-strength material of the case is resistant to negative weathering and mechanical damage, but it should be placed outdoors only under a canopy.

Brand - RuVinil (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	Tyco 67030	Tyco 67040	Tyco 67045	Tyco 67050
The form	square	square	square	square
Colour	Gray	Gray	Gray	Gray
Protection class	IP55	IP54	IP54	IP54
Dimensions (LxWxD)	70x70x40	85x85x40	100x100x50	100x100x50
Weight	100	100	100	100
Material	polypropylene	polystyrene	polypropylene	polystyrene
Number of inputs	7	6	8	6
Cover fixing	snapping	snapping	folding	screw
Guarantee	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
price, rub.	40	45	70	85

• tightness;
• high strength;
• impact resistance;
• a wide range of;
• stylish design;
• long service life;
• good value for money.

• clearly expressed are not identified.

About the assortment from the RuVinil company - in the video review:

ABB

A good offer from Scandinavian manufacturers. Suitable for installation in any place outside and inside the premises, with high security.

Brand - ABB (Sweden).
Country of origin - Finland.

Specifications:

A type	AP9 / AP9M / AP9 / G	2ТКА140012G1
The form	square	square
Colour	gray, black, white	white
Protection class	IP55, IP65	IP65
Dimensions (LxWxD)	86x86x40	86x86x40
Weight	100	100
Material	plastic	thermoplastic
Number of inputs	12, 14	12
Cable diameter	15.5	15.5
Cover fixing	snapping	snapping
Guarantee	1 year	1 year
price, rub.	86-199	96

• a large number of inputs;
• high protection class for outdoor use;
• tightness;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• quality workmanship of a recognized leader.

• clearly expressed are not identified.

Schneider Electric

High-quality products under the French brand, but manufactured at Russian enterprises for external wiring cable connections. Inexpensive oil seals that ensure tightness are made for corrugated pipes of Russian production with clear marking of the hole size. The improved material ensures precise cutting while guaranteeing the required degree of protection IP42-IP55.

The boxes use an innovative screw-free lid locking system. Opening is done with a screwdriver. A special removable thread connecting the lid to the body will prevent the product from uncompleting.

Brand - Schneider Electric (France).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	IMT35090	IMT35093	BLNRK000011	KLK-5S
The form	square	round	square	rectangular
Colour	Gray	Gray	white	white
Protection class	IP55	IP55	IP42	IP44
Dimensions (LxWxD)	95x95x48	84x84x48	75x75x30	102x100x37
Weight	70	50	23	300
Material	polypropylene	polypropylene	ABC-plastic	polypropylene
Number of inputs	6	4	2	4
Cable diameter	20	20		4
Diaphragm seals	Yes	Yes	not	not
Terminal block	not	not	not	Yes
Cover fixing	snapping	snapping	screw	snapping
Guarantee	18 months	18 months	18 months	18 months
price, rub.	39-52	32-38	36-49	235

• reliability of installation and fixation;
• guaranteed rigidity of the structure;
• tightness of glands for cable entry;
• fire resistance 750 degrees;
• large working volume;
• drain holes covered with plugs
• high degree of protection;
• excellent value for money.

• not detected.

About the brand's mounting boxes - in the video review:

IEK series KM

Models for outdoor installation of domestic production. They are used for branching conductors, hiding and protecting switching points. They are part of the electricity sewerage system, consisting of rigid or corrugated pipes.Boxes with increased IP55 protection can be mounted outside and inside premises where there is a lot of dust or high humidity.

Brand - IEK (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	KM41206	KM41212	KM41234	KM41242
The form	square	square	square	rectangular
Colour	white	white	Gray	Gray
Protection class	IP20	IP20	IP55	IP55
Dimensions (LxWxH), mm	50x50x20	75x75x20	100x100x50	150x110x70
Weight	19	40	126	198
Material	polystyrene	ABC-plastic	polystyrene	polystyrene
Number of inputs	2	6	6	10
Cable diameter	3	6	28	32
Diaphragm seals	not	not	Yes	Yes
Terminal block	Yes	Yes	not	not
Cover fixing	screw	screw	screw	screw
price, rub.	36-86	45-124	52-79	103-135

• reliability;
• quick installation;
• structural strength.

• not identified.

TOP 5 best indoor junction boxes

ERA

Products of a domestic manufacturer are used for switching power and telephone wires, masking and protection when organizing cable support systems in residential or office premises. The inconspicuous distributor ensures the aesthetics of the switching points.

Brand - ERA (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	Y-195	Y-192	BS-W-75-75-20
The form	round	round	square
Colour	black White	black White	white
Protection class	IP20	IP20	IP40
Dimensions (LxWxD), mm	75x30	102x30	75x75x20
Weight	20	40	20
Material	plastic	plastic	polystyrene
Number of inputs	9	9	self cut
Cable diameter	25	25	25
Cover fixing	snapping	snapping	screw
Guarantee	2 years	2 years	1 year
By price, rub.	12	17	20

• installation in concrete or brick walls;
• easy-to-break openings for cables, corrugated or smooth pipes;
• under-plaster installation;
• simple application of putty on the rough surface of the lid;
• ease of installation;
• long service life;
• low price.

• low protection only for interior work.

Hegel KR series

Reliable type of Russian models for flush-mounted wires in wall structures. On special rails at the bottom of the boxes, you can fasten rails, terminals, boards with self-tapping screws.

The openings for the cables are easy to break and allow conductors to enter through plastic pipes up to 25 mm in diameter or simply double insulated. They are characterized by resistance to mechanical stress.

Brand - Hegel (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	KR1102	KR1202	KR1203	KR1301
The form	rectangular	round	rectangular	rectangular
Colour	red	green	green	Gray
Protection class	IP20	IP30	IP30	IP44
Dimensions (LxWxD), mm	120x100x60	80x45	120x100x50	118x76x58
Weight	100	100	100	100
Material	polypropylene	polypropylene	polypropylene	polypropylene
Number of inputs	12	6	16	8
Cable diameter	25	20	20	25
Cover fixing	screw	snapping	screw	screw
price, rub.	53	24	62	35

• durable body material;
• low price;
• durability;
• fire resistance;
• covers with screws and latches;
• tight connection with pipes.

• not identified.

IEK series KM

Stylish domestic models that can be easily installed in any wall. High-strength material of the body eliminates mechanical damage or deformation. The devices have the best reviews among users.

Brand - IEK (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	KM41004	KM41219-04	KM41222-05	KM41244
The form	round	square	square	rectangular
Colour	white	pine, white, ivory	wood	Gray
Protection class	IP20	IP20	IP20	IP55
Dimensions (LxWxD), mm	80x40	100x100x29	100x100x44	190x140x70
Weight	41	64	90	290
Material	polypropylene	polystyrene	polystyrene	polystyrene
Number of inputs	4	6	6	10
Cable diameter	20			32
Diaphragm seals	not	not	not	Yes
Terminal block	not	Yes	Yes	not
Cover fixing		screw	screw	screw
Guarantee	3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
price, rub.	18-19	138	159	183

• quick and easy installation and dismantling;
• the presence of terminal blocks;
• quality material;
• modern design.

• low degree of protection;
• high average price.

Schneider Electric IMT series

Innovative models of a European brand, made in Russia.Suitable for installation in dry rooms. Special mounting feet with a sliding function and sharp ends provide a stable grip for the panels against hollow walls, protecting the box from twisting. In addition, the lugs on the box also ensure a secure fit in the plasterboard wall. The three-way thread of the fixing screws makes the installation of the box into the wall three times faster.

The plugs in the cable entry holes can be easily knocked out by hand without sharp chipping. Snap-on covers with screwdriver cutout ensure tightness.

Brand - Schneider Electric (France).
Country of origin - Russia.

Specifications:

A type	IMT35121	IMT35161	IMT 35122	U194
The form	round	square	square	round
Colour	green	yellow	green	the black
Protection class	IP30	IP20	IP30	IP30
Dimensions (LxWxD)	107x51	120x120x51	112x112x51	80x24
Diameter	107			81
Weight	40	76	59	29
Material	polypropylene	polypropylene	plastic	plastic
Number of inputs	8	22	28	10
Cable gland	6 condensate traps 25 mm	8 traps 20 mm	8 traps 30 mm
	4 traps 20 mm		2 traps 25 mm
	2 traps 16 mm		10 traps 20 mm
			8 traps 16 mm
Pipe diameter	16/19	12	16
Cover fixing	snapping	snapping	screw	snapping
Guarantee	18 months	18 months	18 months	18 months
price, rub.	23-27	41-48	34-43	17

• a large number of inputs;
• masking of installation defects;
• quick assembly or disassembly;
• reliability of fixation;
• ease of removal of plugs;
• snap-on cover;
• fire resistance;
• impact resistance;
• long service life;
• low price.

• not identified.

About the inner boxes of the brand - in the video:

TDM Electric SQ Series

Modern models for connecting television, signaling, telephone and electrical cables and wires, hiding and protecting. Installed in concrete or brick walls of residential premises, commercial and social-public real estate.

The boxes have guides on which rails, terminals, and a board are attached using self-tapping screws. Entry for cable channels is provided by perforation on the housing.

Brand - TDM Electric (Russia).
Country of origin - China.

Specifications:

A type	SQ1402-1009	SQ1402-1907	SQ1403-1022	SQ1403-1026
The form	rectangular	round	square	rectangular
Colour	Orange	Orange	Orange	Orange
Protection class	IP20	IP20	IP20	IP20
Dimensions (LxWxD)	120x92x70	80x40	92x92x45	172x96x45
Weight, g	90	30	60	90
Material	polystyrene	plastic	polystyrene	polystyrene
Cover fixing	screw	snapping	screw	screw
Guarantee	12 months	12 months	12 months	12 months
price, rub.	41-47	16	31	60-69

• good dielectric made of durable material;
• a variety of options allows you to choose the size, diameter, depth;
• applying putty on the rough surface of the lid or wallpapering for interior aesthetics;
• reliability;
• long service life.

• protection class for use in dry rooms only.

Conclusion

Thus, the safety of not only property, but also life depends on the quality of the choice of such a small device as a junction box. Therefore, we must take this issue seriously. Particular attention should be paid to the correct placement and installation, as well as the connection in the box of wires and cables in order to forget about their existence over the next years, as recommended by the best manufacturers of junction boxes.

Enjoy the shopping!