Installation of a distribution box in an apartment is important stage electrical wiring, thanks to it there is a uniform distribution electric current to points that consume electricity (lamps, sockets, switches). A properly installed box ensures 100% uninterrupted use of electrical wiring. By external signs The junction box is a metal or plastic structure with holes on the sides. Wires extend from the box, which provide current to all important electrical appliances.

To distribute electricity evenly, the wiring is divided into separate groups of consumers. In rooms, distribution boxes are installed at the wiring connections.

Distribution boxes perform several important functions in residential premises:

• ensuring fire safety;
• creating an aesthetic appearance in the apartment.

The wires are located inside the box; thanks to the housing, they are not subject to mechanical stress, which ensures their safety.

According to the installation principle, the boxes are built-in and external. Built-in ones are installed in specially prepared recesses in the wall, and overhead ones are fixed on the wall surface.

Main function of distribution box

Distribution The box allows you to reduce wire costs. If it were not there, each electrical device would be connected with a separate cable. No box provides an increase in the channels for laying wires, but visually this looks unaesthetic.

The advantage of using distribution boxes is undeniable, and proper connection of wires will ensure the safety of the premises. This device isolates points of contact from the effects of flammable wall materials.

The ease of use of the junction box ensures ease of repair. The main function of the box is that it ensures uniform distribution of electricity to the locations of the main consumers. In addition, such designs of switching boxes involve adding new branches of electrical networks to the existing wire if necessary.

Types of distribution boxes

Distribution boxes according to the type of fastening are divided into:

• overheads, which are installed outside on the wall;
• internal, installed in the prepared wall recess.

The main purpose of the junction box is to provide easy access to the electrician in the event of a system malfunction. For convenience and to preserve the integrity of the wires, the box is closed with a lid. To carry out any manipulations with the electrical wiring, specialists just need to remove the cover and get acquainted with the causes of the problems.

Distribution boxes are made from the following materials:

1. Plastic.
2. Metal.

Metal housings are made from tin-plated steel sheets or aluminum alloys. The main requirement for materials is that they are not subject to corrosive changes.

If a distribution box is needed for strategically important facilities, then it must be selected with the following characteristics:

• screw cap;
• waterproofing gaskets.

The metal housing has universal properties and perfectly protects wiring during a fire, that is, during a fire metal structure is capable of preserving the contents of the box for some time, during which it is possible to de-energize the network.

The plastic housing also has positive properties: resistance to oxidative processes and the ability to isolate electric current.

Distribution boxes vary in geometric shape and are:

• round;
• square;
• rectangular.

If a small number of wires are supplied to the box, then a round box configuration can be used. In cases large quantity For wires, it is better to use a rectangular distribution structure.

Important! If the walls are concrete, then it is easier and more convenient to install round box structures.

The dimensions of distribution boxes depend on the number of wires and their cross-section.

Internal structure of distribution box

The design of the junction box consists of a housing and a cover, as well as side inlet holes.

The internal cavity of the box is equipped with terminals and clamps for fastening wires. Usually secured using terminals input cable, separate wires are fixed using clamps. If the box is not equipped with terminals, the wires are secured together by twisting.

The disadvantage of a terminal connection is that after use the bolts can become loose and disrupt the wiring contact. Loose contact causes heating and subsequently burning of the wires. Twisting is considered a more reliable method.

It should be taken into account that the connection of aluminum and copper wires in the junction box leads to destruction of the connection and the occurrence of an electrochemical process.

Important! Brass terminals provide high-quality connection of aluminum and copper wires.

Installation Rules

Electricity distribution boxes are mounted approximately 25 centimeters from the ceiling. In cases where the distribution box is installed in a hidden way, the cover must be on the surface so that it can be easily opened and work carried out.

When choosing a place to install the box in a hidden way, you need to ensure access to it while respecting the design intent of the interior of the apartment.

Installation

Concrete or brick construction electrical appliances are placed in the wall cavity in specially prepared holes in the wall. Such recesses are made with a hammer drill; in cases of a round design of the distribution panel, the holes are made with a special crown. IN seat the box is attached to the wall using alabaster mortar, which guarantees a strong connection between the frame and the wall.

After determining the installation location of the box, you need to prepare the wire network and make the connection. In order to bring them to the switching box, you need to prepare grooves into which the wires will be laid. If the walls allow the possibility of wiring in a horizontal position, then the gaps between the walls and the ceiling are quite useful for this.

After preparing the channels and socket boxes, the wiring is carried out wired system junction box.

Important ! To ensure the correct connection of the wires in the junction box for the purpose of quickly carrying out subsequent repair work, the wires are marked.

The input cable from the electrical panel is designated as “input”, the wire from the sockets should also be marked, because labeled wires will not allow mistakes during maintenance and repair. In order for the wires to be used correctly, the cross-section must be strictly observed; for example, to supply electricity from the panel, a two or three-core cable with a cross-section of 4 square millimeters is used.

This cable guarantees full use of any consumer with high power. For the lighting system, a cross-section of 2.5 square millimeters is used, and for sockets - 1.5 square mm.

After familiarizing yourself with all the nuances, they begin to install the junction box. The basic principle of installing the switching structure is indicated by precise adherence to the sequence of wiring connections. The wiring diagram in the junction box includes following parameters: phase is connected to phase, zero is connected to zero, and ground is connected to ground.

Laying of wires occurs subject to compliance with all parameters and requirements of the drawn up connection diagram. The wires are laid inside the box, preferably with an allowance of about 10 centimeters. When connecting wires, it is necessary to strip the ends of insulation and secure them in the terminals.

If there are no fasteners, you can simply fix the connections by twisting. This method involves twisting the wires at the points of contact; this method is often used and is considered reliable. After this, the joints are fixed with insulating material (insulating tape or plastic caps).

Important! The wires are mounted in pipes made of metal or plastic, which provide insulation from external negative factors.

Various modifications of switching devices are widely represented in specialized stores electrical engineering. The included instructions indicate the main characteristics and current voltage ratings.

Connection principles

For fast connection To avoid confusion, the wires are marked with colors of different shades. The following color combination is considered popular: white indicates phase, blue color is zero, light green symbolizes grounding. When connecting, strict compliance and consistency must be observed.

Like any other work, electrical wiring in a junction box also begins with a design. To compile competent scheme electrical wiring, you need to determine the exact location of the points electrical installations– lamps, sockets, switches. In accordance with the diagram, distribution boxes are placed in convenient places. Providing access is necessary in case of interruptions in the electricity supply.

The rules for electrical installations stipulate that wires must be connected by soldering, welding or using clamps. However, the “old-fashioned” method of twisting wires has proven itself among the people; this method ensures the manufacturability and reliability of the system.

Sometimes twisting the wires is not enough; to ensure reliability, the contact area is treated with soldering. After connecting, the wires are insulated and placed in the box body so that they do not come into contact with each other.

After carrying out the entire complex of work, diagnostics are carried out; for this, the most powerful electrical appliance in the apartment is connected to the network and the wires are checked for the presence of heating. If you find any wire heating up, this means that it does not have enough contact area, and in such cases you should probably replace the wire with a larger cross-section wire.

Conclusion

All types of work with electricity are strictly related to the installation of a junction box. Such a device is an important link in electrical network, and proper installation ensures the facility is fully supplied with electricity.

Experts recommend installing boxes in every room, because they connect all the wires from sockets, lamps and switches. In cases of electrical problems, it is quite easy to determine the location of the breakdown and thereby carry out repairs quickly and without damage to other premises.

The above information will serve as instructions for correct installation distribution box.

Today, Enot Electric will tell you about several ways to install a junction box in concrete. The electrical box is made of metal or plastic in the form of a small container. Inside this container, during installation work in the room, all groups of conductors are connected.

The main purpose of the distribution box:

Possibility of maintenance and access to repair of the home electrical network. In the event of a failure of the room wiring along with the socket group, it is possible to troubleshoot all problems without any problems.

Availability of connecting new lines to . This means the possibility if additional ones are needed. This eliminates the need to pull new cables from the main panel - it will only be enough to create an additional route from the distribution box.

You can ensure even distribution throughout the room electrical energy by creating additional directions of the power grid and connecting them into one.

From the above we can conclude that a correctly installed junction box plays important role when installing electrical wiring both in the house and in any other room.

Design

The design of the distribution box is very simple and is a kind of container with a lid. The box for external installation has special holes with seals for wiring. In the photo below you can see the difference between the outer and hidden boxes.

Hidden and outdoor distribution boxes, respectively.

Although these products perform the same function, as you can see, they have their own significant differences.

You should also pay attention to the fact that hidden-type boxes usually have special claws with springs installed on the sides. They are designed to be fixed at .

Types of Electrical Junction Boxes

As you can already understand from what was said earlier, there are currently several types of electrical distribution boxes. They are divided according to the following characteristics:

1. Made mostly from plastic or metal
2. Install open or in a hidden way
3. Products have a round, square or rectangular shape
4. Vary in size

Made of metal and plastic

Metal boxes have existed and been used since the last century, when they had not yet thought of making them from plastic.

However, just because they are from the last century does not mean they are outdated! Metal boxes continue to be actively used - in particular in wooden houses, bathhouses and barns. This is due to the fact that if the cable catches fire, the metal base of the box will serve as a good obstacle to the further spread of fire.

As for plastic products, they look more modern. They are made from this material of two types (external and hidden). Such boxes have a number of advantages, such as their low cost, ease of design and, of course, they look much more attractive. Recently, plastic has already appeared that has good resistance to fire and has self-extinguishing properties.

External and hidden distribution boxes

In the case when wiring in a house or any other premises is laid open method, then in this case an external junction box is used. A product of an already hidden type is installed under the plaster.

In both cases, these products perform their functions well, but during repair and further operation of this box, wall-mounted products are more convenient. Boxes with terminals of much better quality allow you to connect wires to each other. These boxes usually include outdoor products.

Various shapes and sizes

Electrical junction boxes are made in different geometric shapes. It all depends on their use and purpose. For connecting a small number of wires, a round shape will be sufficient. Rectangular and square-shaped boxes are used with a larger number of cores, due to their large capacity.

It is also worth noting that install round box into concrete is much easier due to the fact that it does not need to be leveled. During installation open wiring Square and rectangular products look better.

The dimensions of the box depend on the selected cable cross-section. We strongly recommend that you read the article about.

Installation instructions

We already know that installation work can be carried out either openly or covertly. Let's consider the existing main stages of each method separately.

Let us remind you! The most reliable way to connect wires to each other is soldering or special clamps, like car terminals.

Open installation

This method applies to simple ways and not taking much time. We bring you step by step instructions, which will allow you to independently install a distribution box in the wall:

1. At the first stage, you should turn off the electricity in the house and, for safety, make sure that there is no electricity using an indicator screwdriver. We previously told;
2. The attachment points of this product should be marked with a simple pencil;
3. The box is attached to concrete wall using dowels. The design usually provides several special holes for self-tapping screws;
4. To enter all groups of wires, it is necessary to cut off the tips of the seals. The cuts are made with a smaller diameter compared to the cable cross-section for better protection wiring from dust and moisture;
5. Connect the wires together. To avoid mistakes, we recommend that you read color coded wires All that is required of you is to correctly connect phase to phase, then zero to zero, and then ground to ground (this applies to the socket group). Then you need to connect the introductory group of wires with a group of switches and interior lighting;
6. After all work, close the box lid.

As you can see, the process of installing a junction box in concrete is quite simple.

Hidden installation

Although it is much more difficult to install the box in a hidden way, as a rule, novice electricians can cope with this work.

So let's begin:

Helpful advice never hurts! When you connect the wires to each other, be sure to label each group. This applies to the wires of a socket, switch, chandelier, etc. In the case repair work you can quickly find the wire you need.

This is the work and technology correct installation boxes at hidden wiring in concrete is completed. With this option, it will take a little more time for installation, but it will not be damaged. appearance premises.

Installation and connection diagrams

Diagram for normal home wiring
Example of wiring for a private house
Visual diagram with electrical elements

In order to ensure reliable and uniform distribution of electrical energy in urban and private homes, electrical wiring is divided into several groups, for which a separate supply wire is laid in each room, to which all consuming wires of the premises are connected, such as: lighting, switches, plug sockets and others. One of the common methods of switching branches is the use of a distribution (branching) box. It is a housing made of plastic or metal, with holes for cable entry, in which the wires are connected to each other and converge at one point according to a given room wiring diagram. From the outside, the branching box is closed with a lid. The lid may have a rubber ring that ensures a tight connection with the body, be attached with screws, or snap into the grooves of the box body.

Types

Depending on the method of laying the electrical wiring of the room, distribution boxes are divided into:

• internal (with hidden electrical wiring of the room);
• external (with open electrical wiring of the room).

In urban environments, internal distribution boxes are most suitable. They are round in shape, 40mm deep and 80mm in diameter, and can accommodate up to 9 uncoupled cable ends. IN country houses with exposed electrical wiring, external distribution boxes are most often used in a square or rectangular shape. IN wooden buildings The box body must be made of flame retardant material (fireproof plastic, metal).

Installation of distribution box

Internal distribution boxes

Installation of the distribution box should be carried out in the following order:

• gating of walls for supplying wires to the box;
• creating a seat: a recess is knocked out in the wall (block, concrete or brick) using a crown that strictly matches the diameter of the transfer case;
• the niche must be moistened with water and filled with solution gypsum plaster or alabaster;
• After this, the box is pressed into the solution to the level of the wall. Excess mortar released around the edges should be removed with a spatula. It is important to hold the box until the solution hardens, otherwise it will protrude from the recess in the wall. The position of the box is fixed using building level, the lowering of switches and sockets must be strictly vertical; for horizontal laying of wires, it is permissible to use the natural gaps of the room between the floor slab and the wall;
• connect the wires;
• close the lid and apply a thin layer of finishing plaster or wallpaper on it.

Installation inner box This is greatly simplified in rooms with walls decorated with plasterboard or other material. The hole for the seat can be cut with a hacksaw blade or a knife, the box is attached to the wall with two self-tapping screws: on the outside the box is attached to the wall with a border, on the inside it is pressed with a “claw”, so the error in the diameter of the cut hole is unacceptable. The cable is secured to the plasterboard or panels that cover the ceiling or walls, which facilitates the installation of a hidden junction box since there is no need to chisel the walls.

External distribution boxes

External distribution boxes most often have a square or rectangular shape, so it is necessary to fix them strictly at the level of the wall. The box body is attached to the wall using two dowels and self-tapping screws, electrical cable it is wound through special seals in which holes are cut, slightly smaller than the diameter of the cable.

Connecting wires

Junction box Allows all possible ways to connect wires:

• twist;
• connection using terminals built into the junction box;
• self-insulating clips (PPE);
• crimping (twisted wires are placed inside a copper sleeve, crimped with a special press);
• welding or soldering.

At electrical installation work Do not abuse wire connections, since no crimping or welding can be more reliable than an intact cable. A large number of switching nodes increases the likelihood of electrical wiring faults; in addition, distribution boxes must be located in open access to be able to repair them, which is difficult when there are a large number of them, so boxes should be installed where they are really needed. At the same time, the desire to reduce the number of distribution boxes leads to significant cable consumption, so when planning work, a balance should be found between these factors.

An example of the optimal location of distribution boxes is shown in the picture below

Installation safety rules

The connection of wires inside the box must be made in strict accordance with electrical diagram premises, otherwise accidents in the electrical network are inevitable. To avoid errors when connecting wires, it is recommended to label each end of the wire coming out of the junction box. Each group of wires connected in a junction box should be labeled separately. When using boxes with metal case it must be grounded.

The picture above shows the layout of distribution boxes in three-room apartment with a recording studio equipped in it. In the hallway there is an input distribution box 1. In room 3 there are two distribution boxes 5 and 6, located one behind the other. Box 6 connects the wires of switches and sockets in the area of ​​the room reserved for the recording studio.

Junction boxes perform a very important function. They are the ones who provide the distribution electrical wires between points of consumption, i.e. switches, lighting fixtures and sockets.

Have you decided to install the devices listed above yourself? Then you need to thoroughly understand the features and order of connecting cables, as well as the basic methods of connecting them.

For a better understanding of the process, this event will be considered in several stages: from preparation necessary materials before connecting electrical appliances using the example of a socket, two-key switch and light bulbs. First, you will learn about the basic methods of connecting cables and wiring features

Wire connection methods

There are several methods for connecting electrical wires. You can choose the most convenient and suitable option for your case.

Prices for cables and wires for construction and repair

Cables and wires for construction and repair

The first stage - getting ready for work

First of all, we prepare everything that is needed to connect electrical appliances to the box. Set includes:

• cables 3x2.5, VVG;
• cables 2x2.5, AVVG;
• switch with 2 keys;
• fastenings;
• lighting fixtures;
• socket;
• round nose pliers;
• roulette;
• wire cutters;
• pliers;
• flat screwdriver;
• hammer.

Second stage - make the markings

At this stage, we mark the installation locations of electrical appliances and the routes for wires. So we can calculate required quantity materials for system installation.

The third stage - we begin installation

First turn off the electricity supply.

We connect the wires to the junction box. As a rule, cables are laid in grooves. Small nails or special plastic staples are used to secure the cables. If work is performed in wooden house, the wires will be supplied through special mounting boxes.

Important note! You should try to lay the wiring so that the cables do not intersect. If intersections are unavoidable, such places must be isolated especially carefully.

The fourth stage - we connect electrical appliances and connect the wires

We insert approximately 10 cm of wire into a distribution box pre-built into the wall or fixed to the base (depending on the model). We remove the general sheath from the cables. Then we remove approximately 0.5 cm of insulation from each core. At this point, we focus on the situation - we remove enough insulation so that the cores can be connected in the chosen way.

The diagram shows an example of connecting electrical wires using terminal blocks.

In the example under consideration, the connection is made using a two-wire wire, in which one wire is a zero, the second is a phase. We connect the socket to zero and. We connect the phase supply wire to the socket and one core of the switch cable.

In our example, the switch is two-key. Each key is responsible for controlling a separate group lighting fixtures. We connect the second wire of the switch cable to the first button, the third wire is connected to the second button.

The distribution box contains the neutral wires from the socket and light bulb sockets. The power cable is connected: zero is marked in blue, phase is marked in red. Wires are connected to connect each switch button to the light sockets.

Fifth stage – checking the system’s functionality

We turn on the power supply and check the operation of our outlet and. Everything works fine. We did a great job.

Now you know the order of connecting the wires in the junction box and the connection features of each main electrical appliance. Using the information received, you will be able to independently cope with all planned events.

Good luck!

Video - Connecting wires in a junction box

About how much important element for the electrical supply system is a distribution box, anyone, even not the most experienced electrician, can say. This one, it would seem, is not the most complex design, provides:

• evenly distributed load from elements consuming energy;
• possibility to add at any time common system powering a new branch of the electrical circuit without resorting to fundamental changes in the existing wiring;
• ease of use and repair of electrical communications.

In principle, electrical distribution boxes are housings made of plastic and metal, inside which a number of necessary parts of the electrical network can be joined together. Today we will talk about the switching version of the distribution box, which, in turn, can be overhead or built into the walls. Both types, as a rule, are supplied with the required number of special terminals, with the help of which the wires can be connected reliably and quickly.

Switching type of distribution boxes - optimal solution in case there is a need to connect wires with conductors from various materials. A typical example is copper and aluminum cables, which tend to oxidize when interacting with each other. As a result, after some time the contact disappears completely and some “consumers” simply stop working.

As for the shape of the current distribution boxes, there is no particular variety here, only square and round options with various dimensions.

So, let's talk directly about the process of installing and connecting the distribution switching box. If we talk about installing the box itself, there is nothing complicated or problematic here. Built-in versions of boxes are built into the walls, and overhead boxes are attached to the walls with dowels or self-tapping screws. Installation of a built-in box is more complex and time-consuming, in in this case This implies the creation of a special landing niche. In one of the walls, closer to the ceiling, it is necessary to make a niche of the appropriate size, this is where the box will be installed and secured with alabaster or cement mortar.

However, these procedures refer to the final stage of work. First of all, you should create a “network” of grooves - channels through which cables will be connected to the distribution box. Required quantity lowerings to switch boxes and sockets must have a strictly vertical position. In order to lay cables horizontally, it is recommended to take advantage of the gaps between the floor slabs and the walls.

After completing the preparation of the grooves and installation of the socket boxes, we proceed directly to the electrical wiring device - an important part of this process will be the installation and connection of the distribution box.

Often the process of connecting wires inside a distribution box causes certain difficulties. To avoid them, we recommend marking each end of the cable in one way or another. For example, we connect the wire that supplies power from the electrical panel - we mark it with the appropriate word, we connect the cable from the socket block - the same thing, etc. Each individual electrical circuit that we connect to the distribution box must be labeled accordingly, in this case we will not face confusion later.

Now let’s take a break from the distribution box for a couple of minutes and say a few words about the cable cross-sections that are used when wiring a house or apartment. It is known that voltage is supplied to rooms from the electrical panel, as a rule, using a three or two-core cable with a cross-section of at least 4 square millimeters. This cross-section allows the cable to easily withstand any powerful power consumers. To connect sockets, cables with a cross-section of 2.5 square millimeters are used, and for a lighting system, a cross-section of one and a half square is sufficient.

So, having decided on optimal values wire sections, you can begin the process of switching them inside the distribution box.

At first glance, this work may seem quite complicated, however, if you understand well the principle of wiring, everything will not be so difficult. So what do we have? There is an entry point and a lot of cables that need to be connected to it. The input is called three multi-colored wires along which “ground”, “phase” and “zero” go. In the same way, wires are connected to socket groups and switch boxes.

So, we connect the cables to the distribution box according to the principle “ground to ground,” “zero to zero,” and phase to phase.” Most likely, there will be no problems connecting wires from sockets, look at the colors, that’s the whole science. In the case of switches, everything is somewhat different. The outgoing phase going directly to the switch box is connected to the input phase, the lighting zero is connected directly to the input zero, and the phase coming from the switch is connected to the phase of the lighting circuit.

The most important point to note special attention when installing the distribution box - reliable connection cables with each other.

If we mean a junction box that has terminals, then usually problems with the connection do not arise. Simply insert the wires (according to the instructions described above) and clamp them securely with screws. The situation is different with boxes that are not equipped with terminals. Such products will have to be soldered additionally. We carry out this “procedure” in this way. First, we reliably twist the wires together using pliers. Then we take a soldering iron and solder the wires using special solder and rosin. If you are planning a mass installation of a large number of distribution boxes, it is better to use electric welding to ensure reliable connections.