Junction box or terminal box

[Bowness72]

Is there any reason not to use a terminal box like this

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=13073&ts=45294

with plastic connector blocks rather than a normal junction box, which can be a pain fitting ?

 

[baldersj]

I would have said that if you used stuffing glands (or similar, depending on type of cable), then this would be a better option in many cases...anyone care to comment?

 

[breezer]

That is a conduit T box

 

[EddieCurrent]

Hello,

So long as whichever method you use, the connector blocks are accessible, then either method is ok.

However, can you not crimp the cables ? , (crimps being a bit smaller and not prone to loosen over time). Connectors in a conduit box seriously reduce the capacity, but if thats not an issue then its ok.

Are we talking about a complete conduit system here (singles wirig) ?

 

[Bowness72]

It was just one dodgy connection made by the previous houseowner that I recently remade using a junction box rather than connector blocks wrapped in tape. A few days later I spotted the conduit box on a website and thought it might have made my life a lot easier, having had my head in a small cupboard under the sink for about three hours.

 

[baldersj]

That is a conduit T box

So it is. Bit bleary eyed this morning, I'll go and make a cup of coffee and come back later

 

[Bowness72]

How severely would connector blocks in a conduit box reduce the capacity by ? just out of interest

 

[Belle427]

stick with the jbs,it gets even more fiddly when you try to cram everything in a conduit box

 

[EddieCurrent]

Hello Bowness,
It depends how many connector blocks, and thier rating (size), you intend to try and 'wedge' into these T boxes !

 

[Bowness72]

Not actually planning on using any at the moment, just for future reference. The last situation when it might have been useful I would only have needed three blocks. I dont know whether the conduit box would have been a suitable size though.
Other tips received on this thread suggested crimping the wires which may have made life easier when I was fuming at why junction box terminals seemed so small. Does crimping the wire mean that you effectively get a flatter but wider shape to fit into the terminals ?

 

[baldersj]

No, it removes the need for terminal blocks by making a more permanent, reliable connection (if it's done proper like!).
Crimping compresses the two conductors inside a crimp terminal which can then be insulated. Crimp connections don't need to be accessible, but its generally a good idea of you can keep them accessible/visible in case a fault develops in the future.

 

[Bowness72]

Good to know. I think I have seen the crimping terminals now you mention it. Do they look a bit like spade terminals ?

I think I would feel better if after crimping and insulating the cables they were then put in something like a conduit box, especially if its not easy to do right.

 

[bernardgreen]

No, it removes the need for terminal blocks by making a more permanent, reliable connection (if it's done proper like!).
Crimping compresses the two conductors inside a crimp terminal which can then be insulated. Crimp connections don't need to be accessible, but its generally a good idea of you can keep them accessible/visible in case a fault develops in the future.

I would not recommend crimp joints to the average DIYer

Rule No 1 Use the right tool for the type and size of crimp

Rule No 2 Use the right size of crimp for the wires.

And since the correct tool is likely to be expensive for the few joints the average DIYer is going to make (s)he may well decide to just crush the crimp with pliers.

Crimps crushed in a pair of pliers do NOT make reliable joints. I know, I once found several hundred on the wiring of a food production line.

Bernard
Sharnbrook

 

[baldersj]

Like He Said!

Hear hear Bernard