What Is a Hot Runner Connector Box? Types and Selection Criteria
A hot runner connector box gathers the heater and thermocouple wires of an injection mould and links them to the controller through the multi-contact connector mounted on it.
A hot runner connector box is the junction box on a plastic injection mould in which the heater and thermocouple wires of the hot runner system are gathered and on which a multi-contact connector housing is mounted. It is fixed to the mould. At every mould change the heater and thermocouple leads are not disconnected and reconnected one by one; the mould is plugged into and unplugged from the temperature controller with a connector cable.
A connector box is not a general-purpose junction box for cable splices; it is made to carry the hot runner connector on the mould.
Types
- Single box: Takes one connector housing. Heater and thermocouple lines pass through the same connector.
- Double box: Takes two connector housings. Used when the number of zones grows or when power and thermocouple lines run through separate connectors.
- 48x16 box (TP Elektrik): In the catalog's naming pattern this means 48 contacts rated 16 A each; confirm on the product page which housing the box takes.
Selection criteria
- Number of zones: Each hot runner zone needs contacts for one heater and one thermocouple. The total contact count sets the connector, and the number of connectors sets the box.
- Connector housing: The box must match the size and screw holes of the housing that goes on it. Choose the box, housing and insert from the same manufacturer's system.
- Box contents: Before ordering, confirm whether the box comes with a housing and insert or as a box only.
- Mounting position: Fit the box on a surface away from the mould's hot plate, where the cable reaches without strain and where it will not be struck while the mould is moved.
- Matching the controller: The box on the mould and the controller cable must have the same number of contacts and the same wiring diagram.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the wiring diagram: Contact assignment can differ between mould and controller manufacturers. On a mould connected without comparing the diagrams, one zone's heater can end up paired with another zone's thermocouple, and that zone heats without control.
- Reversing thermocouple polarity: If the plus and minus leads are swapped, the controller reads the temperature wrongly.
- Not earthing a metal box: Connect a metal-housing box to the protective conductor.
- Leaving no spare contacts: If a zone is added later, the box and connector have to be replaced.
Connector boxes in the catalog
The Connector Boxes category lists 5 active products (October 2026):
| Model | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 24-0001-00 | TP Elektrik | Single, metal |
| 24-0002-00 | TP Elektrik | Double, metal |
| 24-0003-00 | TP Elektrik | 48x16, metal |
| 117010103 | Mete Enerji | 1-way, red |
| 117010203 | Mete Enerji | 2-way, red |
The housings that go on the box are in Connector Housings, and the contact parts are in Connector Inserts.
Frequently asked questions
Does a connector box come with the connector housing and insert?
The product names do not say. Confirm before ordering whether the housing and insert are included; if not, buy a compatible housing and insert from the same manufacturer separately.
Should I choose a single or a double box?
Look at the number of zones in the mould and the cable layout of the controller. If all heater and thermocouple lines fit in one connector, choose a single box; if two connectors are needed, choose a double box.
Can TP Elektrik and Mete Enerji boxes replace each other?
Not unless the housing size and screw holes are the same. Without the manufacturer's compatibility information, choose the box, housing and insert from the same brand.
Can a connector box be used instead of a junction box?
No. A connector box is made to carry a connector on the mould; a junction box is used for cable splices in an installation.