What Is a Surface-Mounted Junction Box with Plugs? Sizes and Selection
A surface-mounted junction box with plugs is an ABS splice and distribution box mounted on a wall or ceiling, with its cable entries closed by conical plugs.
A surface-mounted junction box with plugs is an ABS splice and distribution box mounted on a wall, ceiling or machine surface, with its cable entries closed by conical plugs. Because the cable is passed through the plug, no separate gland is needed for each entry; it allows quick installation at the splice points of surface-mounted lighting, socket and distribution lines.
Junction box types by cable entry
| Type | Cable entry | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Box with plugs | Entries come closed with plugs; the plug is opened to the cable diameter and the cable passed through | Quick installation without glands; unused entries stay closed |
| Knock-out box | The entry is broken out and a gland or plug is fitted to the hole | Entries made with conduit or glands |
| Deep box with plugs | Plugged entries, deeper housing on the same base | Thick cables, many splices or stacked terminal blocks |
Selection criteria
- Size: The three figures are width, length and depth. More splices and terminal blocks need a larger base; thicker cables and more bending need more depth. The splices must fit without crowding and the cover must close without force.
- Number of entries and cable diameter: There must be as many plugs as incoming and outgoing cables. The plug count and the cable diameter a plug can grip are shown on the manufacturer's drawing.
- Environment: Check the IP rating on the product page. In damp and dusty places the plug must wrap the cable without gaps, and unused plugs should not be opened.
- Material: The models in our catalogue have ABS housings and opaque covers and are marked halogen-free in the catalogue data.
Common mistakes
- Opening the plug wider than the cable: A gap remains between cable and plug, letting dust and water into the box.
- Opening plugs that are not needed: An entry that has been opened but is not used must be closed with a blanking plug or a new plug.
- Choosing a box that is too small: Splices are crowded and the cover is forced; if depth is the problem, choose the deep plugged model on the same base.
- Bringing conduit in through a plug: Where flexible or rigid conduit enters, use a knock-out box with a suitable gland.
Junction boxes with plugs in the Welibaba catalogue
The Surface-Mounted Junction Boxes with Plugs category has 8 active products, all Çetinkaya Pano plugged ABS junction boxes sold by the piece. Deep models on the same base are in a separate category:
| Base (mm) | Standard with plugs | Deep with plugs |
|---|---|---|
| 100x100 | 50 mm (`ÇP 1040`) | 120 mm (`ÇP 1360`) |
| 110x110 | 70 mm (`ÇP 1055`) | – |
| 150x110 | 70 mm (`ÇP 1051`) | 140 mm (`ÇP 1361`) |
| 150x150 | 70 mm (`ÇP 1072`) | – |
| 190x145 | 80 mm (`ÇP 1052`) | 140 mm (`ÇP 1362`) |
| 250x200 | 90 mm (`ÇP 1053`) | 160 mm (`ÇP 1363`) |
| 310x230 | 130 mm (`ÇP 1054`) | 180 mm (`ÇP 1364`) |
| 400x480 | 130 mm (`ÇP 1056`) | – |
Deep models are in Surface-Mounted Deep Junction Boxes with Plugs (6 products), knock-out and other opaque models in Surface-Mounted Opaque Junction Boxes, and splice terminal blocks for inside the box in Junction Box Terminal Blocks. Small round plugged (70x40 and 85x45 mm) and plugged-with-gland (80x80x40 and 80x120x50 mm) Çetinkaya models are listed in separate subcategories.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a junction box with plugs and a knock-out box?
In a box with plugs the entries come closed with plugs and the cable is passed through the plug. In a knock-out box the entry is broken out and a gland or plug is fitted separately to the hole.
How is a cable passed into a junction box with plugs?
The plug is opened to suit the cable diameter and the cable is pushed through it into the box. The plug must wrap the cable without gaps; a plug opened too wide leaks.
What size junction box with plugs should I buy?
Choose the base by the number of splices and terminal blocks and the depth by cable thickness. A small box is enough for a single line with a few splices; a point where many circuits are distributed needs a large or deep model.
Can a junction box with plugs be used in damp places?
Yes, if the IP rating on the product page suits the environment. Plugs must be opened to the cable diameter, unused entries kept closed and the cover fully shut.