
Steel Enclosures & Junction Boxes

Steel enclosures and junction boxes are commonly used in electrical installations to protect electrical components and connections from damage, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Steel enclosures are typically made of steel or other metal alloys, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as square, rectangular, or circular. They are designed to house electrical components and equipment, such as circuit breakers, transformers, switches, and other electrical devices. They are also used to protect wiring connections and to provide a secure and safe environment for electrical installations.
Junction boxes are smaller enclosures that are used to connect electrical wiring and components together. They are typically used to join two or more wires together or to connect a wire to a device, such as a switch or outlet. Junction boxes can be made of various materials, including plastic, metal, and fiberglass.
Products
More Information about Steel Enclosures and Junction Boxes
Differences between Carbon Steel Enclosures and Stainless Steel Enclosures
The main differences between carbon steel enclosures and stainless steel enclosures are their composition, corrosion resistance, and cost.
Composition
Carbon steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, with other trace elements present in smaller amounts. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is an alloy of iron, carbon, and at least 10.5% chromium, along with other elements such as nickel, molybdenum, and titanium. This composition gives stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties.
Corrosion Resistance
Carbon steel is susceptible to corrosion if not properly protected, whereas stainless steel has a high resistance to corrosion due to its chromium content. This makes stainless steel enclosures ideal for use in harsh environments where corrosion protection is critical. Carbon steel enclosures, on the other hand, may require additional coatings or treatments to protect against corrosion.
Cost
Stainless steel enclosures tend to be more expensive than carbon steel enclosures due to their composition and corrosion-resistant properties. Carbon steel enclosures are generally less expensive and more commonly used in industrial applications where corrosion resistance is not as critical.
FAQs
Can steel enclosures be rated NEMA type 4x for indoor or outdoor use?
Yes, steel enclosures can be rated NEMA type 4X for indoor or outdoor use, depending on their design and construction. NEMA 4X is a standard rating that indicates the level of protection provided by an enclosure against ingress of water, dust, and other environmental hazards.
Mounting Electrical Enclosures
Before mounting to any surface, it is important to understand how the hardware will interface with the enclosure. In many cases, the enclosures will have holes at the corners that can be used to attach any mounting hardware. It is common to see a mounting strut, commonly referring to as a Unistrut, being used with these electrical enclosures. The Unistrut can attach to the enclosure and provide a very strong connection point to either a wall, concrete or pole mount.
When mounting to a concrete wall, there are several things that should be considered to ensure it is done correctly. Industrial concrete anchors provide a very strong and reliable connection that can last a very long time. Make sure that the concrete is thick and strong enough for these types of anchors. Once the anchors have been installed, attach them to the mounting strut that is attached to the enclosure using hardware that is designed for that particular type of mounting strut.
When installing an electrical enclosure on a pole or mass, it is important to make sure that the pole can handle the weight of the enclosure. It is recommended that the pole is made of a very strong rigid material. At least two inch rigid galvanized conduit is recommended. Once the pole has been secured into the ground, strut clamps designed for the size of conduit will attach the enclosure.