When laying telecommunication networks with a branched structure, many cables and wires are used that need to be protected from various external influences (moisture, dust, and so on). For this, a special device is used - an electrotechnical box. Consider the design and installation of this device.
Box device
An electrotechnical box is a profile that is attached to the base (a special cable device, wall, door or other surface). Inside there is a channel (chute) into which a cable or wire is laid. The housing cover can snap into the grooves located on the side, or attached using a special device.
This device can be produced with one or more channels, while observing the standards established by the international IP standard (IP40, IP65 and others). These regulations determine the degree of protection of the wires from moisture and dust.
The device is made of various materials - stainless steel, reinforced polyester, aluminum, polycarbonate, thermoplastic and others. These types of raw materials are able to withstand a wide range of temperature changes (-25 ° C - + 60 ° C).
Device types
For the installation of a network of electrical wires, various modifications of the protective shells are used:
- Box electrotechnical direct;
- The horizontal profile used when cornering cable tracks;
- Tee used for branching wires;
- Vertical box;
- Section (transitional and connecting);
- Cross-shaped devices and others.
Application
The electrical box is used for laying various types of cables: power (electrical wires up to 1000 V) and low-current (telephone, computer, Internet connections and so on). In this case, a compact and aesthetic design of the system nodes is carried out.
Boxes can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Protective sheaths for wires of the alarm system and access control to the room can also be mounted on the door structure or partitions. Sockets and switches can be installed in the device case.
Mounting
Assembly and installation are quite simple. It can be noted that the steel electrical box in the butt connection of the body parts provides a continuous grounding circuit. Installation of the device must be carried out in the following order:
- Assembly of body parts (depending on model).
- Fastening the profile to the base.
- Laying cables and wires in the housing.
- Securing the cover.
Also, during installation, the following information may be useful:
- Control cables for consoles, machines, and various equipment can be laid close to the box body, while it is possible to lay in bunches at intervals of 2 cm;
- The total cross-sectional area of all wires should be no more than 40% of the same characteristic of the case
- Cable fastening in vertical sections is mandatory;
- The execution inside the branch housing can be carried out using special devices (clamps) with insulating shells.
Electrotechnical boxes for laying wires are used everywhere. They provide protection for the expensive elements of the systems, while the devices themselves have a fairly low price, they are easy to install, which saves on installation and performs quality work.