Electrical enclosures are a crucial part of any electrical system, but in critical situations, they need to go above and beyond. Fire-rated junction boxes provide an extra layer of protection in the event of a fire, ensuring circuit integrity and maintaining power for vital systems like fire alarms, emergency lighting and safety equipment.
Why Use Fire Rated Junction Boxes?
During a fire, standard junction boxes can melt or become damaged, exposing wires and creating potential short circuits. This can disrupt critical electrical systems, hindering firefighting efforts and endangering lives.
Fire rated junction boxes are built with fire resistant material that can withstand high temperatures for extended periods. This ensures critical electrical systems like fire alarms, emergency lights, and safety equipment remain functional even in the harshest fire conditions. This uninterrupted functionality plays an important role in overall fire safety.
Properly functioning lighting allows occupants to see clearly during an evacuation. This improved visibility is essential for navigating a smoke-filled building and reaching exits safely and efficiently. Secondly, firefighters benefit from enhanced visibility within the building, allowing them to locate occupants and navigate the smoke more effectively.
These specially designed enclosures are ideal for various locations where maintaining circuit integrity during a fire is crucial. Common applications include high-rise buildings, hospitals, schools, and factories.
Several factors are important when selecting fire-rated junction boxes for your project:
- Fire Resistance Rating: Fire ratings are typically denoted by "E" followed by a number (E30, E60, E90). This indicates the duration (in minutes) that the box can withstand fire. Choose a rating for your specific application needs.
- Material: Fire rated boxes are commonly made from Steel or Halogen-free thermoplastic.
- Size and Capacity: Choose a junction box with adequate space to accommodate the required number of wires and connections.
- Ingress Protection Rating (IP Ratings): This indicates the level of protection against dust and water. Choose an appropriate IP rating for the environment where the box will be installed.
We offer a range of fire protection junction boxes from Ensto. Contact us today to discuss your project and find the right solution for you.