junction
JUNGK-shun
/ˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
A physical enclosure or point where two or more electrical conductors join together.
National electrical codes require all wire splices to occur inside an accessible junction box to contain sparks.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'junctio' (a joining), derived from 'jungere' (to join). Expanded in early industrial manufacturing to describe pipe joints, then adopted into electrical trades for wire splicing enclosures.
Word relationships
- intersection: Intersection implies roads or lines crossing; junction implies lines actually joining and connecting.
- splice point: Splice point describes the connection itself; junction often refers to the enclosure containing it.
- terminal end: A terminal end is the final stopping point of a conductor rather than a connection point.
Commonly confused with
- conduit: Conduit is the long tubing holding wires; a junction is the box where conduit runs meet to join wires.
Word family
- join (verb): To bring together or connect.
- conjunct (adjective): Joined together or combined.
Collocations
- junction box
- wire junction
- accessible junction
- sealed junction
Example sentences
- "The electrician tucked spliced wire nuts neatly inside the metallic junction box before attaching the cover plate." Commercial Construction
- "Every underground junction must remain sealed against water intrusion to avoid short circuits." System Specification
Memory hook
At a JUNCTION, wires JOIN together in a box. Enclosure where wires meet and connect.
When not to use
Do not confuse an electrical wire junction box with a highway traffic junction or railway line junction.
Fun facts
- Hiding a junction box inside a finished drywalled wall without an access panel violates code in almost every jurisdiction.
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