Backboxes & Enclosures Archives

Backboxes and enclosures are essential components in electrical installations that provide protection, support, and containment for electrical devices, outlets, switches, and other equipment. They play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, organization, and functionality of electrical systems. In the context of electrical installations regulated by BS 7671 (the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations) in the UK, here are key considerations regarding backboxes and enclosures:

1. Purpose of Backboxes and Enclosures:

Backboxes and enclosures are designed to house electrical devices and equipment, including sockets, switches, junction boxes, and control panels. They protect these components from mechanical damage, dust, moisture, and external environmental factors.

2. Material and Construction:

These components are typically constructed from materials such as plastic, metal, or PVC. The choice of material depends on the specific application and environmental conditions.
Metal enclosures are commonly used for industrial and outdoor applications, while plastic enclosures are often used for residential and indoor installations.

3. Size and Configuration:

Backboxes and enclosures come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different types and quantities of electrical devices.
The size and configuration should be selected based on the specific requirements of the installation and the number of devices to be accommodated.

4. Mounting Options:

These components can be surface-mounted or flush-mounted, depending on the installation requirements and aesthetics.
Flush-mounted backboxes are often used for devices like switches and sockets to create a neater appearance by concealing the devices within the wall or surface.

5. Cable Entry and Knockouts:

Backboxes and enclosures typically have multiple cable entry points or knockouts to allow cables and conduit to enter the enclosure while maintaining a degree of environmental protection.
Knockouts should be sealed to maintain the enclosure’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

6. IP Ratings:

IP ratings indicate the level of protection against dust and moisture that an enclosure provides. Enclosures used in wet or outdoor environments should have appropriate IP ratings to ensure protection.
IP ratings are specified in accordance with BS EN 60529 and are a key consideration in enclosure selection.

7. Compliance with Standards:

Backboxes and enclosures should meet the relevant standards and regulations outlined in BS 7671 and other applicable electrical standards to ensure safety and performance.

8. Installation and Wiring:

Proper installation of backboxes and enclosures is essential to ensure that devices are securely mounted and that wiring connections are made safely and in accordance with regulations.
Installation should adhere to guidelines for cable bending radii, support of cables, and clearances around devices.

9. Accessibility:

Enclosures should be accessible for maintenance, inspection, and future modifications. Removable covers or doors should be provided for this purpose.

10. Labeling and Identification: – Enclosures and backboxes may require labeling or marking to identify circuits, devices, or equipment within the enclosure.

Backboxes and enclosures are foundational components of electrical installations, and their proper selection and installation are crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of electrical systems. Electricians and technicians should follow the guidelines and regulations set forth in BS 7671 and other relevant standards when working with these components.

Warmup Repair Kit (New 2019)

Warmup 6iE Smart WiFi Underfloor Heating Thermostat Onyx Black

Warmup 6iE Smart WiFi Underfloor Heating Thermostat White

Pebble Mini Plug&Play Hand Dryer - Black

Hafele Loox LED Door Sensor Switch

Timeguard Fused Spur 7 Day FST77

GEFL - Ceiling Mounted PIR Presence Detector

Leyton Discreet Miniature Recessed Double Door Sensor - Black

Aurora EN-DLM981X EFD™ Pro Fixed Fire Rated Downlight

G4 LED 3W Dimmable 3000K Warm White

Aurora AU-X7/30 7W LED Warm White 3000K Dimmable Downlight White Bezel Included

Aurora / Enlite ICE™ 5W Dimmable GU10 LED Warm White 3000K

DC Jolly MD Driver 122260 Dimmable LED Driver

DC MAXI Jolly DALI 1 & 2 / 1-10V 60W Dimmable LED Driver 127413

Aurora 1-10W Dimmable 700mA Constant Current LED Driver

Hafele LED Driver 12V Constant Voltage 60W

Hager Sollysta 2 Gang Double Pole Switched Socket Dual Earth

Syncbox SB-Power

Hager Sollysta Double Pole Switched Socket 2 Gang With Twin USB A+C Ports

V-Pro Grid - Long Spindle 24mm LED Dimmer 120W

FuseBox 32A RCBO Type A

Meter Supply Isolator with Surge Protection

FuseBox 6A RCBO Type A

Fusebox Din Rail Mounted MCB / RCBO Blank

Aico Ei146e Optical Smoke Alarm

Aico Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarm

Aico Ei650iRF RadioLINK+ Battery Optical Alarm

Aico Ei3024 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm

Vent-Axia VASF100HT Dual Speed Silent Humidistat Timer

Vent Axia VASF100T Dual Speed Silent with Timer

Envirovent SILDES100HT Silent Design 100mm White Ultra Quiet Extractor Fan With Timer & Humidistat

AirVent Tile Fan with Timer

NAPIT EICR Codebreakers A2:2022

Requirements for Electrical Installations IET Wiring Regulations Eighteenth Edition BS 7671:2018+A2:2022

On-Site Guide (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) 8th Edition

Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing 9th Edition

Wago Wagobox 221-4 Enclosure 4mm²

Wagobox-Light Wago Junction Box

Wago 221-412 2 Way Lever Connector - Pack of 100

Wago Junction Box

M6 X 20mm Penny Washer BZP

SWA No. 7 Cable Cleat

Deligo M6 x 30mm Penny Washer BZP

SWA No. 6 Cable Cleat

Milwaukee Inkzall™ Marker Black - 1 PC

Ideal Flat Cable Stripper for Twin & Earth

Mandrex One-Click (MXqs) Hole Extension Adapter Set

Mandrex One-Click Starter Kit HEX11 HSS

POD POINT S7-2C-3 Solo 3 Tethered 7kW EV Car Charger

Pod Point Solo 3 Home Untethered Universal 7kW Mode 3 EV Charger

POD POINT SOLO LOCKING MECHANISM

Sync EV - Home Car Charger EVCP-7KW-S-1PH: 32A Black

Sync EV - Home Car Charger EVCP-7KW-S-1PH: 32A White

G4 LED 3W Dimmable 3000K Warm White

Live Electrical 125 Amp 6 Way TPN Distribution Board with SPD

Pebble Mini Plug&Play Hand Dryer - Black

Aurora R6™ Fixed 6W Fire Rated Downlight Warm White 3000K

The Back Box Repair Clip - Pack of 5

Fixings

Ideas & Inspiration