In electrical installations, one of the most important decisions to make is selecting a structure that will protect the wires and cables used. It is, therefore, necessary to choose a pathway to run your wires through. Below, we offer you a comparison between electrical junction boxes and wire ways.

Electrical Junction Box

An electrical junction box is an enclosure that holds electrical connections to protect the components from externalelements and also protect the user from harmful parts. They can be made with custom metal according to your specifications. 

Functions Of Electrical Junction Box

• It prevents two live wires or terminals from touching each other accidentally.
• It serves as a housing for wires that protects them from most physical damage.
• If any live wires get loose from the equipment, it will serve as a protection against fires.
• It serves as a medium for supporting the electrical equipment and to keep all of the cables that serve the equipment safe.

Pros

• You can choose the type of junction box you want based on styles, sizes or custom finishing made from metal or non-metallic material.
• It is a very effective wiring system as the electrical junctions remain out of sight.
• It is very easy to set up and use.

Cons

• The set up cannot be modified as easily as wire ways.
• There is a risk of electric shock if the cover has holes in them.

Wire ways

These are enclosed trays that are meant to support branch circuits, electrical feeders, and other conductors to help create a form of mechanical protection for cables and wires. There are various types namely: Square-Duct, Oiltight lay-in, raintight lay-in and raintight through.

Functions

• They help to connect equipment without exposing the cables used. 
• It is a cable management system that is suitable for industrial or commercial areas.
• They make it easier to make changes to the wiring system when needed, by just laying the new cables in the tray.

Pros

• Changes can be easily made to the setup and the wiring system.
• It is very adaptable hence it can fit into almost any system.
• It is an inexpensive method of wiring.
• It is very easy to maintain.

Cons

• It doesn’t have as many varieties when compared to junction boxes.
• If not cleaned regularly, accumulated dust can pose a risk.

Electrical junction boxes are different from wire ways and the one to use is dependent on the objective you are trying to achieve, the functions, pros, and cons. By considering all the parameters discussed above, you can make your choice on which best suits your needs.