Junction Boxes Slash Sensor And Actuator Installation Times

A new series of junction boxes has been developed for providing fast, dependable connections to sensors and actuators. Serving as a passive distribution system, the boxes are said to eliminate the need to strip and insulate wires, attach ferrules, and install PG screw couplings. Users simply plug cables together. The series includes junction boxes with a terminal block that can be fitted on-site with a connecting lead appropriate to the application. The units are configured to act as a pluggable electrical isolation unit that permits operation of two separate circuits within a single box. They offer one signal per output and have internal potential isolation for emergency-stop applications. Other boxes use a molded connecting lead coated in corrosion-resistant polyurethane and offer one or two signals per output. Other features include IP 68 sealing, status-indicating LEDs, and sensor/actuator interconnects. Both types of units are available in four- or eight-port versions. Prices start at $60 with prices ranging from $8 to $15 for the connecting leads.