Outdoor & IP-Rated Boxes

An IP rated enclosure is a housing tested to keep out dust and water to a set level, shown by its IP code. The first digit rates protection against solids and dust, and the second against water, so IP66 usually means the box resists powerful water jets. Enclosures can also carry an IK rating for impact. The range here includes IP55, IP65, IP66 and IP68 rated boxes.

An outdoor electrical box should usually be rated at least IP65 where it is exposed to rain and hosing, while IP55 can suit a sheltered spot under cover. Choose IP68 for a junction that may sit in standing water. Check the cable entries are sealed to the same standard. The range here includes an IP55 box for sheltered spots and IP66 enclosures.

A waterproof outdoor junction box typically joins cables inside a sealed housing, using gaskets, cable glands or a gel filling to keep water away from the connections. Gel boxes surround the terminals with gel, which suits joins in exposed or damp cable runs. Check the box suits the cable size and type. The range here includes IP68 gel junction boxes and a connector box.

You can hide an outdoor electrical box with planting, a slatted screen or a cover set slightly away from it. Keep the box easy to reach so its lid can open, and never seal it in or block its drainage or ventilation. A supplier's meter box needs to stay accessible for readings. A compact enclosure is also less noticeable. The range here includes small and medium IP66 enclosures.

An outdoor electrical box is a weatherproof enclosure that protects cable joints, connections or small devices outside a building, for example for garden lighting, gates or external sockets. It is usually made of polycarbonate or metal, with knockouts or gland entries for cables. The range here includes outdoor enclosures, gel junction boxes and modular weatherproof enclosures.