For beginners, it is believed that a large number of people do not have a clear understanding of high-voltage cable branch boxes and high-voltage cable connection boxes, and it is easy to confuse them—this can be said to be the experience of someone who has been through it. I myself confused them several times at the beginning. To help everyone gain a clear understanding, I will introduce the differences between high-voltage cable branch boxes and high-voltage cable connection boxes below.
Regarding high-voltage cable branch boxes, there are many types, including those with vacuum switches, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) switches, American-style live pluggable ones, and European-style straight-through ones. Generally, those with switches are equipped with grounding devices themselves; for those without switches, simply remove the rear plug of the cable connector, verify that there is no electricity, and then connect the grounding wire. When independent loads with small capacity are concentrated, cable branch boxes can be used for multi-branch connection of cables. The main function of a branch box is to tap or transfer cables—it cannot directly operate each circuit and is only used for cable branching.
In contrast, high-voltage cable connection boxes are used to extend cables, support longer power transmission, and play a connecting role. It is advisable to place cable intermediate joints in cable manholes that are easy to inspect and maintain, avoiding mechanical damage, corrosion, and flooding. Cable connection boxes enable convenient connection of cables with different cross-sections, eliminating the complex process of cable intermediate joints, improving the cable connection environment, ensuring connection quality, and facilitating routine inspection and maintenance during subsequent operation.
In simple terms, the difference between them is that a branch box is a box specifically designed to accommodate multiple branch joints of cables, while a connection box only accommodates cable butt connections and has no branching function.
This article is compiled and edited by DAYA Electric Group Co., Ltd. (https://www.hygraphics.com). Reproduction is permitted with proper attribution.