What is the difference between a terminal box and a junction box?
The terms are used interchangeably in the industry. A terminal box typically refers to an enclosure fitted with terminal blocks for cable termination, while a junction box is a broader term for any enclosure used to connect or distribute electrical cables in hazardous areas. All HARDO models are marketed and documented under both designations.

What is the difference between GRP, aluminium and stainless steel terminal boxes?
GRP is lightweight, chemical-resistant and antistatic, making it well suited to corrosive and outdoor environments. Aluminium offers excellent corrosion resistance and low weight with good heat dissipation, and is ideal for offshore, onshore and marine grade applications. Stainless steel (AISI 316L) provides maximum corrosion resistance and a hygienic surface finish, and is the preferred choice for the food, pharmaceutical and marine industries.

Which terminal box can be used in Zone 1?
All three material versions of HARDO terminal boxes are certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 (gas) as well as Zone 21 and Zone 22 (dust) in accordance with the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) and IECEx standard. The enclosures are protected by the Ex e (increased safety) method in accordance with EN 60079-7.

What is the difference between Ex e and Ex d?
Ex e (increased safety) is the protection method used in HARDO terminal boxes. It prevents ignition by eliminating the risk of sparks and excessive surface temperatures under normal operating conditions. Ex d (flameproof) is a different method that instead contains any internal explosion and prevents it from propagating to the surrounding atmosphere. Ex d is typically used for equipment with ignition sources such as motors and switchgear. Most terminal boxes and junction boxes in hazardous areas are Ex e certified, as they do not themselves generate sparks or excessive surface temperatures.

What does Ex e – increased safety mean?
Ex e is a protection method that prevents ignition by eliminating the risk of sparks and excessive surface temperatures under normal operating conditions. It is the most widely used method for terminal boxes and junction boxes in explosive atmospheres and hazardous areas, and is defined in the standard EN 60079-7 and IEC 60079.

What does IP66 mean?
IP66 means the enclosure is fully protected against dust ingress and against powerful water jets from any direction. This is the relevant protection level for industrial installations outdoors and in wash-down environments, including offshore platforms and chemical plants.

Can HARDO terminal boxes be used in the food industry?
Yes. The stainless steel AISI 316L version is particularly well suited to the food and pharmaceutical industries, as the material withstands cleaning agents, is hygienic and can be supplied with an electropolished surface finish. It meets the requirements for corrosion resistance and hygienic design in these industries.

Can HARDO terminal boxes be configured to specific installation requirements?
Yes. The enclosures can be supplied configured with DIN rail, terminal blocks, cable glands, blanking plugs and mounting plates to customer specification. Empty enclosures can also be supplied as a basis for custom assembly. Particulair offers technical consultancy in connection with configuration and selection.

Does Particulair offer technical advice on terminal box selection?
Yes. Particulair is the Danish distributor for HARDO and offers technical consultancy in connection with the selection of terminal boxes, material version, size and configuration for your specific Ex zone and installation.

GRP (glass fibre reinforced polyester) is antistatic, UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant. It is the lightweight and robust choice for corrosive environments and outdoor installations, and is particularly well suited to chemical and petrochemical plants where the risk of static electricity and aggressive chemistry is present. GRP terminal boxes and polyester junction boxes are among the most widely used enclosure types in hazardous areas.

Aluminium is manufactured from a low-copper alloy with a powder-coated surface finish and offers excellent corrosion resistance, including in salt-laden environments and marine grade applications. Well suited to offshore and onshore installations, refineries and the oil and gas industry, where both strength and low weight are important parameters.

Stainless steel (AISI 316L) provides maximum corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. It is the preferred choice in the food, pharmaceutical and marine industries, where requirements for hygienic surfaces, electropolished finish and robustness are high. Also available in a high-temperature version (HT) rated up to +95 °C. Stainless steel terminal boxes are equally recommended for aggressive chemical environments and the shipbuilding industry.