Most people don’t associate electricity with underwater environments. But the truth is that all kinds of things in our world require electrical equipment to be installed underwater, from oil drilling equipment to lighted fountains.

In order to protect that equipment, device designers and electrical engineers use underwater junction boxes. Underwater junction boxes are watertight electronics enclosures that are NEMA 6P-rated and designed to survive prolonged submersion. They include features such as silicone gaskets that seal out liquid and protect the device within. 

Here are six applications that commonly require submersible junction boxes. From energy to food production to landscaping, each is an important part of our world today. 

new oil and gas platform installed in the middle of the sea

1. Oil and Gas Drilling

Oil and gas drilling extracts the fuel that powers everything from automobiles to the heat in our homes. Around 37 percent of the world’s annual oil production comes from the ocean, and the equipment used to extract that oil requires underwater junction boxes to protect its electronic components. 

Underwater enclosures for oil and gas drilling must be extremely rugged, since they often protect critical safety and monitoring equipment. Many are specially designed to survive the immense pressures present in the deep sea as well as to resist saltwater corrosion. 

2. Marine Equipment

Some devices that are installed on board ships and boats are designed to be submerged at all times. Many others must be able to survive submersion in an emergency scenario. Marine engineers use marine electronics enclosures to protect both types of equipment. 

Many marinas and shipyards also use electronic control equipment that must be able to survive submersion. Thus, electrical connections for cargo cranes, harbor locks or safety equipment are typically protected by submersible junction boxes. 

3. Submersible Vessels

Remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are two types of robotic underwater vessels that are used for pipeline inspection, scientific research and many other marine applications. These vessels have electronics equipment on board that allows them to transmit data, manipulate objects and receive commands from their operators. 

Like enclosures for oil and gas equipment, submersible vessel enclosures must be designed to resist the tremendous pressures of deep-sea environments. They also need protection from saltwater corrosion since they’re repeatedly immersed in salt water for extended periods. 

subsea ROV performing operations

4. Aquaculture Equipment

Aquaculture is the use of aquatic farms to raise fish, crustaceans and aquatic plants. The global aquaculture industry produces over 100 million tons of animals and plants every year, making it an important component of the global food supply chain. 

A modern aquaculture farm requires numerous types of powered equipment, including aerators, feeding systems, pumps and heaters. Some of these devices will spend most or all of their time submerged. To ensure that these devices are protected and remain operational, underground junction boxes are necessary.

5. Hydroelectric Power

The natural movement of water offers many opportunities for electrical generation–from hydroelectric dams to tidal and wave power. In order to capture these sources of renewable energy, electrical engineers must install equipment that regulates and transmits the power generated through hydroelectric devices. Sometimes, that equipment must be installed underwater or in a flood zone.  

Hydroelectric device enclosures need a sturdy design that enables them to withstand the turbulent water conditions associated with hydroelectric power. Features like waterproof gaskets and corrosion resistance are also important to ensure that hydroelectric power remains reliable and safe. 

6. Lighted Fountains and Pools

A lighted fountain or swimming pool makes a beautiful addition to a garden or public space. In order to bring electric power to those delightful colored lights, you need electrical connections. In turn, to protect those electrical connections, you need underwater junction boxes.

Small fountain or pool structures may require only a single underground junction box, while large and complex structures may need a network of multiple underwater junction boxes. Although these junction boxes aren’t subjected to the same conditions that deep-sea equipment must endure, they must still be rugged and watertight to maintain their function.

Polycase offers a full selection of NEMA 6P enclosures that are suitable for use as underwater junction boxes. The following models are all popular for underwater applications: 

Questions about how to choose or install one of our NEMA 6P underwater junction boxes? We’ll be glad to help. Just call 1-800-248-1233 or contact us online to speak with our enclosure experts. 

In Outdoor Electronic Enclosures, Metallic Enclosures