What is the function of a junction box?

A junction box serves primarily as an enclosure to house electrical connections and components safely. It protects the electrical connections from environmental factors and potential physical damage. This containment helps to prevent electrical shorts and fires while ensuring that the connections remain accessible for maintenance or inspection.

While the junction box may facilitate the connection of circuits or components, its fundamental role is safety and protection rather than the act of connecting or disconnecting circuits directly. Grounding, while an essential aspect of electrical systems, is not a primary function of the junction box itself, although it may be part of the overall design to ensure safety. Therefore, housing electrical components safely is the primary function that distinguishes a junction box in electrical work.