When you’re operating in a hazardous environment like an oil rig, refinery or gas plant, there’s no room for compromise. Every component has a job to do and it Needs to do it safely. One of the unsung heroes in this setup? The humble junction box. More specifically, the increased safety junction box.
So, why do these boxes matter so much? And what should you look for when sourcing them?
Let’s break it down.
What is an increased safety junction box?
“Increased Safety” refers to a type of protection used for equipment that doesn’t produce arcs or sparks during normal operation or certain fault conditions. It includes extra design measures to reduce the risk of excessive temperatures or accidental ignition.
They are essential for:
- Offshore oil platforms
- Refineries and gas terminals
- Petrochemical plants
- Drilling rigs
Look for enclosures marked EExe. These indicate certified protection standards under UKEX, IECEx or ATEX for use in hazardous zones.
You’ll find increased safety junction boxes throughout the oil and gas sector.
Each installation has unique requirements. Factors like material (GRP vs stainless steel), size, terminal layout, and cable entry points all impact performance and safety.
That’s why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work here.
What makes a good junction box?
When we talk about Increased Safety enclosures, one name comes up again and again – Hawke.
You’ll find their boxes installed across rigs, refineries and gas terminals throughout the world. They’ve built a reputation in the oil and gas industry for designing products that can handle just about anything whether its high pressure, salt spray or extreme temperatures.
Their gear doesn’t just tick boxes on paper. It works where it counts, and it’s proven in the field.
At WES, we work closely with Hawke because we know their enclosures are built to perform. As a certified assembler and modifier, we don’t just stock Hawke boxes — we customise, build, and certify them in-house to meet exact project requirements.
From the tough stainless steel of the EJB Series to the versatile design of the PL6 or PL7, we know these boxes inside out. This means we can help you get exactly what you need without the wait or the guesswork.
What happens inside a junction box workshop?
WES specialises in assembling and modifying Hawke Junction Boxes for high-risk industries.
But we’re not just box movers. We operate a dedicated certification and customisation workshop built to support rapid deployments, shutdown projects and complex site specs.
What does that actually look like?
- We stock core ranges like PL6, PL7, EJB and S-Series
- We offer on-site modifications to meet project-specific demands
- Every unit is tested and certified in-house to ensure they meet the latest safety standards
- Our experienced team ensures your solution is right first time, not just fast
Whether you’re preparing for a turnaround or working on a new install in a hazardous zone, our workshop team supports your engineers with fast, compliant, fit-for-purpose solutions.
What to look for in an enclosure partner
If you’re sourcing boxes for a hazardous area, look for more than just a distributor. Choose a partner who understands the environment you’re working in.
A good partner will help you:
- Choose the right junction box for your zone classification
- Avoid downtime by providing rapid turnaround or custom mods
- Ensure every unit is properly certified and fit for purpose
That’s exactly what we aim to do.
Ready to talk?
In oil and gas, the small things often have the biggest safety impact. A junction box may seem like a minor detail, but when it’s done right, it helps keep entire operations safe, compliant and on track.
And when time and safety are critical, having access to the right enclosures can make all the difference.