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Type 38 distribution box

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 31 Mar 2025

Prepared for preliminary research by the ROGER FIBRE knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

A Type 38 distribution box is an electrical enclosure designed for safe power distribution across multiple circuits, typically featuring a Type 1 or Type P2 enclosure suitable for indoor use.

Overview

A Type 38 distribution box, such as the Siemens B38 or similar panelboard enclosures, is typically 20 inches wide, 38 inches high, and 5. 75 inches deep, constructed from 16–14 gauge steel for durability and surface mounting. These boxes are designed to house multiple circuit breakers, providing organized circuit control, overload protection, and safety for residential, commercial, or industrial electrical systems.

Enclosure Type and Protection

Most Type 38 boxes are Type 1 (NEMA 1) enclosures, meaning they are intended for indoor use and protect against dust and light contact, but not against water or outdoor weather conditions. Some variants, like MHxxWP enclosures, offer Type 3R/5/12 protection, making them suitable for outdoor or wet environments.

Applications

Type 38 distribution boxes are versatile and can be used for: Residential and commercial buildings for centralized circuit control. Industrial automation and energy management systems when integrated with PLCs for monitoring. Event production and high-demand power distribution, using high-capacity models with 400A inputs and multiple output types for stage lighting and audio/video equipment.

Features

Multiple circuit accommodation: Can support 4–38 individual circuits depending on the model. Material construction: Steel enclosures with removable end walls for easy conduit connection and field modification. Safety and compliance: UL-listed for use in the USA and Canada, CE-certified for international standards.

Optional digital metering: Some high-capacity models include digital load monitoring for safe operation.

Selection Tips

When choosing a Type 38 distribution box, consider: IP rating for environmental resistance if used outdoors or in wet areas. Electrical load requirements to ensure compatibility with the number of circuits and amperage. Compliance with local electrical codes (e.g., NEC, IEC) for safety and regulatory adherence.

Type 38 distribution boxes provide a robust, organized, and safe solution for managing multiple electrical circuits in a variety of indoor and specialized outdoor applications.

Type 38 distribution box - ROGER FIBRE ATELIER [PDF]

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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