Industrial electrical systems need reliable ways to distribute power between equipment, machinery and connected components. In manufacturing facilities and automated production environments, the choice of distribution equipment can affect installation time, available space and maintenance requirements.
The Weidmüller FieldPower® FP BOX is a compact power distribution box designed for three-phase AC applications. It combines a protective enclosure with insulation displacement and PUSH IN connection technology, offering an alternative to some conventional terminal-box arrangements.
For engineers and industrial electrical installers, understanding its features and limitations can help determine whether it is suitable for a particular installation.
What Is the Weidmüller FieldPower® FP BOX?
The FieldPower® FP BOX is an industrial power distribution box manufactured by Weidmüller. The specified product, order number 1957580000, is supplied as a complete AC distribution box with an IP65 protection rating.
Its enclosure is made from glass-fibre-reinforced polycarbonate, and its compact dimensions make it suitable for applications where installation space is limited.
The manufacturer’s published specifications include:
- Product: FieldPower® FP BOX
- Order number: 1957580000
- Protection rating: IP65 in its complete configuration
- Enclosure material: Glass-fibre-reinforced polycarbonate
- Dimensions: 181 × 104 × 67 mm
- Net weight: Approximately 543 g
- Operating temperature: −40°C to +55°C
These figures relate to the specified model. Always consult the manufacturer’s current documentation before selecting or installing the product.
Official product information is available from the Weidmüller product catalogue.
Designed for Industrial Environments
Industrial electrical equipment may be exposed to dust, moisture, temperature variations and the physical demands of a working environment.
The FP BOX’s IP65 rating indicates protection against dust ingress and water jets under the conditions defined by the relevant IP classification. This rating applies to the product in its specified complete configuration.
It should not be interpreted as meaning that the box is suitable for every outdoor or industrial environment. The installation must account for the actual exposure conditions, cable entries, seals, connectors and mounting arrangement.
The glass-fibre-reinforced polycarbonate enclosure provides an insulating housing for the distribution components.
Its compact format may also be useful where a larger conventional enclosure would take up unnecessary space.
Connection Technology: PUSH IN and IDC
One of the main features of the FieldPower® system is its approach to electrical connections.
The FP BOX combines two connection methods: PUSH IN connections and insulation displacement connection (IDC) technology.
PUSH IN Connections
PUSH IN technology is designed to simplify conductor termination by allowing compatible conductors to be inserted into the appropriate connection point.
Depending on the conductor type and connection design, this can reduce the steps required during installation.
The specified product’s branch and feed-in connections support conductor cross-sections within the manufacturer’s stated limits. The correct conductor type, preparation method and permitted cross-section must be checked in the product documentation.
Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC)
IDC technology establishes an electrical connection by displacing the conductor insulation at the designated contact point.
This can simplify connections to compatible conductors and distribution systems, but it requires the correct conductor type and installation method.
Installers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming that every cable or conductor can be used with the same connection arrangement.
Modular Distribution
The FieldPower® system supports a modular approach to power distribution. Compatible branches and accessories can be selected according to the design of the installation.
This may help engineers create more organised distribution layouts and reduce unnecessary installation steps where the system is appropriate.
The specific accessories and configurations supported should always be confirmed against the product documentation.
Electrical Ratings and Performance
The FP BOX has published electrical ratings for IEC and UL applications. These ratings are not interchangeable, and the correct limits depend on the applicable standard and installation requirements.
According to the manufacturer’s published information, the specified model has the following ratings.
| Specification | Published rating |
|---|---|
| Electrical supply type | AC |
| Number of phases | 3 |
| Rated voltage under IEC specifications | 800 V |
| Rated impulse withstand voltage | 8 kV |
| Rated current with three loaded poles | 41 A |
| Rated current with four loaded poles | 25 A |
| Rated voltage under UL specifications | 600 V |
| Rated current under UL specifications | 30 A |
The IEC ratings are listed against IEC 60947-7-1 and IEC 60947-7-2. The manufacturer’s UL information also references UL 1059 and UL 2237, with specified conductor and cable conditions.
These values describe the product’s published ratings; they are not a substitute for an installation-specific assessment. Current loading, conductor selection, environmental conditions and applicable installation rules must be considered before the unit is used.
Accessories and Configuration Options
Industrial power distribution systems often need different cable entries, connectors and mounting arrangements.
The wider FieldPower® product family includes compatible accessories and related components. Depending on the required configuration, these may include:
- Cable glands and sealing components
- Cable seals for compatible pre-assembled cables
- Plug-in connectors and adapters
- Distribution accessories
- Blank seals for unused openings
- Installation tools
Not every accessory is included with the standard FP BOX. Compatibility should be verified before ordering components or planning an installation.
A suitable accessory selection can help ensure that the completed assembly meets the required environmental protection and electrical connection requirements.
Where Can the FP BOX Be Used?
The FieldPower® FP BOX may be considered for industrial applications that require compact three-phase power distribution.
Potential application areas include:
Machine and Plant Construction
Machine builders may need compact distribution components to supply different parts of a machine or production system.
The FP BOX may be suitable where its electrical ratings, connection design and environmental protection meet the application requirements.
Conveyor and Logistics Systems
Conveyor installations and material-handling equipment can contain multiple electrical components distributed along a production or logistics route.
A modular distribution approach may help organise power connections where the selected equipment is appropriate.
Factory Automation
Automated production environments often use interconnected machinery, control systems and auxiliary equipment.
Compact distribution components can form part of a broader electrical design, provided that the required circuit protection and system compatibility are addressed.
Modular Production Equipment
Where equipment is built from repeatable modules, standardised electrical components may simplify assembly and maintenance planning.
The suitability of the FP BOX depends on the required connection arrangement and the complete system design.
These are potential application areas, not a guarantee that the product is suitable for every installation within those sectors.
Installation and Mounting Considerations
Before installation, engineers should review the manufacturer’s technical documentation and confirm that the chosen configuration meets the requirements of the application.
The published product information specifies:
- TX20 lid screws
- A lid-screw tightening torque of 2 Nm
- Screw mounting using fixing lugs
- A complete-assembly IP65 rating
- Specific conductor connection requirements
Correct tightening and assembly are important to maintaining the intended product configuration.
Installers should also verify conductor compatibility, current loading, earthing and protective arrangements, cable routing, environmental exposure and the suitability of all connected accessories.
For installations in the UK, the relevant electrical requirements and applicable standards should be confirmed for the specific application before work begins.
Is the FieldPower® FP BOX Right for Your Project?
The FP BOX may be worth considering when an industrial installation requires a compact distribution box with defined electrical ratings and compatible modular connections.
Before selecting it, consider:
- Required operating voltage and current
- The number of loaded poles
- Conductor type and cross-section
- Required protection against environmental conditions
- Available mounting space
- Compatibility with connected equipment
- Applicable standards and approval requirements
- Maintenance and future expansion needs
A product’s published ratings should always be checked against the actual operating conditions. A suitably competent electrical professional can assess the requirements and determine whether the FP BOX is an appropriate choice.
Industrial Electrical Services from GSP Electricians
GSP Electricians provides electrical services for domestic, commercial and other electrical applications across South Wales.
For businesses planning electrical installations, equipment changes or distribution improvements, the first step is to establish the requirements of the site and the equipment involved.
If your project involves industrial power distribution, machine connections or other specialist equipment, confirm that the proposed work falls within the services GSP Electricians offers before proceeding.
The selected equipment must be compatible with the electrical system, the operating environment and the applicable installation requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Weidmüller FieldPower® FP BOX combines a compact enclosure, IP65 protection in its complete configuration, PUSH IN connections and IDC technology in a three-phase AC distribution product.
Its published ratings and modular approach may make it useful for selected industrial applications, including machine building, automation and power distribution.
However, the correct product configuration depends on the installation’s electrical requirements and environmental conditions. Always consult the manufacturer’s current technical documentation and verify suitability before installation.
Product reference: Weidmüller FieldPower® FP BOX, order number 1957580000.
Official product information: https://eshop.weidmueller.com/en/fp-box/p/1957580000
FAQs
What is the Weidmüller FieldPower® FP BOX?
It is a compact industrial AC power distribution box designed for three-phase applications. The specified model uses a glass-fibre-reinforced polycarbonate enclosure and PUSH IN and IDC connection technology.
What is the IP rating of the FP BOX?
The specified FP BOX has an IP65 rating in its complete configuration. The assembled product, cable entries, seals and accessories must be suitable for the intended environment.
What voltage is the FP BOX rated for?
The manufacturer’s published IEC rating is 800 V. Its UL rating is 600 V, with separate current and conductor conditions. The applicable rating must be selected according to the intended application and relevant standards.
Where can the FieldPower® FP BOX be used?
Potential applications include machine building, factory automation, conveyor systems and modular production equipment, provided that the product’s specifications meet the installation requirements.
Does the FP BOX include every accessory?
Not necessarily. Compatible accessories may be available separately. Check the manufacturer’s product documentation and confirm the required configuration before ordering.
