IP68 Waterproof Junction Boxes: M686 Series, 2-Way to 6-Way
Sealed junction boxes from 2-way (1 in / 1 out) to 6-way (1 in / 5 out), rated 24A at 450V AC, IP68 tested at 2 meters for 120 hours, from -40°C to +105°C, with ENEC, CE, ETL, UKCA and CB certification.
What Is an IP68 Waterproof Junction Box?
An IP68 waterproof junction box is a sealed enclosure where outdoor cables are joined, split or terminated. The IP rating comes from the IEC 60529 standard: the first digit covers protection against solid objects, the second covers water. IP68 means dust-tight plus continuous immersion. For the M686 series we test at 2 meters for 120 hours, which covers everything from rain splash to buried conduit and flooded pits. If you want the full IP rating table, the Wikipedia entry for IP Code lists it.
Inside the box, screw terminals hold conductors from 0.5 to 2.5 mm² (12 to 14 AWG). Each cable enters through a pre-fitted waterproof gland sized to the cable jacket, so the seal is made before the lid is even closed. The housing is a fire-resistant, flame-retardant material rated from -40°C to +105°C, so it does not crack in winter or soften under a hot sun.
The failure this series prevents is simple. Water finds the weakest point on a circuit. Seal every entry point and the circuit keeps working.
2-Way to 6-Way Boxes: How Many Outputs Do You Need?
Most buyers ask about the number of ways before they ask about current or cable size, and it is the right place to start. The number of ways tells you how many cables the box accepts. For the 2-way to 6-way models, each box takes one input cable, and the model number reflects the total number of cable entries.
| Ways | Input / Output | Model | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ways 2-Way | Input / Output 1 in / 1 out | Model M686-2 | Typical Use Straight connection for one fixture |
| Ways 3-Way | Input / Output 1 in / 2 out | Model M686-3 | Typical Use Feed two fixtures from one power point |
| Ways 4-Way | Input / Output 1 in / 3 out | Model M686-4 | Typical Use Three branch circuits from one feed |
| Ways 5-Way | Input / Output 1 in / 4 out | Model M686-5 | Typical Use Four branches, e.g. light strips or sensor loops |
| Ways 6-Way | Input / Output 1 in / 5 out | Model M686-6 | Typical Use One pole feeding five luminaires |
Quick Selection Rule
How to choose: Count the devices you need to feed from one power point, then add one for the input cable. A single bollard light is 2-way. Two garden lights fed from one junction box are 3-way. A light pole with five luminaires is 6-way. If you are not sure whether you need five or six outputs, draw the circuit first; the drawing tells you the count.
Sizing Advice: Avoid Over-Specifying
Do not buy a bigger box just in case. A 6-way box costs more and needs more mounting space than a 3-way. If the circuit changes later, add a second box or step up to a larger M686 model, since the terminal and gland specs are the same across the series.
Looking for higher branch density or compact layouts?
Beyond 6-way, the M686 family also includes 8-way (M686-0), 10-way (M686-S(10), 1 in / 9 out), and 14-way (M686-14) versions, plus compact T, Y, and H variants for tight mounting spots. They are listed in the full model table below.
Beyond 6-way, the M686 family also includes 8-way (M686-0), 10-way (M686-S(10), 1 in / 9 out), and 14-way (M686-14) versions, plus compact T, Y, and H variants for tight mounting spots. They are listed in the full model table below.
M686 Series Specifications
All M686 junction boxes share identical electrical and environmental ratings.
IP68 Waterproof (2m / 120h)
24A at 450V AC (IEC)
Fire-Resistant Housing
Full M686 Model Table
| Model | Ways | Input / Output | Gland O.D. (mm) | Main Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M686-1 | 1 | 1 in / 0 out | 4–8, 6–11 | 135.01 × 98.52 |
| M686-2 | 2 | 1 in / 1 out | 4–8, 6–11 | Upon Request |
| M686-3 | 3 | 1 in / 2 out | 4–8, 6–11 | 161.74 × 131.62 × 125.23 |
| M686-4 | 4 | 1 in / 3 out | 4–8, 6–11 | 161.74 × 131.62 × 125.23 |
| M686-5 | 5 | 1 in / 4 out | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 161.74 (height to confirm) |
| M686-6 | 6 | 1 in / 5 out | 4–8, 6–11 | 161.74 × 131.62 |
| M686-T | 3 | 1 in / 2 out | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 126.24 |
| M686-Y | 3 | 1 in / 2 out | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 80.5 × 30.90 |
| M686-H | 4 | 1 in / 3 out | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 106.67 × 35.30 |
| M686-0 | 8 | 8-way | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 170.63 |
| M686-S | 4 | 1 in / 3 out | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 151.60 |
| M686-S(10) | 10 | 1 in / 9 out | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 183.13 |
| M686-14 | 14 | 14-way | 3–6, 4–8, 8–12, 10–14 | 288.94 |
No matching M686 models found.
How to Select the Right IP68 Waterproof Junction Box
Match the enclosure to five critical parameters: circuit count, current rating, conductor size, cable jacket diameter, and operating environment.
01
Circuit Count
Count the total devices fed from a single power point and add one for the main input line. This calculated total represents the “ways” number specified in the configuration table.
02
Current & Certifications
Rated at 24A / 450V AC under IEC. For markets mandating ETL components, design to the lower ETL rating of 10–15A / 300V AC.
The electrical rating applies to the junction box as a
unified assembly—aggregate the total load of all outputs
when sizing.
03
Conductor Size
Internal screw/clamp terminals accommodate conductor cross-sections between 0.5 to 2.5 mm² (12 to 14 AWG).
Never force an oversized conductor into the terminal;
an improper loose fit creates localized resistance
hot spots.
04
Cable Jacket Diameter
Waterproof compression glands are sized to specific outer diameter ranges. Always measure the outer jacket, not the inner wire core. A 2.5 mm² wire with thick insulation can exceed gland limits even if conductor gauge matches.
05
Environmental Exposure
True IP68 certification ensures complete protection against prolonged submersion—making these enclosures dependable in heavy rain, direct buried conduit, and seasonally flooded pits. Even for above-ground outdoor lighting that only encounters rainfall, an IP68 enclosure is the professional choice: internal condensation inevitably forms in lower-grade enclosures, and the tighter seal provides critical safety margin.
Ordering in Volume? Request a Custom Specification Quote
Send us your technical parameter checklist below. Our engineering team will immediately confirm the matching part numbers, volume pricing, and standard factory lead times:
Model Series
Ways / Circuits
Conductor Cross-Section
Cable Jacket OD
Order Quantity
Target Certification (IEC / ETL)
Destination Market
REQUEST AN IP68 JUNCTION BOX SAMPLE
As a waterproof connector manufacturer, PVLinkTech provides samples so you can test product quality, fit, and performance before placing an order.
Free Sample Request
Tell us about your project and our team will help you select the right waterproof connector sample.
24H Express Dispatch
7-Day Global Delivery
Where to Use an IP68 Waterproof Junction Box
The M686 series is used wherever power has to stay dry:
Outdoor LED lighting and street lighting
Landscape and garden lighting
Pumps and irrigation control
Outdoor signage and signal lights
General outdoor power distribution
For lighting projects we keep a download center with wiring diagrams and datasheets at lighting connector downloads. If your application is solar or energy storage, put the details in the quote form; the same IP68 test standard applies.
Proper gland alignment and sealed entry points ensure rated ingress protection (IP).
Field Guidelines & Safety
Installation and Wiring Tips
01
Strip conductors
to the terminal length and tighten the screw terminals firmly.
Loose connections heat up and fail first.
02
Match the gland
to the cable jacket and close the gland nut until it grips the jacket.
A loose gland is a water path, and no IP rating saves a box with an open entry point.
03
Leave unused ports capped.
If you expand the circuit later, add a gland instead of leaving a hole.
04
Mount the box
with the glands pointing down when possible.
Water running along the cable then has to climb before it can reach the seal.
05
Keep the total current
below the box rating.
The
24A (or 10-15A ETL)
limit applies to the whole box, not to each output.
Why Buy from Our Factory
We manufacture the M686 series in our own factory and control the process from injection molding to gland assembly and final IP68 testing . Every box is checked before packing, and we support OEM/ODM customization : logo, cable lengths, gland sizes and terminal arrangements. For the bigger picture on our production and quality process, see why choose our factory .
IP68 Waterproof Junction Box FAQ
What is the difference between a 2-way and a 6-way junction box?
A 2-way box has one input and one output. A 6-way box has one input and five outputs. Both share the same 24A rating, terminal size and IP68 protection; the difference is how many circuits you can feed from one point.
How do I choose the right number of ways?
Count the devices you need to feed from one power point and add one for the input. One fixture is 2-way, two fixtures is 3-way, five fixtures is 6-way.
Is this junction box suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. The M686 series is rated IP68, tested at 2 meters for 120 hours, with glands sealed at the factory. It is built for outdoor lighting, landscaping and industrial wiring.
What cable sizes fit the M686 series?
Terminals accept 0.5 to 2.5 mm² (12 to 14 AWG). Glands accept cable jackets from 3 to 14 mm outer diameter depending on the model.
What does IP68 mean and how is it tested?
IP68 means dust-tight and suitable for continuous immersion. Our test standard is 2 meters for 120 hours. For a plain-language comparison with IP67, see IP67 vs IP68 waterproof connectors.
Can I use the M686 for LED lighting?
Yes. Outdoor LED lighting is the main application for this series, from single bollard lights to multi-luminaire poles.
Do you offer custom junction boxes?
We do OEM/ODM: custom logo, cable length, gland size and terminal configuration. Send your spec to our custom manufacturer page.
What certifications does the M686 series carry?
ENEC, CE, ETL, UKCA and CB, with RoHS compliance. If your market requires a specific certification, ask us before ordering.
