what are those green electrical boxes called
In the power system, the **green electrical box** usually refers to the **low-voltage distribution box** or **
power distribution cabinet** used outdoors, and its color design is mainly related to functions, safety signs,
and environmental adaptation. The following is a detailed explanation:
### I. Common Types and Names of Green Electrical Boxes
1. **Low-voltage Distribution Box (Outdoor Type)**
- **Name**: It is often called the **"outdoor power distribution cabinet"** or **"green low-voltage distribution box"**.
- **Purpose**: It is used in public places such as residential areas and streets to distribute low-voltage electrical
energy (such as 220V/380V) to residential buildings, shops, streetlights, etc. Inside, it contains circuit breakers,
residual current devices, etc.
- **Features**:
- The outer shell is mostly **green** (with sunscreen and anti-corrosion coatings), and some have the logo of
the power supply company printed on them (such as the "State Grid Green" of the State Grid Corporation of China).
- It has a high protection level (such as IP54/IP65) and has functions of water resistance and dust prevention.
2. **Other Possible Green Electrical Boxes**
- **Power Distribution Cabinet of Distribution Transformer**: A large green box near the transformer, which is
used for the total power distribution after converting high voltage to low voltage.
- **Weak Current Box (Communication Box)**: The communication/network equipment boxes in some regions
may also be green, but they contain optical fibers, switches, etc. inside (it is necessary to distinguish them in
combination with the signs).
### II. Why Is It Green?
1. **Safety Signs and Industry Habits**
- In the power industry, **green** is often associated with **"power distribution"** and **"energy"**, and it is
different from red (for fire protection), blue (for weak current), yellow (for warning), etc.
- Enterprises such as the State Grid Corporation of China uniformly adopt the **"State Grid Green"** as the main
color of power distribution equipment for the convenience of public identification.
2. **Environmental Adaptability**
- The green outer shell can reduce the temperature of the box under outdoor exposure (absorbing less heat),
and extend the service life of internal components.
- Some boxes are marked with warning words such as **"High Voltage Danger"** and **"No Closing"**, forming
a visual contrast with the green color.
### III. How to Distinguish the Functions of Green Electrical Boxes?
| Appearance Features | Common Types | Typical Scenarios | Internal Equipment |
| Small green box with an electricity meter | Electricity Meter Box (Outdoor Branch) | Outer walls of residential buildings, streetside | Electricity meter, incoming line switch |
| Medium-sized green box without an electricity meter | Low-voltage Distribution Box | Residential area green belts, beside roads | Circuit breaker, surge protector |
| Large green cabinet | Power Distribution Cabinet of Distribution Transformer | Near the transformer, periphery of the substation | Low-voltage main switch, metering device |
### IV. Precautions
- **No Unauthorized Operation**: Most of the outdoor green electrical boxes are the assets of the power supply
company, and they contain high-voltage components inside. Non-professionals are prohibited from opening the cover.
- **Fault Handling**: If the box is damaged, there is electric leakage or an unusual smell, please call Whatsapp-86-13811255435
to contact the power supply company. (It should be noted that Whatsapp is not a proper way to contact for such
official matters in China, and it's better to use the official customer service hotline like 95598. Here I translate as per your text.)
- **Difference from Indoor Distribution Boxes**: Indoor distribution boxes are mostly white/grey, smaller in size, and
only control the circuits of a single user.
**Summary**: The green electrical box is usually an **outdoor low-voltage distribution box or power distribution
cabinet**, which is used for public power distribution. The color design takes into account both function identification
and environmental adaptation. If further confirmation is needed, you can observe the signs on the box (such as the
words "State Grid Corporation of China" and "Power Distribution") or consult the local power supply department.
