Electrical Junction Box Access
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Installing Electrical Wiring and Junction Boxes – Electrical Code for How Many Wires in Junction Boxes – There is always the possibility that electrical wiring connections or splices could become faulty so the required access is necessary perform inspections an repairs as needed. © By: Dave Rongey |
Why Electrical Junction Boxes Must be Accessible
[ad#block]Electrical Question: Can an electrical junction box be buried in a wall or a ceiling without any access at all?
This electrical wiring question came from: Salvatore, a Homeowner from Santa Ana, California.
Related Question:
- We are moving light switches and outlets from the kitchen wall and back splash area to under the cabinets. Can you verify: 1) that the previous junction box must have access, after proper electrical tape, proper connectors, and metal closed plates are in place. Can they be covered with hardy board, and back splash without leaving an access door? 2) If the answer to 1) is no, then can they be relocated to the area behind drawers below the counter, and the first box left in place as described above?
This electrical wiring question came from David in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Dave’s Reply:
Thank you for your electrical wiring questions.
Installing Electrical Wiring and Junction Boxes
A junction box cannot be buried in a wall or a ceiling. Junction boxes must be installed only where they will be accessible. There is always the possibility that electrical wiring connections or splices could become faulty so the required access is necessary perform inspections an repairs as needed.
More about Home Electrical Wiring
Electrical Code for How Many Wires in Junction Boxes
Junction boxes
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance.
One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed.
The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
Electrical Code
Home Electrical Code
Electrical Code Directory covering AFCI circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical GFCI, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-codes and smoke-detectors.
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Hi Steve,
A junction box does not have to be visible necessarily, whereas insulation may cover the box, however the concern is that the box may be accessible to perform any work or check the wiring. If a standard indoor junction box is located in a sheltered area such as an attic or crawl space then the position is not a factor as long as the box is still accessible to do work.
I hope this helps,
Dave
Is it considered “accessible” if junction box is in attic or crawl space? But can readily be seen following wires (in line of sight). Also is there a rule that junction boxes should be vertical or horizontal, or is best accessibility 1st consideration?