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Electrical Junction Box Access

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.


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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:

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 Junction Boxes

Electrical Code for How Many Wires in Junction Boxes

Junction boxes
electrical-wiring
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
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.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Electrical Junction Box Access”
  1. Steve says:

    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?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    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