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I'm now doing some substantial remodeling. In the course of the projects a number of junction boxes were found hidden behind the sheetrock. I know that current code doesn't allow reconciled junction boxes at all.
The house is middle-aged, some parts date from the 50's and 60's. There were 2 major additions - an 880 sq ft addition and later a second floor after a fire. These additions were both were properly permitted and inspected at the time. It's apparent that there were also several smaller remodels over the years (repartitioning rooms, adding ceiling lights, adding a bathroom, etc). It seems that these were not permitted and inspected. FWIW, this situation is extremely common in the area. Many houses are much, much older and have had ongoing and undocumented changes for 150+ years. Anyway, here are my questions:
Were concealed junction boxes ever allowed by code?
If so, how ago was that?
Is it acceptable to have a hidden junction box behind an access panel? If not please explain.
Now, I am really not trying to be a pain, but seems like a few of your posts have dealt with wanting to do things in a way that is not the "right" way and when people pointed that out, you got upset. This exact situation is just a logical extension of previous owners of your house not doing little things the right way.
Now, I am really not trying to be a pain, but seems like a few of your posts have dealt with wanting to do things in a way that is not the "right" way and when people pointed that out, you got upset. This exact situation is just a logical extension of previous owners of your house not doing little things the right way.
Look, what I object to is lectures or somebody not actually answering the question at hand. I want to know the pros/cons so I can evaluate the downside vs the convenience. There's a big difference between a wiring shortcut and installing sheetrock backwards. I'd point out that lots of the responses to those posts weren't even remotely informative, more along the lines of "because that's the wrong way." That's a lazy, cop-out response. And it seemed like in several cases those posters didn't even know what it was about the right way that made the wrong way wrong. Everything has a reason and everything has pros and cons. I like to know what they are.
Last edited by Ultrarunner; 02-27-2014 at 12:38 PM..
Splices that are buried behind walls are illegal but there are plenty of electricians and homeowners that think because they are careful "what could possibly happen"?
It's your home do what you want but I would make the splices accessible via a j box with a surface cover.
There is a splice kit made by TYCO approved by the NEC for concealed splices. It is UL listed.
I dont use them and never recommend them to my customers because I think it's hack. It is legal by the NEC though.
334.40 Boxes and Fittings. (B) Devices of Insulating Material. Switch, outlet, and tap devices of insulating material shall be permitted to be used without boxes in exposed cable wiring and for rewiring in existing buildings where the cable is concealed and fished.
I'm now doing some substantial remodeling. In the course of the projects a number of junction boxes were found hidden behind the sheetrock. I know that current code doesn't allow reconciled junction boxes at all.
The house is middle-aged, some parts date from the 50's and 60's. There were 2 major additions - an 880 sq ft addition and later a second floor after a fire. These additions were both were properly permitted and inspected at the time. It's apparent that there were also several smaller remodels over the years (repartitioning rooms, adding ceiling lights, adding a bathroom, etc). It seems that these were not permitted and inspected. FWIW, this situation is extremely common in the area. Many houses are much, much older and have had ongoing and undocumented changes for 150+ years. Anyway, here are my questions:
Were concealed junction boxes ever allowed by code?
If so, how ago was that?
Is it acceptable to have a hidden junction box behind an access panel? If not please explain.
Any helpful comments welcome. Thanks.
I went through the same thing. Concealing junction boxes, like others have stated has never been allowed. During my refinish/remodel (had to remove some of the old sheet rock since my old cabinets basically ripped it off), I simply left the junction boxes accessible and put a removable cover piece over them. It's the legal way to do things even if it's not the most attractive to have a blank cover plate.
I know it wasn't permitted 20 years ago. When we ran more electric to our third floor, they put a junction box in the ceiling at the attic stairwell landing. That small space has ceiling panels instead of drywall. I complained because I hate how it looks, and my husband told me it was required because of the junction box. It turns out we never look up when we're at the landing so it's not a big deal. If it was in an area that needed drywall for aesthetics, I'd cover it with a small plastic panel or vent or something that isn't too out of place for the spot.
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