View Single Post
  #5   Report Post  
Posted to alt.home.repair
volts500 volts500 is offline
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 81
Default pancake boxes + junction

On Mar 22, 10:49�am, "Mike" wrote:
I read in a NEC summary that a 6 cubic inch pancake box is "only good
for the end of a 14/2 run", i.e., no outgoing 14/2 allowed. *But I
also read (somewhere, not specifically in the NEC) that the pancake
box can be used as a junction box, as long as the fixture atached is
domed and hence provides the additional cubic inchdes needed for the
junction.

Is the second statement true? *If so, do inspectors go along with
it?


Yes to both, it's not an uncommon practice due to physical restraints
during construction. (2002) NEC Section 314.16(A) states: "The
volume of a wiring enclosure (box) shall be the total volume of the
assembled sections, and, where used, the space provided by plaster
rings, domed covers, extension rings, and so forth, that are marked
with their volume or are made from boxes the dimentions of which are
listed in Table 314.16(A)." I'm sure the 2005 NEC has a similar
statement, maybe in a different section number.

If you can use larger boxes, do so.

I've never seen an inspector check for a stamped volume on a fixture
dome, but guess there's a first time for everything. Most inspectors
will take your word for it on the rough-in, but if you want, have one
of the fixtures on hand to show the inspector during the rough-in
inspection.

If I have 6 outdoor fixtures to install along the front of a building;
can I just daisy chain a 14/2 to each location, and leave (2) 1 foot
ends hanging out of a hole at each location, claiming a pancake box +
domed fixture will be installed at each location (when the building
exterior is finished)? *I've seen plenty of new construction where the
wiring for exterior lights is jsut left hanging, and I assume they get
their rough wiring bought off prior to completing the exterior trim/
fixtures.


Depends on the wall and the finish. Usually one does what makes life
easier for other trades, yet at the same time does not create a lot of
extra work for oneself. Ask 'em.