I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

They mount on a box normally. That way all the live stuff is pretty
much contained.
You can get shallow boxes if it's a head banging issue.
Not hard to fix.
BETA-32 wrote:
I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:
I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

DAC wrote:
YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:
I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

If you put it into a box yourself you also need to be sure he didn't
switch the black and white wires. The black wire should be on the
darker screw and the white wire on the lighter screw.

"BETA-32" writes:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes.

Oy.

The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

Double oy, at least in Illinois where everything has to go in
conduit or have a metal jacket.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

Code depends on the state, IIRC, but this sounds like it'd be a
cluster fsck in all 50 states.

--
Todd H.
http://www.toddh.net/

On Fri, 5 Jan 2007 09:15:08 -0500, "BETA-32"
wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.





Oh my, rather than panic for you. Can you post a photo?

tom @ www.FreeWorkAtHomeIdeas.com

wrote:
DAC wrote:

YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.


If you put it into a box yourself you also need to be sure he didn't
switch the black and white wires. The black wire should be on the
darker screw and the white wire on the lighter screw.



And check the OTHER ends of those wires too.

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight.

That's probably how it's done in many third world countries. I'd suggest an
electrician, or at least a better grade of handy man


"BETA-32" wrote in message
news
I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights
in the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic
round white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was
screw the white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no
junction boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under
the white plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

Thanks to everyone. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

But here's the stupid part (on my end). It's actually an empty house that
he is working on for me. I went there today to do some work and when he
showed up I mentioned, "Don't the lights need to have junction boxes?" He
said, yes, and he had brought the junction boxes with him. He had just
screwed them to the joists temporarily so he could mostly finish the job
before leaving, then was coming back today to do the rest and brought the
junction boxes with him.

"BETA-32" wrote in message
news
I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights
in the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic
round white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was
screw the white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no
junction boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under
the white plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

On Fri, 5 Jan 2007 17:45:57 -0500, "BETA-32"
wrote:

Thanks to everyone. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

But here's the stupid part (on my end). It's actually an empty house that
he is working on for me. I went there today to do some work and when he
showed up I mentioned, "Don't the lights need to have junction boxes?" He
said, yes, and he had brought the junction boxes with him. He had just
screwed them to the joists temporarily so he could mostly finish the job
before leaving, then was coming back today to do the rest and brought the
junction boxes with him.

IMHO:

Oh, so these could have been temp feston lighting?

Just as a general rule, if your contractor ignores basic safety, not
suggesting this is the case here since no photos and not there, you
might want to second check his work. Some people 'forget' to fix temp
work later, and it becomes permenant.



tom @ www.WorkAtHomePlans.com






"BETA-32" wrote in message
news
I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights
in the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic
round white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was
screw the white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no
junction boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under
the white plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

On Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:48:19 -0500, Jeff Wisnia
wrote:

wrote:
DAC wrote:

YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.


If you put it into a box yourself you also need to be sure he didn't
switch the black and white wires. The black wire should be on the
darker screw and the white wire on the lighter screw.



And check the OTHER ends of those wires too.

Jeff

If the black & white wires are reversed at the source, the right way
to connect them becomes the wrong way.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent
force for atheism ever conceived." -- Isaac Asimov

In article ,
lid says...
On Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:48:19 -0500, Jeff Wisnia
wrote:

wrote:
DAC wrote:

YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.


If you put it into a box yourself you also need to be sure he didn't
switch the black and white wires. The black wire should be on the
darker screw and the white wire on the lighter screw.



And check the OTHER ends of those wires too.

Jeff

If the black & white wires are reversed at the source, the right way
to connect them becomes the wrong way.

No, the *only* right way to connect them is to connect them the
right way at the source, destination, and everywhere inbetween.

--
Keith

On Fri, 5 Jan 2007 17:45:57 -0500, "BETA-32"
wrote:

Thanks to everyone. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

But here's the stupid part (on my end). It's actually an empty house that
he is working on for me. I went there today to do some work and when he
showed up I mentioned, "Don't the lights need to have junction boxes?" He
said, yes, and he had brought the junction boxes with him. He had just
screwed them to the joists temporarily so he could mostly finish the job
before leaving, then was coming back today to do the rest and brought the
junction boxes with him.

Though I don't disagree with Tom about checking, on anyone, your
handy-man has me convinced.

"BETA-32" wrote in message
news
I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights
in the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic
round white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was
screw the white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no
junction boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under
the white plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.

On Fri, 5 Jan 2007 09:15:08 -0500, "BETA-32"
wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.





I hope you did NOT pay the idiot.
That is completely illegal !!!!

On Sat, 6 Jan 2007 13:08:41 -0500, krw wrote:

In article ,
says...
On Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:48:19 -0500, Jeff Wisnia
wrote:

wrote:
DAC wrote:

YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.


If you put it into a box yourself you also need to be sure he didn't
switch the black and white wires. The black wire should be on the
darker screw and the white wire on the lighter screw.



And check the OTHER ends of those wires too.

Jeff

If the black & white wires are reversed at the source, the right way
to connect them becomes the wrong way.

No, the *only* right way to connect them is to connect them the
right way at the source, destination, and everywhere inbetween.


I didn't say anything was right (with the wires connected wrong at the
source), just that what SEEMS to be right (at the light fixture) is
actually wrong.

However, I did once see a piece of Romex connected wrong at both ends.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent
force for atheism ever conceived." -- Isaac Asimov

In article ,
lid says...
On Sat, 6 Jan 2007 13:08:41 -0500, krw wrote:

In article ,
says...
On Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:48:19 -0500, Jeff Wisnia
wrote:

wrote:
DAC wrote:

YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.


If you put it into a box yourself you also need to be sure he didn't
switch the black and white wires. The black wire should be on the
darker screw and the white wire on the lighter screw.



And check the OTHER ends of those wires too.

Jeff

If the black & white wires are reversed at the source, the right way
to connect them becomes the wrong way.

No, the *only* right way to connect them is to connect them the
right way at the source, destination, and everywhere inbetween.


I didn't say anything was right (with the wires connected wrong at the
source), just that what SEEMS to be right (at the light fixture) is
actually wrong.

Well, you did say "the right way to connect", and that's clearly
wrong. ;-) If I found a reversed connection that was "right" I'd
be digging for the other end.

However, I did once see a piece of Romex connected wrong at both ends.

I have no doubt. Stupid and suicidal people are everywhere.

--
Keith

On Sun, 7 Jan 2007 10:52:37 -0500, krw wrote:

In article ,
says...
On Sat, 6 Jan 2007 13:08:41 -0500, krw wrote:

In article ,
says...
On Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:48:19 -0500, Jeff Wisnia
wrote:

wrote:
DAC wrote:

YES!

Disconnect the circuit immediately and do it properly. You have
exposed hot terminals on the back side which bring along fire hazards
as their companion.

Don't let that man in the house again.



On Jan 5, 8:15 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

I just had a handyman-type person wire and install some very basic lights in
the basement of my home. The lights fixtures are just the very basic round
white plastic ones where a light bulb screws in. What he did was screw the
white plastic fixtures directly onto the ceiling joists with no junction
boxes or mounting boxes. The wires run along the joists and under the white
plastic fixture to the contacts.

I assume that's wrong and doesn't meet electrical codes. Am I right about
that?

And, yes, I know I should have a licensed electrician, etc., etc.


If you put it into a box yourself you also need to be sure he didn't
switch the black and white wires. The black wire should be on the
darker screw and the white wire on the lighter screw.



And check the OTHER ends of those wires too.

Jeff

If the black & white wires are reversed at the source, the right way
to connect them becomes the wrong way.

No, the *only* right way to connect them is to connect them the
right way at the source, destination, and everywhere inbetween.


I didn't say anything was right (with the wires connected wrong at the
source), just that what SEEMS to be right (at the light fixture) is
actually wrong.

Well, you did say "the right way to connect", and that's clearly
wrong. ;-)

That's what I said, that it's wrong.

If I found a reversed connection that was "right" I'd
be digging for the other end.

However, I did once see a piece of Romex connected wrong at both ends.

I have no doubt. Stupid and suicidal people are everywhere.

That person claimed that it didn't matter. That it's AC. He also put
the switch in the neutral wire. Actually, I'm not sure anymore if it
was the neutral wire or the white one. Also, that was #14 wire,
because #14 would fit the backstab holes.

I have a little poster up with the message "Never underestimate the
power of stupid people in large groups.". Someone I knew once (not the
one who did the wiring) was stupid enough to assume that the stupid
people in any group would be a small minority.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent
force for atheism ever conceived." -- Isaac Asimov