I am planning on replacing some light fixtures under our covered
porch; upon taking down the existing fixtures, I discovered that
electrical boxes were not used, but rather the fixture brackets were
directly set into the plywood ceiling. I am planning on installing
the bracing and boxes, as the new lights are too heavy and I would not
feel comfortable installing them without doing so.

Our house was built in 2001 in Georgia. I'm curious if the
electrician was required by code to install the boxes during
construction. If someone could help me with this, I would greatly
appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

It would have been required by the electrical code in my area. There are
parts of the U.S. which don't have any zoning. Maybe there are also parts
which don't have an electrical codes either? I don't know.

Anyway electrical codes are a local thing. Check with your local
city/county planning/building permit/electrical inspector.


"Chris" wrote in message
I am planning on replacing some light fixtures under our covered
porch; upon taking down the existing fixtures, I discovered that
electrical boxes were not used, but rather the fixture brackets were
directly set into the plywood ceiling. I am planning on installing
the bracing and boxes, as the new lights are too heavy and I would not
feel comfortable installing them without doing so.

Our house was built in 2001 in Georgia. I'm curious if the
electrician was required by code to install the boxes during
construction. If someone could help me with this, I would greatly
appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

On 15 Aug 2004 18:51:27 -0700, (Chris) wrote:

I am planning on replacing some light fixtures under our covered
porch; upon taking down the existing fixtures, I discovered that
electrical boxes were not used, but rather the fixture brackets were
directly set into the plywood ceiling. I am planning on installing
the bracing and boxes, as the new lights are too heavy and I would not
feel comfortable installing them without doing so.

Our house was built in 2001 in Georgia. I'm curious if the
electrician was required by code to install the boxes during
construction. If someone could help me with this, I would greatly
appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

The National Electric Code requires some kind of housing for the wire
connectors. It is a good safety idea too.

If it was done in Georgia, that explains a lot. The enforcement of
electrical ( and most building ) codes is non-existant. When developers
start construction, they put out the call for carpenters and every hillbilly
who thinks he knows how a hammer works, suddenly becomes a carpenter. Tha
same for electricians, plumbers and HVAC techs. No license required, just a
driving desired to do it quick. You get an extra case of beer if you can
"...screw a yankee" at the same time.

"Chris" wrote in message
om...
I am planning on replacing some light fixtures under our covered
porch; upon taking down the existing fixtures, I discovered that
electrical boxes were not used, but rather the fixture brackets were
directly set into the plywood ceiling. I am planning on installing
the bracing and boxes, as the new lights are too heavy and I would not
feel comfortable installing them without doing so.

Our house was built in 2001 in Georgia. I'm curious if the
electrician was required by code to install the boxes during
construction. If someone could help me with this, I would greatly
appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

"Chris" wrote in message
om...
I am planning on replacing some light fixtures under our covered
porch; upon taking down the existing fixtures, I discovered that
electrical boxes were not used, but rather the fixture brackets were
directly set into the plywood ceiling. I am planning on installing
the bracing and boxes, as the new lights are too heavy and I would not
feel comfortable installing them without doing so.

Our house was built in 2001 in Georgia. I'm curious if the
electrician was required by code to install the boxes during
construction. If someone could help me with this, I would greatly
appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Some fixtures come with a splicing area in them, like fluorescents. Years
ago here in Phoenix we stubbed out the romex and just screwed the fixtures
to the surface. Now everything needs a box.

There are 3/0 and 4/0 boxes that come with brackets for this purpose. Weight
restricted to something like 30 pounds. Better check first

"Chris" wrote in message om...
I am planning on replacing some light fixtures under our covered
porch; upon taking down the existing fixtures, I discovered that
electrical boxes were not used, but rather the fixture brackets were
directly set into the plywood ceiling. I am planning on installing
the bracing and boxes, as the new lights are too heavy and I would not
feel comfortable installing them without doing so.

snip

I think you're wise especially to install electrical boxes on for ANY in-wall wiring. Even if it's not required by
an inadequate local code.
Those boxes are an excellent way to prevent a fire, and possibly save lives.

- Dugie


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wrote:
Boxes are ALWAYS required whereever a wire is spliced. That
electrician should be fired and hung from his balls at the local
courthouse. Of course, does Georgia have any laws? Dont they still
build homes out of cardboard boxes and have possies instead of police?



The fixtures *might* have cable clamps and/or knockouts and room to make
the splice inside the fixture. (A lot of fluorescent and HID lights are
like that.) It might not be totally kosher to mount such a fixture
without a box, but it's certainly not a hanged-from-his-balls offense.

Bob