4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Status
Not open for further replies.
aelectricalman

aelectricalman

Senior Member
Location
KY
I have 5 of those 4X4X4 outdoor PVC junction boxes where you drill your own holes for PVC connections. I have 5 RAB landscape lights that I want to attach to the lids of these boxes. The lid screws off with the light attached to the lid. In the boxes are 2 circuits. Is there a code violation in doing this method. Thanks for any help.

[ May 23, 2005, 09:13 PM: Message edited by: aelectricalman ]
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

I did recently learn that drilling new mounting holes in these boxes (less than 100 square inches volume) is a UL violation. You have to use the mounting "tabs" moulded on or supplied with the box. I'm thinking (guessing actually) that drilling the covers might not be a UL acceptable use. I'd be interested in learning the answer to this too.
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

The only problem is there are no molded grooves. These are solid boxes. No prefabbed knock outs or perferated edges.
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Good question these boxes have to be field fitted since no ko`s.I have used them as j boxes on lomg runs,but have never used them as a fixture mounting lid.Water infiltration is what came to mind foremost.I would be inclined to use a meyers hub for two reasons.First as I have already saidwater infiltration.Second heat dissapation.No references just MHO :D
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Originally posted by aelectricalman:
I have 5 of those 4X4X4 outdoor PVC junction boxes where you drill your own holes for PVC connections. I have 5 RAB landscape lights that I want to attach to the lids of these boxes.
Click to expand...
Just wondering how you are going to ground the lights mounted to the plastic lid?
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Thanks all. To answer some questions. Yes, the fixture can be supported by the lid for it is just a single 1/2" screw on w/lock washer type. Very light weight. Secondly, each fixture has a ground wire (so its not grounded by means of metal box and of course I have pulled a groudn wire through the conduits. I had to come up with something for the situation, and just wasnt sure about drilling through the lid. I will silicon all connections but the 3/4" paddle bit I will use is an exact fit so when I cut the hole, it screws in to the box nice and snug.
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Will they survive the landscape maintenance crew? They seem to enjoy testing the durabilty of any outdoor electrical equipment. :)
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Originally posted by mdshunk:
I did recently learn that drilling new mounting holes in these boxes (less than 100 square inches volume) is a UL violation. You have to use the mounting "tabs" moulded on or supplied with the box. I'm thinking (guessing actually) that drilling the covers might not be a UL acceptable use. I'd be interested in learning the answer to this too.
Click to expand...
I had a feeling this would be the first reply and as usual you guys didn't let me down! I would ask whomever says that drilling ko's in this box is a "Listing Violation" (a way overused term)how would they terminate a conduit?

[ May 24, 2005, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
Originally posted by mdshunk:
I did recently learn that drilling new mounting holes in these boxes (less than 100 square inches volume) is a UL violation. You have to use the mounting "tabs" moulded on or supplied with the box. I'm thinking (guessing actually) that drilling the covers might not be a UL acceptable use. I'd be interested in learning the answer to this too.
Click to expand...
I had a feeling this would be the first reply and as usual you guys didn't let me down! I would ask whomever says that drilling ko's in this box is a "Listing Violation" (a way overused term)how would they terminate a conduit?
Click to expand...
NO, no, no, no. Re-read what I said. I said that it is a violation to drill MOUNTING HOLES, not knockouts. Stop thinking of ways to be mad all the time. Think happy thoughts. :) Is is a violation to drill alternate mounting holes in a box less than 100 cubic inches volume. You can, of course, cut or drill the knockouts, otherwise it's an unusable box as you rightly point out. I can dig out the UL reference if that's of interest to you.

[ May 24, 2005, 06:04 PM: Message edited by: mdshunk ]
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Mdshunk look at 314.43 NEC 2002 in regards to your question.
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

I cant make heads or tails of this Article. "Provisions for support"..."Shall be outside the box".
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

I take it to mean that you "cannot drill thru the box and drive in a screw" as a mounting support.
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Chris ,I think there is a little confusion and I will try to explain the best I can .....

I read 314.43 in the NEC2002 as saying simply that you cannot run a screw through the PVC box and fasten it to a wall or other structure to secure the box......the outside mounting lugs have to be used and this was in reply to "mdshunks" question.

I have a feeling that you are thinking that 314.43 applys to mounting your fixture on the outside of the box and I don't think this is what this section is trying to convey ....

Hope I explained where it makes sense and did not mean to throw you off from your original question which I really don't have a answer for.
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

Sorry if I derailed this for a spell. I just wanted to convey that there are certain things that are flatly prohibited with respect to this type of box, and I wasn't sure either if mounting something on the cover would be permitted either. Guess nobody knows?
 
Re: 4X4X4 holeless PVC Junction Boxes

That is why i like rocket posts uf to location mount fixture on the rocket post :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top