Access to junction box behind a surface mounted fixture

[dkmobx]

I would ask is there a specific code reference to a situation like this.
Electrical jb in a hard non accessible ceiling, and mounting fixture over top of jb to connect this one light. I normally cut a larger hole in back of fixture to be able to access wiring in box, so no removal of light is necessary. Where is code reference to be àble to show my coworkers.

 

[Rock86]

I would ask is there a specific code reference to a situation like this.
Electrical jb in a hard non accessible ceiling, and mounting fixture over top of jb to connect this one light. I normally cut a larger hole in back of fixture to be able to access wiring in box, so no removal of light is necessary. Where is code reference to be àble to show my coworkers.

The bold part doesn't sound legit. Do you have a picture what you're trying to do? How are you mounting the fixture "over top" of the jb? What kind of light fixture are you installing?

 

[Buck Parrish]

NEC 2020 - 410.118

What you have described is in another part of an earlier code cycle. Some lighting manufacturers made a large knock out in the back of the light for access.

 

[dkmobx]

These are LED going on a loading dock replacing metal halide. Surface mounted fixture

 

[dkmobx]

The bold part doesn't sound legit. Do you have a picture what you're trying to do? How are you mounting the fixture "over top" of the jb? What kind of light fixture are you installing?

Mounting fixture up against a junction box ( on plaster ceiling) where power connects ro this new LED fixture

 

[dkmobx]

NEC 2020 - 410.118

What you have described is in another part of an earlier code cycle. Some lighting manufacturers made a large knock out in the back of the light for access.

Unable to find a reference. Maybe in a article 314.29 (A)

 

[wwhitney]

410.24(B):

(B) Access to Boxes. Electric-discharge and LED luminaires surface mounted over concealed outlet, pull, or junction boxes and designed not to be supported solely by the outlet box shall be provided with suitable openings in the back of the luminaire to provide access to the wiring in the box.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Rock86]

410.24(B):

(B) Access to Boxes. Electric-discharge and LED luminaires surface mounted over concealed outlet, pull, or junction boxes and designed not to be supported solely by the outlet box shall be provided with suitable openings in the back of the luminaire to provide access to the wiring in the box.

Cheers, Wayne

Does that allow for field modification to the fixture?

 

[Buck Parrish]

410.24(B):

(B) Access to Boxes. Electric-discharge and LED luminaires surface mounted over concealed outlet, pull, or junction boxes and designed not to be supported solely by the outlet box shall be provided with suitable openings in the back of the luminaire to provide access to the wiring in the box.

Cheers, Wayne

What code cycle is that?

 

[infinity]

Does that allow for field modification to the fixture?

Why wouldn't it? Can you punch a hole in a fixture?

 

[wwhitney]

What code cycle is that?

It's in the 2020, as well as the earliest one I own, 2008, although that year doesn't mentioned LEDs. I didn't check what year LEDs first showed up.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Buck Parrish]

It's in the 2020, as well as the earliest one I own, 2008, although that year doesn't mentioned LEDs. I didn't check what year LEDs first showed up.

Cheers, Wayne

okay, I was thinking it came into play before the quick dis connects in side of florescent lights.

 

[farmantenna]

it really sucks when you have to remove the fixture to get at the wiring . maybe that's why 410 addresses it

 

[farmantenna]

when the apprentice doesn't connect ALL the wires.

 

[jmellc]

Bad enough with a small light fixture. Worse the bigger and heavier it gets. I would hole saw it the size of the box and use screws & anchorls in the ceiling if need be.

 

[jimport]

Mike used to show that a small KO in the back of a fixture was not sufficient. The hole in the fixture needed to give access to the whole box.

 

[Rock86]

Why wouldn't it? Can you punch a hole in a fixture?

I'm just asking. The way I read "shall be provided with suitable openings in the back of the luminaire to provide access to the wiring in the box." was that the luminaire should be fitted with some kind of opening, unless it can be field modified. I could knocking out a hole for a connector, but for potentially a 4x4 box? Unless I'm looking at it all wrong.