blocking access to cord plugged into receptable

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Pierre C Belarge said:
I would consider the cabinets as part of the building finish, thus they are concealing the box/receptacle. Cut an access in the back of the cabinet and one does not have to think about it anymore.
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I agree with the access, but I don't agree that cabinets are part of the building finish.
 
iwire said:
In general if you where to remove the cabinets the wall behind it will be 'unfinished' as in not sanded or painted because the cabinets are intended to serve as the 'finish'. Sort of like 3 dimensional wall paper. :wink:
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So, it's okay to place a J-box behind unpainted drywall that will not get covered?
 
Do real estate terms help any?

Cabinets are permanent ... they stay upon sale of the house.

Pictures generally don't.

Wallpaper does ... :wink:

But one thing's for sure ... I think we all do agree that a receptacle behind a cabinet (lower or upper) without access is a bad thing.

Pam
 
LarryFine said:
So, it's okay to place a J-box behind unpainted drywall that will not get covered?
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IMO No on that either.

LarryFine said:
I agree with the access, but I don't agree that cabinets are part of the building finish.
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So you still believe you are meeting the intent and requirements of the NEC placing a box behind upper kitchen cabinets so that the only way to access the box is by removing the upper cabinet from the wall?

I can not agree to that. :smile:

LarryFine said:
I was thinking uppers, actually.
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OK so forget the counter top, these uppers have crown molding installed, now I have to pull down crown molding to drop a cabinet, certainly crown molding is 'building finish'?
 
Has anybody noticed that the OP is not talking about a kitchen? I think that the term "cabinet" might not have been the best choice, to describe this set of metal shelves. Since the only connection to the wall is at the top, and is there not to permanently install the shelves but only to prevent them from tipping over in an earthquate, I would say that this does not modify the building structure.

I stand by my initial response, that no code article would be violated by the installation described.
 
ptrip said:
Do real estate terms help any?

Cabinets are permanent ... they stay upon sale of the house.

Pictures generally don't.

Wallpaper does ... :wink:
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Refrigerators and other appliances often convey, too. :cool:

But one thing's for sure ... I think we all do agree that a receptacle behind a cabinet (lower or upper) without access is a bad thing.
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I agree with that; I'm thinking a J-box with only splices in it. I would only do it in a real pinch. I've seen gutted fuse boxes that contain only new-home-run splices hidden behind a cabinet.
 
charlie b said:
Has anybody noticed that the OP is not talking about a kitchen? I think that the term "cabinet" might not have been the best choice, to describe this set of metal shelves. Since the only connection to the wall is at the top, and is there not to permanently install the shelves but only to prevent them from tipping over in an earthquate, I would say that this does not modify the building structure.

I stand by my initial response, that no code article would be violated by the installation described.
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I concur.


How about another example: behind an over-the-stove microwave oven. Say the original hood cable had to be extended to reach inside the upper cabinet. Could the J-box be mounted behind the microwave, in a hole in the mounting plate?
 
I'd definitely agree, it would be like flush mounting a 1900 box in a wall, then wallpapering over it. The only access (even though it's paper thin) is to cut the finish. In the case of the shelving unit, if the empty shelves grant access to the receptacle, I would say the receptacle is accessible. If the unit has a back in it which blocks access even when empty, and getting access mean unloading even 50 lbs, plus unbolting the unit, then I'd say access is hampered. OTOH, if there were a plug strip plugged into a receptacle that's blocked by a storage unit, and the strip is accessible, I think an inspector would let it go ;)
 
charlie b said:
Has anybody noticed that the OP is not talking about a kitchen? I think that the term "cabinet" might not have been the best choice, to describe this set of metal shelves. Since the only connection to the wall is at the top, and is there not to permanently install the shelves but only to prevent them from tipping over in an earthquate, I would say that this does not modify the building structure.

I stand by my initial response, that no code article would be violated by the installation described.
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Well, I will clarify my position:

j-box behind kitchen cabinets: not for me.

j-box behind metal shelves screwed to the wall in a shop: ok for me, and I have some.

j-box behind a generic book case screwed to wall for stabilization: ok for me

j-box behind a book case custom built for a wall and screwed into place: not for me.
 
mivey said:
Well, I will clarify my position:

j-box behind kitchen cabinets: not for me.

j-box behind metal shelves screwed to the wall in a shop: ok for me, and I have some.

j-box behind a generic book case screwed to wall for stabilization: ok for me

j-box behind a book case custom built for a wall and screwed into place: not for me.
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I see it much the same way. :smile:
 
mivey said:
Well, I will clarify my position:

j-box behind kitchen cabinets: not for me.

j-box behind metal shelves screwed to the wall in a shop: ok for me, and I have some.

j-box behind a generic book case screwed to wall for stabilization: ok for me

j-box behind a book case custom built for a wall and screwed into place: not for me.
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iwire said:
I see it much the same way. :smile:
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charlie b said:

Yea, me too.
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And I will agree also ...

Wait ...

Everyone is now in agreement? What is this world coming to?? ;)
 
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