Covering a junction box with drywall

[TypeA]

Are there circumstances were a junction box can be covered by drywall?

 

[Chenley]

Nope, NEC 314.29.

 

[360Youth]

Nope, NEC 314.29.

Not according to our drywaller and cabinet guys.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Not according to our drywaller and cabinet guys.

Or the so-called "Handymen" around here.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Are there circumstances were a junction box can be covered by drywall?

There are many, and I mean many "circumstances" where Jboxes are covered...none of them in my mind are justified.

I worked in many old buildings of different types of occupancies, and I can tell you there are always ways to resolve this. It takes creativity and a little more $.

 

[480sparky]

Not according to our drywaller and cabinet guys.

That's what BFHs are for.

 

[petersonra]

Are there circumstances were a junction box can be covered by drywall?

yes. if there are no splices or other connections inside it.

 

[iwire]

yes. if there are no splices or other connections inside it.

If 'it'* has a removable cover and contains any circuit conductors it must not be covered by drywall or and finish.


*conduit bodies, other fittings, boxes, wireways etc.

 

[480sparky]

Article 314, covering Outlet,, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes, et al, are in Chapter 3.
Chapter 3 is titled Wiring Methods and Materials, and has been since at least 1940, my oldest Code book.
Accessible (as applied to wiring methods), is defined in Art. 100 as "Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building." Wording is extremely similar to 1940 NEC.

So, no, it cannot be buried in the wall.

Are there circumstances were a junction box can be covered by drywall?

However, the true answer to the question is:
Yes, if the person hanging the drywall is not an electrician.

 

[Rockyd]

Hey 480,

We must have went to the same school! I have 20 oz. framing hammer that I brandish, as I'm making my favorite comment to a rocker "you can find, or I can find it, doesn't matter to me!" Wiped that stupid grin right off the last guys face when he saw me wrapping up to hit the wall, and he started shouting Okay, Okay, some people have no sense of humor!"

Yes I have a sense of humor, I also respect the dollars and efforts of electrical work.

 

[mdshunk]

Are there circumstances were a junction box can be covered by drywall?

Yes, if the junction box contains dead, abandoned cable.