Fixtures on vinyl siding

[sundowner]

Just a quick question guys...

What is an acceptable way (read as code compliant) to mount exterior fixtures on vinyl siding, when my siding guy leaves a vinyl "block" for fixtures. I am assuming I can just make up the fixture whip from the NM
poked through the back of the OSB? My real question is can I make the connections and mount the lamp on the block face and then just snap it in place to the back of the block. I'm not using any kind of condulet or box here... I am familiar with 300.15(E) also. ( does this apply here ???) I would like some field input from some resi guys.

Thanks in advance

Steve

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

If the block is listed as a suitable for mounting of fixtures, you can use it as you explained. If not you will need to install a box for the fixture, unless the fixture is listed as suitable for installation without a box.

 

[George Stolz]

Most of our builders have gone away from vinyl siding for concrete siding. The last vinyl "block" we had was a square with a flat face, which we could knock out to install a pancake box. The backside of the block was kinda 'scored' from the factory, so it (usually) broke out in a clean circle.

I'd just go with your gut on it (after applying Pierre's advice). If it does have a listing but doesn't seem secure enough to you, get some long #10 screws and wind them into the OSB behind the block, maybe.

If it doesn't have a listing, I'd install a pancake inside the block, or perhaps use a 3/0 cut-in box and a round spark ring, if needed.

Just throwing ideas out there. 8)

 

[JohnE]

What you are describing sounds like you need to install a box on the sheathing. Some blocks are not very deep and you can use a pancake. Others are deeper and you can use a 4" octagon 1 1/2" deep for example. Arlington makes several products which serve as box and siding block which are much better installations IMO.