Inspector didn't like this box

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GerryB

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Location
woodbridge, ct. USA
I had an open basement where I had to put 2 j-boxes. On one I used a 4" sq mounted on the vertical of the ceiling joist. No problem. I didn't have another 4" sq so on the other I screwed a plastic nail that had the nails missing through the back of the box also on the vertical of the ceiling joist. The inspector told the GC it had to be facing down, like if you were sheet rocking. Why?
 
GerryB said:
I had an open basement where I had to put 2 j-boxes. On one I used a 4" sq mounted on the vertical of the ceiling joist. No problem. I didn't have another 4" sq so on the other I screwed a plastic nail that had the nails missing through the back of the box also on the vertical of the ceiling joist. The inspector told the GC it had to be facing down, like if you were sheet rocking. Why?
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Maybe that's his definition of accessible.
 
Cavie said:
Direction was a little pushing of acessability but the screws were in violation of the listing.
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Agreed and the screws technically could get energized. If you look at plastic boxes with screws there is usually a recess for the screw head to hid in. This prevents accidental energizing of the screw. Screws that do not leave the box are not an issue as the metal clamps that hold the cables in some multi ganged boxes.
 
Cavie said:
Well I did do some asuming there. I assumed the op drilled holes for the screws or just ran the screws thru the box. Now If the box had factory drilled recessed holes as Dennis mentioned then they would be ok.
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I did just put a couple of sheet rock screws through the box, but that was not what he cited. He wrote "box facing down" (opening towards the basement floor) It was a plastic nail on device box. I guess he meant you have to use the nails if it's a nail on box.
 
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Basically you have two boxes back to back one faces down and one faces up.

I am assuming when the box is facing up towards the floor of the 2nd story the inspector assumes once the ceiling is sheetrocked that box will not be accessible. The inspector has a good point.
 
edward said:
Basically you have two boxes back to back one faces down and one faces up.

I am assuming when the box is facing up towards the floor of the 2nd story the inspector assumes once the ceiling is sheetrocked that box will not be accessible. The inspector has a good point.
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I don't think that is what OP has. My understanding is both boxes are mounted on side of joist with mounting screws through back wall of box. If the ceiling was to ever be covered neither one is installed to be accessible afterward, but inspector is only picking on the plastic nail on box. Outside of the possibility that you can not mount that box in that manner, which is not even what the inspector has called out, I don't see a problem as long as the ceiling never gets a finish installed on it.
 
HackWork said:
Maybe that's his definition of accessible.
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His definition means nothing unless the box is facing Up to the second floor.,Or there will be sheet rock installed making the box not Accessible.

2011 NEC..

Accessible (as applied to equipment). Admitting close
approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other
effective means.
Accessible (as applied to wiring methods). 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.
Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being
reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections
without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite
to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable
ladders, and so forth.
 
kwired said:
I don't think that is what OP has. My understanding is both boxes are mounted on side of joist with mounting screws through back wall of box. If the ceiling was to ever be covered neither one is installed to be accessible afterward, but inspector is only picking on the plastic nail on box. Outside of the possibility that you can not mount that box in that manner, which is not even what the inspector has called out, I don't see a problem as long as the ceiling never gets a finish installed on it.
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I agree with Kwired.

If its an access issue, It would have made more sense if the inspector would have failed both of them for not facing down due to the fact that if it were ever sheetrocked the joint would be hidden and not accessible.
Something about this dont add up. He should have stated box "Needs" to be facing down,but if thats the case it should have applied to both of them

If its a Mounting issue, then flip the box 90 degrees and nail it to the side of the joist and go on.

I'd call him up and ask him. He's the only one who's going to be able to settle the unknowns anyway.
 
jap said:
I agree with Kwired.

If its an access issue, It would have made more sense if the inspector would have failed both of them for not facing down due to the fact that if it were ever sheetrocked the joint would be hidden and not accessible.
Something about this dont add up. He should have stated box "Needs" to be facing down,but if thats the case it should have applied to both of them

If its a Mounting issue, then flip the box 90 degrees and nail it to the side of the joist and go on.

I'd call him up and ask him. He's the only one who's going to be able to settle the unknowns anyway.
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I know this inspector pretty well, so I will ask him next time I see him and let you all know. He is an electrician also and good with the code.
 
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