thedusen
New User
- Location
- Saugerties, NY
- Occupation
- DIYer newly passionate about electric
Been reading and learning through this form for a while as a guest. Really love this community and am grateful for what I've already learned. This is my first post. So thanks in advance.
The short TL;DR version:
1. Is it a violation of NEC to put metal boxes on top of uncapped in-wall plastic electrical boxes (basically hiding them) if all the wiring in the in-wall plastic boxes is not only capped but also not connected to any live circuit?
2. If it's okay, any recommendations/regulations on how to secure a box on top of a hole? I saw mention of fitting a piece of wood inside the old, unused box. Seems cumbersome.
The details:
I have a detached 330 sq ft building I'm turning into my office and art/recording studio. The big project is running a subpanel out there and running new wire.
But because it will be used as a recording studio, I can't rely on any of the existing wiring, as there are "best practices" for wiring a recording studio to minimize noise from ground loops, etc (for example, it's recommended that all receptacles have independent grounds running back to the panel. 4 receptacles, 4 ground wires terminated on the bus)
So I've decided to wire all new receptacles, switches, and sockets through exposed metal conduit/boxes... and I'm gonna have fun with their design because... why not?
Is there anything in NEC stopping me from doing that? If so, is there a solution? If not, any tips/tricks/recommendations on how to properly/safely secure a metal box on top of an existing hole?
If it makes a difference, my plan is for almost all the 1 gang boxes to be replaced with 2 gangs minimum, so there are no gaps around the preexisting holes and for the extra wire I might use.
Final, separate question:
I want to be respectful of this forum. I have a lot of questions... and I know I'll have more. So selfishly, I'd love to come here and pick everyone's brain. But that means I have zero to add except my feelings of appreciation and gratitude. Anything I should know/do to not become a true pariah?
THANK YOU!
Mitch
The short TL;DR version:
1. Is it a violation of NEC to put metal boxes on top of uncapped in-wall plastic electrical boxes (basically hiding them) if all the wiring in the in-wall plastic boxes is not only capped but also not connected to any live circuit?
2. If it's okay, any recommendations/regulations on how to secure a box on top of a hole? I saw mention of fitting a piece of wood inside the old, unused box. Seems cumbersome.
The details:
I have a detached 330 sq ft building I'm turning into my office and art/recording studio. The big project is running a subpanel out there and running new wire.
But because it will be used as a recording studio, I can't rely on any of the existing wiring, as there are "best practices" for wiring a recording studio to minimize noise from ground loops, etc (for example, it's recommended that all receptacles have independent grounds running back to the panel. 4 receptacles, 4 ground wires terminated on the bus)
So I've decided to wire all new receptacles, switches, and sockets through exposed metal conduit/boxes... and I'm gonna have fun with their design because... why not?
Is there anything in NEC stopping me from doing that? If so, is there a solution? If not, any tips/tricks/recommendations on how to properly/safely secure a metal box on top of an existing hole?
If it makes a difference, my plan is for almost all the 1 gang boxes to be replaced with 2 gangs minimum, so there are no gaps around the preexisting holes and for the extra wire I might use.
Final, separate question:
I want to be respectful of this forum. I have a lot of questions... and I know I'll have more. So selfishly, I'd love to come here and pick everyone's brain. But that means I have zero to add except my feelings of appreciation and gratitude. Anything I should know/do to not become a true pariah?
THANK YOU!
Mitch
