Light installation question - fluor. fixture on drywall ceiling

[olc]

Say a 4 foot fluorescent fixture on a drywall ceiling:
Is a box in the ceiling required? (if yes - what NEC reference?)
Or can NM wiring be connected directly to the fixture?

What do you (opinion) think would have been done in the 70s in a low cost multifamily? (4 ft kitchen fixture)

(An odd question I know, but applies to fixture replacement where the ceiling potentially has asbestos) (I could go look but the apartments in question are over an hour away)

 

[jumper]

No box needed.

I will look up code section in a minute.

 

[jumper]

300.15(B)

(B) Equipment. An integral junction box or wiring compartment
as part of approved equipment shall be permitted
in lieu of a box.

 

[Coppersmith]

300.15(B)

(B) Equipment. An integral junction box or wiring compartment
as part of approved equipment shall be permitted
in lieu of a box.

This assumes the fixture has such an integral box. Most do, however I have installed fluorescent fixtures that did not and required an external box. Usually the very cheap ones.

 

[jumper]

This assumes the fixture has such an integral box. Most do, however I have installed fluorescent fixtures that did not and required an external box. Usually the very cheap ones.

Actually I assume no box, integral or not, cable/wire is just attached with a connector and spliced internally to the ballast.

 

[infinity]

Actually I assume no box, integral or not, cable/wire is just attached with a connector and spliced internally to the ballast.

I agree, that would be considered the aforementioned wiring compartment.

 

[JFletcher]

I would assume no box. If there is one present, it has to be accessible w/o taking down the fixture.

You have another potential problem: most new fixtures require connection to 90*C wire. Doubt that 40+ year old NM is rated for it.

What part do you think will be asbestos?

 

[JFletcher]

PS: Asbestos is not like a Black Mamba, instantaneous and deadly. A respirator that filters anything will work on Asbestos. Here, there's a metric ton of it as siding, so long as you dont drill or grind it, you can remove it, and throw it away, w/o even a permit (pipe insulation is a TOTALLY different animal). You're not going to get Mesothelioma from cutting one hole in a ceiling, or disturbing its insulation.

 

[readydave8]

apartments

Am curious, how many units?

 

[olc]

Am curious, how many units?

50ish

 

[olc]

I actually installed my two office fixtures this way. Existing drywall ceiling. I had to measure carefully to get the hole in the ceiling right where the knockout is on the fixture. Now I wish I had installed boxes as the fixtures suck and I want to replace at some point.