Metal Box Surface Mounted on Plywood with NM wiring method.

[Crown Electrical]

Is this a code violation?
Can not located chapter and verse in NEC where this is a violation, however it seems wrong.
Also the NM cable is run through 1/2 knock in the back. Seems like this is not a good way to protect conductor.
Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Look at 334.15.... Protection from damage is really an inspectors call. I am not sure how the wiring is run on plywood and then enters the back of a surface box. Is there a connector n the box?

 

[Crown Electrical]

No connector on the box. 1/2 knockout is simply opened up and NM is run though it.
The areas where this is a public area and what is considered dorm rooms.
Thank you for the note and support.

 

[hillbilly1]

The “no clamp” is definitely a no-no, but from the sounds of it, the nm is ran behind the plywood? If so, it could be considered concealed and protected from physical damage. Since there is no connector, there is a good chance the box is not bonded with a ground screw or bond jumper either.

 

[augie47]

I believe 312.5 would require a connector.
I don't recall where the requiremt is located but it seems like the plywood needs some type of fire resistant coating.

 

[hillbilly1]

I believe 312.5 would require a connector.
I don't recall where the requiremt is located but it seems like the plywood needs some type of fire resistant coating.

Depends on the fire rating of the building. NM may not be allowed depending on that rating also.

 

[kwired]

Depends on the fire rating of the building. NM may not be allowed depending on that rating also.

From recall - non dwelling applications NM cable where allowed needs to be behind at least a 15 minute finish.

Dwellings it can be exposed.

 

[Crown Electrical]

The surface mounting of the metal box is a concern also. See attached picture. I believe these boxes are designed more for work with metal conduit and to be flush mount...

 

[kwired]

The surface mounting of the metal box is a concern also. See attached picture. I believe these boxes are designed more for work with metal conduit and to be flush mount...

That style of box can be flush or surface mounted, that one is more practical to surface mount, ones with a bracket on the side of box are more practical for flush mount.

 

[ActionDave]

Not having a connector is a legitimate issue but nothing else described sounds that bad. Exposed romex is like old people at the beach in bathing suits, it's not necessarily illegal but nobody wants to see that.

 

[petersonra]

The surface mounting of the metal box is a concern also. See attached picture. I believe these boxes are designed more for work with metal conduit and to be flush mount...

I don't see any issue with this box being fed with romex from the back, as long as all the requirements for doing so are followed.

 

[hillbilly1]

A 1900 box with a rs cover would be more durable, also if there is more than one nm cable in that box, it would exceed box fill.

 

[LarryFine]

We call that a handy box. I's basically a 1g version of this:

 

[jap]

Not having a connector is a legitimate issue but nothing else described sounds that bad. Exposed romex is like old people at the beach in bathing suits, it's not necessarily illegal but nobody wants to see that.

OMG !!! that's too funny...

JAP>