New in 2011 - 314.28(E) 100 cu in Jbox for water heaters, etc.

[al hildenbrand]

I'm thinking about the kind of junction box one finds built into apparatus like an electric hot water heater, a range or a clothes dryer. The kind of apparatus that arrives with a power distribution block accessible under the cover to the junction box.

When I hard wire such an apparatus, I am bringing the Premises Wiring (System) to terminate on the power distribution block.

I can't recall ever seeing a water heater, range or dryer with a 100 cubic inch enclosure that houses the power distribution block.

Given the scope of 314, I'm seeing that 314.28(E) should apply to these junction boxes. No?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

No. The code does not apply to those manufactured products. This rule only applies to field installed boxes with power distribution blocks.

 

[al hildenbrand]

No. The code does not apply to those manufactured products. This rule only applies to field installed boxes with power distribution blocks.

That was my first thought as well, but then, what gave me pause, is that my hard wired branch circuit is field installed, it is not done in the factory.

And, for that matter, the jbox with the power distribution block arguably is "field installed" because it is carried into the job site (with the appliance) by installers . . . the factory doesn't do this.

If the jbox had a factory installed whip, then the jbox is a manufactured assembly, with no field assembly.

 

[Greentruckford]

That was my first thought as well, but then, what gave me pause, is that my hard wired branch circuit is field installed, it is not done in the factory.

And, for that matter, the jbox with the power distribution block arguably is "field installed" because it is carried into the job site (with the appliance) by installers . . . the factory doesn't do this.

If the jbox had a factory installed whip, then the jbox is a manufactured assembly, with no field assembly.

To call the jbox on an appliance field installed is wrong. If you were to install the distribution block then it would be a field installation, but the block is actually installed in the factory while manufacturing the appliance. Any means to modify the jbox or distribution block would in fact void the listing of the appliance and thus make it an illegal installation.

 

[LarryFine]

And, for that matter, the jbox with the power distribution block arguably is "field installed" because it is carried into the job site (with the appliance) by installers . . . the factory doesn't do this.

Are you suggesting that the manufacturer should have to deliver and install the appliance?

 

[Buck Parrish]

IMO The new 2011 - 314.28(E) was made due to concerns over the size of the distribution block(s)

 

[al hildenbrand]

Are you suggesting that the manufacturer should have to deliver and install the appliance?

. . . . No .

 

[al hildenbrand]

To call the jbox on an appliance field installed is wrong. If you were to install the distribution block then it would be a field installation, but the block is actually installed in the factory while manufacturing the appliance.

Welcome to the Forum, Greenfordtruck.

So, if I buy a discrete (no appliance) junction box with a built in (manufacturer assembled) power distribution block, the junction box is exempt from the requirement of 314.28(E)? Where does the Code say this? What I read seems global, to me.

When I attach the hard wired branch circuit, aren't I modifying the assembly of the Jbox on the appliance? There weren't any conductors on the Line side, as manufactured. With the branch circuit conductors ending on the power distribution block, I have placed the outlet in this junction box.

At the very least, I'm likely to remove a knockout, if not even change the size of the knockout provided.

 

[Greentruckford]

Welcome to the Forum, Greenfordtruck.

So, if I buy a discrete (no appliance) junction box with a built in (manufacturer assembled) power distribution block, the junction box is exempt from the requirement of 314.28(E)? Where does the Code say this? What I read seems global, to me.

When I attach the hard wired branch circuit, aren't I modifying the assembly of the Jbox on the appliance? There weren't any conductors on the Line side, as manufactured. With the branch circuit conductors ending on the power distribution block, I have placed the outlet in this junction box.

At the very least, I'm likely to remove a knockout, if not even change the size of the knockout provided.

If you jbox with a built in distribution yes it would have to comply with article 314.28. However and listed appliance does not have to comply. The appliance is utilization equipment and is subject to Article 314.24. The connection of our wiring method via the knock out is already figured into the equation for the appliance and is part of the listing requirements the appliance had to have in order to get listed. Our hook up is not considered a field modification of the appliance, but rather a requirement to install the utilization equipment.

 

[al hildenbrand]

The appliance is utilization equipment and is subject to Article 314.24.

314.24 Depth of Boxes. Outlet and device boxes shall have sufficient depth to allow equipment installed within them to be mounted properly and without likelihood of damage to conductors within the box.

(A) Outlet Boxes Without Enclosed Devices or Utilization Equipment. Outlet boxes that do not enclose devices or utilization equipment shall have a minimum internal depth of 12.7 mm (1⁄2 in.).

(B) Outlet and Device Boxes with Enclosed Devices or Utilization Equipment. Outlet and device boxes that enclose devices or utilization equipment shall have a minimum internal depth that accommodates the rearward projection of the equipment and the size of the conductors that supply the equipment. The internal depth shall include, where used, that of any extension boxes, plaster rings, or raised covers. The internal depth shall comply with all applicable provisions of (B)(1) through (B)(5).

I think 314.24 is about the utilization equipment or devices inside the jbox.

I don't think a water heater or clothes dryer are inside their jboxes.