Residential air returns

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nizak

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In a return air cavity ( stud space with drywall on each side) is it allowable to use a metal rework box and metal cable in that space?
 
Yes, there is a restriction is for NM cable which is only allowed to travel horizontally through the studs on each side of the cavity. I would be concerned with air being moved around the box.
 
Buck Parrish said:
Are you going to have a blank metal cover to provide access?
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It is going to be a wall switch for the room lighting.
There is a double stud space ( approximately 30” wide) of return air just to the right of the door opening.

To totally avoid that space my wall switch will be almost 3’ away from where you enter the room.
 
nizak said:
It is going to be a wall switch for the room lighting.
There is a double stud space ( approximately 30” wide) of return air just to the right of the door opening.

To totally avoid that space my wall switch will be almost 3’ away from where you enter the room.
Click to expand...
I might consider a surface mounted box. But I don't guess it matters it's just the return so it should not have a temperature change to cause sweat.
 
Buck Parrish said:
I might consider a surface mounted box. But I don't guess it matters it's just the return so it should not have a temperature change to cause sweat.
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It’s a new addition in a rather nice home.

I doubt the owner will accept a surface mount device in their new master suite.

I guess 3’ away is where it will go.
 
If location of switch is a problem Put it in some inconspicuous spot and install a Lutron Pico controller and remote. Put the remote were your having your difficulty.
 
AC\DC said:
If location of switch is a problem Put it in some inconspicuous spot and install a Lutron Pico controller and remote. Put the remote were your having your difficulty.
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That is exactly what I was going to say. We do that frequently when rooms have double pocket doors.

Even if you ignore the code and put the switch in the return space it is going to be dirty all the time with the airflow through the box/plate.
 
I don't know what state you are in, but in California you can't use the building cavity for return air. It has to be sheet metal.
 
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