Residential construction.

[nizak]

Is it a code violation to install a Plastic PVC outlet box in a cold air return?

The box would be isolated from the air space by covering it with 26 gauge sheet metal and caulking the seams with intumescent caulk.

Seems to be a"gray" area when it comespr to code interpretation by different inspectors.

Thanks

The area I'm talking about would be wall space used as a return air cavity.

 

[Little Bill]

Sounds like a special case to be determined by an AHJ or inspector representing one.

 

[infinity]

Sounds like it's not actually in the return air.

 

[nizak]

So your saying if it's isolated per my description it's acceptable to be there?

 

[kwired]

Sounds like it's not actually in the return air.

So your saying if it's isolated per my description it's acceptable to be there?

It is no longer in the return air space. Done that kind of thing many times. If significantly reducing the cross sectional area of the return air space may want to get with the HVAC guy and see if he is ok with it. The common panned off joist space or even stud space in a wall to an individual inlet is usually larger than what size duct they would run if ducting it all the way and you can get by with some obstructions and not affect performance.

 

[hbiss]

Even if it's permissible to enclose the receptacle box, it's not going to be OK to run Romex to it.

You can't move the location over a few inches, and if you have to, add another receptacle to maintain the 6/12 rule?

-Hal

 

[nizak]

Romex is acceptable in that space as long as it runs perpendicular to the long dimension

 

[kwired]

Even if it's permissible to enclose the receptacle box, it's not going to be OK to run Romex to it.

You can't move the location over a few inches, and if you have to, add another receptacle to maintain the 6/12 rule?

-Hal

You need to make it so the NM cable is also outside of the air handling space. Could be as simple as panning on the side of an "I" joist or a metallic sleeve to run the cable in.