Surface raceway blocks access to rcessed box

[mike anchondo]

When install surface metal raceways (SMR) such as Wiremold 3000 or larger, is it code compliant to mount SMR over a flush mounted box with only a bushed knockout in the back of the raceway for conductor entry into SMR. Bonding is provided. My issue with this practice is that it makes access to the recessed box impossible with out removing the raceway. I would think that the opening in the back of the SMR should be large enough to allow access to the box as required for surface mounted fluorescent light fixtures, 410.14 B. 314.22 may be my answer but not sure if this would pertain to SMR. 314.28 says boxes must accessible without removing any part of the building. Can I call the SMR after insatllation part of the building?
Maybe I?m just wrong and this installation is code compliant.

 

[physis]

Re: Surface raceway blocks access to rcessed box

makes access to the recessed box impossible with out removing the raceway.

Can't have that. 314.29

Edit: 314.22 specificly say's extention ring. I don't think SMR qualifies.

410.14 specificly say's Electric-Discharge Luminaires. I don't think SMR qualifies as those either.

[ November 15, 2004, 02:48 PM: Message edited by: physis ]

 

[apauling]

Re: Surface raceway blocks access to rcessed box

if wiremold is a "part" of the bldg then a light fixture is part of the bldg. The sheetrock that covers a mud ring IS "part" of the bldg.

paul

 

[steve66]

Re: Surface raceway blocks access to rcessed box

But if you read 314.29 very carefully, only the wiring in the box has to be accessible. If there are no splices in the box and the wiring can be pulled from either the wireway or from whatever feeds the box, then I think you may be OK.

I think it may also be OK to remove the wireway to get to the box. If we are only talking about removing a couple of screws, then that doesn't seem like it would make the box unaccessible.

Steve

 

[physis]

Re: Surface raceway blocks access to rcessed box

In the case of the light fixture it has it's own permission in 410.14 that acts like an exeption to 314.29

I always hate when codes argue like this.

Edit:

rendered accessable without removing any part of the building

[ November 15, 2004, 03:20 PM: Message edited by: physis ]

 

[apauling]

Re: Surface raceway blocks access to rcessed box

baseboard heaters?
ovens?
jboxes in recessed lights?
2' x 4' surface flourescents on finished ceiling.

if 314.29 allows gravel to cover a jbox in the ground, certainly a wiremold listed product can mount on the cover.

someone has my 2002 book, but the handbook shows that the extension is for the extension of the wiring, not a device.

the wiremold is more like a device that requires extra support like some lighting systems.

and that is in the 2002, ca still 99.

paul.