wall mounted luminaire

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paul32

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When I did the rough in I put in 4" round nonmetallic boxes for all the luminaires (fixtures). :) (I think it is funny the NEC has to say fixture by every reference to luminaire instead of just defining it once.) Now putting up the luminaires, 2 of the 3 wall mounted are so small they don't cover the rough edge of the sheetrock. It covers the box, but the small gap around the box will need to be filled and painted. I now realize there are 3.5" boxes, but I didn't know at the time I did the rough in because I didn't see other sizes in the store, and also the table in the NEC of metal boxes only has a 4" round box.

My question is do you normally put in a smaller box for walls or do you find out what lights are being installed before doing the rough in? Is this ever a problem with ceiling lights?
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

Originally posted by paul32: I think it is funny the NEC has to say fixture by every reference to luminaire instead of just defining it once.
Click to expand...
In the next cycle of the NEC, the word ?fixture? will be deleted, and only the word ?luminaire? will remain. The authors are just helping us get used to the change.
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

For the small wall mounted fixtures, you are allowed to use a device box per 314.27(A) exception. For ceiling fixtures (excuse me, "luminaires") you are usually safe with the 4" box. More wiring room too.
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

To use a device box for the light you would have to know the light is light enough to use that exception. Do electricians find out exactly what is going to be installed to know what kind of box to put in during the rough in? Or would you always use a smaller box? Or always use old-work boxes? I'd like to know what different people do during rough in.
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

I use a 1900 box with a single gang raised cover.
This generaly covers all the bases.In some cases you have to install a cross bar to install the fixture.
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

i have used 4 inch pvc for years and very few problems.I f the fixture covers the box then in my book your ok.The gap is the drywall mans problem, not yours,he cut it out if there is a gap let him fix.
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

Paul... to answer your original question, yes we always put a smaller box on the walls for light fixtures (sconce).

And no I have never seen a problem with using 4" boxes on any ceiling fixtures.

Also in reply to your other question of having fixtures beforehand the answer is no.

John
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

I agree, this is not your problem. show homeowner the situation and ask them whether they want to call the taper, buy different fixtures or accept as is. i have always used 4" round and never have problem because drywall/taper does quality work!!!!
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

If you use the 3" box on the walls then this whole issue never comes up.

John :D
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

314.21
...shall be repaired so there will be no gaps or open spaces greater than 1/8 inch at the edge of the box or fitting.

The gap around a box is our responsibility, although the repair can be performed by someone else.
The plasterer will not receive a violation, the electrical contractor will.

Pierre
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

I know this is an old topic but what about if the sheetrocker left a very bad finish all over the place. Are we suppose to repair it because we need to pass inspection?
 
Re: wall mounted luminaire

Excellent question. I ran into this last week when I went back to finish the trim on a basement remodel. The homeowner did the drywall himself, and he did a terrible job. In some cases, the gaps around some switch and outlet boxes were greater than 1 inch!

I am not a drywaller. I don't do wall repair. Most of the time it's not a problem, but I'm thinking of putting a clause in my contracts calling for a penalty payment if I show up to trim out a job, only to find the drywall to be in violation of 314.21.
 
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