open splices - ECN Electrical Forums

I've had a homeowner ask through email about the legality of open splices and hidden splices.

Thinking it would be easy to answer, I grab the NEC and begin my search... Hmmm...

All I've found is:

300-5(e) Splices and Taps Direct-buried conductors or cables shall be permitted to be spliced or tapped without the use of splice boxes.

110-14(b) says nothing of splices being in a box.

370-29 states that boxes be accessible, but what if there is no box?

Where does it come out and say that there must be a box?

I've found the exception (300-5(e)), but not the rule...

I'm probably just overlooking it...

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 09-12-2001).]

Here's the email used with permission:

Quote

Hello,

I was searching on the internet for some electrical help. I had a "Handyman" come to my home... (edited by request)

I am having some new countertops and tiled backsplash being installed. I asked the handyman to move the outlets to be mounted under the cabinets (this would allow a clean tile backsplash) No Switches or Plugs in the
tile backsplash. He mounted the wires under the cabinets it looks good,
HOWEVER, all the existing wires were spliced to make the modifications and the
splice is connected with a wire nut and electrical tape. (No Box at all) and
these splices will be INACCESSIBLE behind a tile wall. Also, I think one or two 110 volt plugs were just capped with wire nuts and electrical taped. Any Ideas on what to do.

Should I ask the Handyman to come back and re-run new lines to a junction box in the basement where they could be accessed if necessary

He said he "Consulted" his Code Book (assuming "National Electrical Code") and stated that this modification was OK. I had a licensed plumber come out to run a gas line and he looked at the work and was almost with out words.

Again Six (6) 110 volt Grounded (2) Plug outlets were spliced to move them under the cabinet, 1 or 2 were capped and wrapped and left in what will be behind a tile kitchen backsplash wall.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Colin

Try 300-15(a)

Glenn

I'm in the same boat as you. I know it's in there, just can't find it. It's too early.
But... 370-29 requires all requires all boxes, etc. be accessible without removing building materials.
Anyway,

1)What do you mean by under the counter?

2)What you NEED to do is call a licensed electrician to correct this. Do not use "handymen" to perform any electrical work beyond possibly repairing or replacing existing installations. Due to the existing wiring, it is difficult enough for knowledgeable electricians to comply with the NEC during renovations.

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 09-13-2001).]

Yep... 300-15(a) was the one in particular I was looking for...

Thanks Glenn

Redsy, you took the words right out of my mouth!

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 09-13-2001).]

Thanks, Glenn.
To paraphrase an old saying...
many heads are better than one.

Now, how about cover mounted fixtures...

Some code violations are so outrageously blatant that one does not even need to be in the trade , as the plumber , to realize it.

This "Handyman" needs to be hit in the wallet, and hard, to understand this. Unfortunatly, in many states the AHJ ( all smoke , teeth & vinegar aside) can only impose fines that almost invite such work.

What ever happened to public floggings

I would recommend this customer seek leagal cousel to this end.
[Linked Image]

Steve, I forwarded your response to Colin...

He has been unjustly served...

I hope he has the back up he needs, I think he is in Georgia. Not sure of the laws there....

well good! http://techlicensing.com/states/georgia.html
I'm sure there's somebody there who will be equally appalled. On behalve of serious tradesmen..... both barrels Colin !