Hi,
Do I hear any AMENS to the following code suggestion:

All J-Boxes installed in an attic space SHALL be ELEVATED when they are accessible from the attic space!

I am sick of wading through insulation to find a j-box.

I have seen 2 feet of this crap blown in an attic!

I have turned down work because I did not want to wade into that...i have also lost some tools up there in that wasteland!

Give me a break!

-regards

Mustang

[This message has been edited by mustangelectric (edited 11-01-2004).]

This sounds like a proposal for the 2008 NEC . . . right?

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Charlie Eldridge, Indianapolis, Utility Power Guy

Can't that be covered somehow in the concealed junction box section. To me insulation is a permanent installation and the junction boxes should not be permanently concealed. Try to enforce that with the insulators! If the boxes were to be elevated, how high should they go? About knee(*ouch*) high?

Oh, and AMEN!!
(edited to TESTIFFYY)

[This message has been edited by chi spark (edited 11-01-2004).]

As if the inspector is actually going into the attic.

Why would I need to go to the attic? I can see a box at the rough inspection, and if it were low it would get moved , if this indeed were a requirement.

Make it a habit of good workmanship and install all your attic J boxes high enough to clear the insulation. Those who come in after you will thank you.

Are attic J-boxes really that common? I don't think I've ever seen one here.

I was in the trade for about five years and have installed a few on rewire but I don't think I ever installed one on new work.

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Charlie Eldridge, Indianapolis, Utility Power Guy

Ryan you have to go into the attic to see them. Seriously I find them (and install them) quite often in renovation work. I have yet to come accross an inspector that will climb into an attic, especially a dirty old one. As for crawling through insulation, it is unfortunately part of our job.

Hi,
Thanks for the replies. A lot of homes here will have HVAC equip, lights, or additions over time..if you need to trace anything out by visual inspection it makes it tough.

Somehow I always end up in the attic!

not the end of the world I suppose just an idea.

-regards

Mustang

[This message has been edited by mustangelectric (edited 11-03-2004).]

I just finished a job where the previous homeowner blew in cellulose insulation that was waist high in places. No kidding! It was in snow drifts in the corners and the outside wall had a bank that was shoulder high! Luckily there was minimal electric in the home (i.e. no recepts or lights in half the house).

In a place like that you are more likely to find a rat than a j-box.

A demographic rule of thumb that I picked up at the home improvement magazines I consult with: Over half of single family dwellings have been built since 1970.

Of the half built before 1970, a big proportion will be dwellings that will attract attic J-boxes. I see a lot of 'em. The core legacy circuit or two from a time of 30 Amp service entrances.

In 2 story homes I wire, I routinely run a 1" EMT to the attic and terminate in a 12x12x6 pull box for the 2nd floor circuits. When I do this I mount the pull box in a central part of the attic where there is the most headroom and mount it on 24" 2x4 risors/plywood. This not only makes it easy to find in the future, it also keeps anyone from having to lay in cellulose to access it.

Since I have to put my name on the document, I crawl into every attic, crawl space for each inspection I perform that requires it. I will admit, I am the 'dirtiest' inspector I know The contractors usually ask me 'what?' when I ask for a ladder for the scuttle hole
Like I said my name is on that final document and it won't go on that document until I am satisfied the work complies with the MINIMUM code requirements.
The biggest problem I find in attics is 320.23

Pierre

Hi,
Thanks for all the replies. I can remember a time ot two or three where I have seen boxes without covers, cables without connectors terminations without wire nuts and my favorite...a splice with a wrap or two of 33.

I also like where the new AC unit is tapped from the range wire or HW heater..

-regards

MUSTANG