There is an interpretation by the WA L&I that is going to prohibit covering of boxes in attics with insulation. Their reasoning is that if you must move insulation, then the box is not accessible. Anybody have any ideas on how the installations are going to be done to meet this requirement and to keep the insulators from burying the boxes? Put shields around it, put 'em on stands? What's that gator guy from Australia say? Cripey!!
Bob

Is this a formal, local amendment, or simply an interpretation? If it is an interpretation, I would think that substantiation should be provided.
Article 314.29 of the 2002 NEC requires only that boxes be installed so that the wiring can be rendered "accessible".
Article 100 defines "Accesible" as "Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building".
I can't see insulation rendering a box "inaccessible"




[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 01-22-2003).]

It's being incorporated as a rule of law in the Wa Administrative Code. Still haven't figured out why.
Bob

bobp:

How specific are they? Blown-in, fiber glass batts, foam board, etc.?

I can see where rigid foam board would present a problem, in that one would have to cut into it. Blown-in would be a matter of pushing the stuff aside. Batts would have to be cut as well.

I guess he electricians will have to have a working relationship with the insulation people. That is, after you finish dealing with the sheet rock installers and the painters, etc.

SHOULD a junction box be covered with insulation, anyhow? Is heat a factor?

I just remodeled a kitchen that was originally wired in the early '60s. Single story ranch style single family. The wiring I was modifying was mostly FMC. The original installers had used numerous junction boxes in the attic above the kitchen ceiling. All the boxes were on top of the ceiling 2x8 joists and mostly kept close to the rafters (to keep the center clear).

Then in the early '90s the house was given 20 inches more insulation. I had to tunnel through three feet of insulation to search for the suspected boxes !!!

On the other side: If a j-box under insulation is inaccessible, is the outlet box that a luminaire is mounted over, that requires tools to get at, accessible?

Al

The proposed change to WAC 296-46B-314(2) includes "Conduit bodies, junction, pull and outlet boxes" and you will "Have to elevate to be visible" without moving the insulation. This includes luminaire boxes and doesn't differentiate between batt and blown insulation. Ain't this one gonna' be fun. Also, from what I can find, it has been accepted.

Bob

What about using those small flags like the lawn sprinkler guys use? Or maybe the flexible survey stakes that are planted when the grade work is done?
"Before I do any work I'll need a stamped surveyors map of the boxes up there..."
Really, would a small flag stapled to the rafter right next to the box satisfy them, or can you help them reconsider their rule?

Hello All,

I have been lurking in the shadows for awhile and decided to log in. Love this site.

bobp,

What really irks me about this decision is the fact that they will only pick on this point until it is brought to their attention that there are dozens of other places where "accesible" boxes are a whole lot harder to get to than these. How about the hundreds that are in the ceilings of countless supermarkets and office buildings? Or how about the ones in the ceilings of high bay factories 20' off the ground?
It sounds to me like somebody decided to open a can of worms before they really thought about it. JMHO

[This message has been edited by Big A (edited 01-22-2003).]

Hey Guys,

I'm with you, this is ludicrous. I found out about it a week or so ago and it's to late.
As for the flag, the change says they will have to be raised above the insulation.


Bob

HUH??

welcome Big A.


i'd like to embelish on your point.

i find it in poor taste when a certain situation is focused on without regard to similar scenarios inclusive of the rest of the code.

it is in fact, discriminate..... considering all the earth coverd JB's
(et all similarities)

discrimination is the cousin of ingnorance.

similar threads have authorities (and i say it loosley) trying to impose 110.26 on receptacle outlets in tight locations.

if they have a problem with the NEC they can write an ROP, instead of hiding behind the local 'good ol' boys'.

the latter(blissful) difference speaks for itself.

When wiring a new 2 story house I will sometime leave extra romex feeds,RG6 and phone line in the attic.I always nail the boxs to a roof rafter so I don't have to go looking for the box at a later date.
Wouldn't nailing your J box to the rafter solve your problem.
BTW-Leaving those extra feeds in the attic have made me look like a hero more than once.

Al, I like the way you think!

He is right. J-Boxes are required to be accesible. Where he is wrong is that they are not required to readily accesible.