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Posted By: mj code violation ? - 01/10/05 06:27 PM
use of the regular plastic outlet boxes that are used for interior wiring ? is a code violation to use these boxes in brick or concreate wall ? Some electrician in my area use the plastic boxes in brick and do not sleeve the NMC going through the brick. what code sections is violated her, if any ?
Posted By: gfretwell Re: code violation ? - 01/10/05 09:34 PM
I assume you mean NM-b, most folks have never seen NMC.

I have asked a similar question myself and the closest thing to an answer I found is they consider the wet location to start on the face of the outside wall but I never really had that confirmed.
It is also common to see regular metal device boxes in masonry served by Romex.

It is OK to "fish" Romex through voids in masonry if this is "dry".

I will just sit and watch what you get here.
Posted By: George Little Re: code violation ? - 01/10/05 10:37 PM
Okay Greg, here goes. "luminaires installed in a wet or damp locationshall be installed so that water can not accumulate in wiring compartments"
Kinda helps. By definition, the outdoor fixture is in a wet location. I have never seen any other approach to this installation except having the NM cable either enter the box set in the brick or the fixture directly. If I wrote a violation I'm not sure what the installer wouild do to change it. I say don't rock the boat. There is some wording that has us sealing around the box or cover to prevent the entry of water. The reference escapes me.
Posted By: gfretwell Re: code violation ? - 01/10/05 10:56 PM
Lee County requires my wife to caulk around the bezel on exterior wall mounted lights.
They still seem to treat the masonry of an exterior wall as dry.
Posted By: harold endean Re: code violation ? - 01/11/05 02:32 AM
MJ,

I guess the only thing that would prohibit the use of plastic boxes in masonary is the code section 110.3 (B). Is the box listed and labeled for the use? Most likely it is not. Would I red tag the job because of it? Most likely not. As long as there isn't big gaps around the boxes which would allow the water to get inside the masonary wall.
Posted By: Reel-Break Re: code violation ? - 01/11/05 01:31 PM
Here we must seal the hole from where the wire leaves the home.And the gasket must be squeezed against the brick to prevent water from entering the wiring compartment.I buy the foam rubber gasket sheets cut them push over the studs then trim after fixture is installed.Haven`t had a issue with plastic vs metal boxes We mostly use metal bnecause they have the clamps and the mason don`t pull the wires out.
Posted By: Electricmanscott Re: code violation ? - 01/11/05 09:14 PM
I have never sealed an outside fixture other than a flood setup on a weatherproof cover. I suspect if this was such an issue the manufacturers of the fixtures would be required to provide a solution. As for the plastic box I see no big deal. At least it wont rust.
Posted By: shortcircuit Re: code violation ? - 01/12/05 01:38 AM
I took a single gang plastic new work nail on box and put screws inside through the back of it into a 2x4 nailed to a concrete wall and ran romex down the 2x4 into the box and this was in a basement on a GFCI circuit.

The inspector made me change the box to a 4inch square steel box. Said the plastic new work box wasn't listed for that type of use.

Is the box your useing listed for your installation?

shortcircuit
Posted By: gfretwell Re: code violation ? - 01/12/05 01:58 AM
He may have been saying he didn't like the way you attached the box, not the material
Posted By: mj Re: code violation ? - 01/13/05 10:56 PM
This shoud be enforced my using section : 110.3(a)1 suitability . setting a non-metal box in concrete or masonry, per sec #314.23 (G)
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