Electrical boxes: code? for all the electricians out there

[canadian_hustla]

Hey guys,

what is the code for electrical boxes being installed for each set of wiring for lights?

I live in a condo, so does this mean that all light fixtures (including kitchen and bathroom) should have electrical boxes? (to prevent fire etc, as well to make installation easier)

what if one doesn't?

thanks for your help in advance!

[Tik-Tok]

Yeah, ALL fixtures require a box, it's not hard to put one in though.

[Black_ZX2]

Absolutely, all devices require an electrical box. If, for some reason a device doesn't, it isn't overly difficult to add one.

[canadian_hustla]

Originally posted by Black_ZX2
Absolutely, all devices require an electrical box. If, for some reason a device doesn't, it isn't overly difficult to add one.

very interesting because my brand new condo does not have any boxes for the bathrooms.. sort of came as a surprise to me

the wire is basically just fed through the wall

I am assuming that I would see the box had it actually existed correct? or would it be on the other side of the drywall?

thanks for the feedback folks

[rorah]

I am not a sparky but the light boxes(octagon box) help secure the light fixture to the ceiling or wall. I am a carpenter by trade and have done some wiring for my own garage. If you have a lot of wiring to do there is a book called the electrical code simplified, it helps.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by canadian_hustla



very interesting because my brand new condo does not have any boxes for the bathrooms.. sort of came as a surprise to me

the wire is basically just fed through the wall

I am assuming that I would see the box had it actually existed correct? or would it be on the other side of the drywall?

thanks for the feedback folks

Yeah, that's wrong, what probably happened is the electrician put the box in, the the drywallers came and covered it up. There should be a box behind it, and the proper way to do it is to cut around it, and move the box forward (hardway) or cut around it and get a box extension (easy way), but there definately should be no drywall between the box and the fixture. Serious fire hazard.

[canadian_hustla]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok


Yeah, that's wrong, what probably happened is the electrician put the box in, the the drywallers came and covered it up. There should be a box behind it, and the proper way to do it is to cut around it, and move the box forward (hardway) or cut around it and get a box extension (easy way), but there definately should be no drywall between the box and the fixture. Serious fire hazard.

yeah I was thinking that, I will be calling the condo corp first thing in the morning because that is rediculous!

thanks for your help, it just came as a surprise to see it without one.

[LiquidSilver]

im an electrician and yes you definitly need a box

[Black_ZX2]

Is it an older condo? I have actually seen light fixtures in a bathroom in an older house that did not have an electrical box at all. Just a small hole in the wall with the wire feeding through it. Regardless of the situation, you need to get it fixed up.

[canadian_hustla]

Originally posted by Black_ZX2
Is it an older condo? I have actually seen light fixtures in a bathroom in an older house that did not have an electrical box at all. Just a small hole in the wall with the wire feeding through it. Regardless of the situation, you need to get it fixed up.

actually it is brand new lol, moved in on May 03/2007

that is why it sort of stunned me too

[Supa Dexta]

behold! the quality of shit built in calgary the last few yrs...

[pyro]

section 30-302
(5) ...the luminaire shall be supported
(a) independently of the outlet box; or
(b) by a fixture hanger provided with an integral outlet box suitable for the purpose

[Black_ZX2]

Originally posted by pyro
section 30-302
(5) ...the luminaire shall be supported
(a) independently of the outlet box; or
(b) by a fixture hanger provided with an integral outlet box suitable for the purpose

That only pertains to how the fixture is supported and doesn't mention code requirements for the actual electrical wiring which does require a device box.