a few questions about using junction boxes

17 years ago

i want to redo some of the wiring on my basement. some is older wire, some brand new (not mixed together on the same circut though). can i cut the wire just before it goes up into the walls and re run it the way i want it then put it back together with a junction box? what if there are other junction boxes elsewhere i may not know about... is there a certain amount of boxes allowed on single circut? i really do not have the ability to replace ALL the older wiring, especially from outlet to outlet inside the walls.

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Comments (6)

tom_o
17 years ago
You can have as many junction boxes as you desire or can afford.

Keep in mind that there is a limit to how many conductors are allowed in a junction box and that junction boxes must remain accessible (not permanently closed in by a wall or ceiling finish).

If you are using a cable wiring method such as non-metallic sheathed cable, commonly called Romex or NM-B, there are rules as to how it must be run in or on the ceiling joists of the basements. If you need a detailed explanation of that, just post the question.

Tom
chris8796
17 years ago
Most times you can't add a junction box in the middle of an existing circuit (even though your allowed), because there is not enough slack in the cable to make a safe connection. You can get around this by adding 2 junction boxes or changing the downstream path.

good luck
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not if properly done there is not. and if you are lucky yoru cable will be dropped from above. then you can cut the hole first and if the cable is there, then pull it up. this will let it all be in 1 box. if the cabel routes up from teh basement, then use the 2 boxes or else run new cable. also, does the new unit require the same or less power as the old unit? cause if it requires more you may need to run new cable anyway. or if the old unit required 240v no neutral, and the new requires 120v/240v with neutral.
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bus_driver
17 years ago
Splices are a potential source of trouble. Keeping the number to a minimum is good practice. Be sure each splice is done carefully.
tommy23
17 years ago
are you allowed to have a junction box in a drop ceiling , the one I see is capped
petey_racer
17 years ago
"are you allowed to have a junction box in a drop ceiling "

Yes.
brickeyee
17 years ago
NEC definition
Article 100 definitions
I. General

"Accessible(as applied to wiring methods). Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permenanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building."

Above a drop ceiling is OK.
Behind a panel fasted with screws for access is OK.
Behind a panel nailed in place is NOT OK (pulling nails is destructive as opposed to removing screws).

If you can get into the box withou causing damage you are OK.
If you need to cut and make reparis after gaining access you are NOT OK. No drywall mud allowed.

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a few questions about using junction boxes

Comments (6)

tom_o

chris8796

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tommy23

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