It's pretty common to "daisy chain" lights. That's to say power comes into light #1, then goes to #2, to #3, etc. Connections are made in the box of the lights and you wouldn't need a junction box in the ceiling. Junction boxes also need to be accessible, so putting one behind the sheetrock wouldn't be acceptable anyway.

I agree with Mike. Almost every recessed light I've ever used (be it old work or new) has a junction box attached and you can certainly daisy chain from one to the next (perhaps even add an additional connection).

Putting it behind sheet rock provided you can get to it by pulling the fixture (without destroying the sheetrock), is OK. I've done that when the cables aren't long enough. This meets the definition of accessibility.

Ron,

Now that we're on the topic, what about "new work" recessed cans and accessibility? The fixture is typically nailed or screwed to the joists, drywall below the cans, and in the case of multi-story homes, a finished floor above them.

Short of destroying something, how are they accessible? Or is this just one of those exceptions because there isn't another solution?

Thanks everyone for responding. The current light is in the center of the room where a recessed light will not be. My dilemma is what to do with this wire as I don't think I can get it to one of the cans. I think daisy chaining the will be easier as well.

Mike,

The new work recessed fixtures I've installed have 'accessible' junction boxes by removal of the cans which are held by sheet metal screws, though you'd have enough room up in there for only one hand. The lids on the JBs are held in place by spring clips.

YMMV

Randy is right. All the new work devices Can remove the trim ring and then pull the "guts" of the fixture out so you can get to the box. The real only difference is that the fixture is held in place by the ceiling joists rather than hanging on the dry wall. The box remains on the hangar but the fixture dangles down by a short piece of armored cable. In the remodel cans, the box comes out with the fixture typically.

I guess I never looked at a new can that carefully. It's good to know should I ever need to pull one out.

I did some "one handed" work once when some fool hid a junction box. Wasn't a lot of fun, nor very comfortable. Adding insult to injury, I could only use my weak hand. <lol>