We just purchased our home (built in 2002) and wanted to replace the vanity lights. The builder put in the inexpensive "Broadway/Hollywood" strip lights. When we removed the light we discovered there is no electrical box of any kind... just wires running up and out through a hole in the drywall (there are not studs at the light's location). An electrician told me this is not up to code (NEC). I can't yet get hold of the builder to find out their story and can't find a reference to it. I live in an unincorporated area, so would only be restricted by NEC. The biggest problem I'm running into now (other than worrying my house will burn down) is I can't hang another type of fixture without tearing out drywall and mounting a crossbar with a box between the two studs. Anyone know if this is/was a violation of NEC? I really want to get the builder to pay to correct this!

Hi,
Just a quick 2 cents here. I can't answer the NEC question but the guys on here will know that one for sure.

All I was going to say is, there's a such thing as an "old work" lighting box. Instead of what you're talking about with cutting a large section of drywall out and putting in a crossbar, you just get one of these boxes, which goes in a hole just its own size. Then it uses special screws and "wings" that come out and hold it against the drywall. You'd just feed your dangling wire into this, install it, and you'd be done.

They'll hold all but very heavy light fixtures. So, it's an easier and faster option for you.

See what the guys say about the code... but if you can install this kind of box, the cost would be very low.

Good luck,

James

James,
Thanks for that information! Do you have any idea what weight limit would be advisable for and old work box? Also, since this would be a wall mount, should I use a rectangular box, or a round one?
I suspect there aren't code concerns -- I've contacted the County (I'm in an unincorporated area) and they didn't seem to care about whether I had existing violations; they said I should hire my own inspector if I was worried about it!

A round one is typical for light fixtures. That and suitable wall anchors to hold the fixture and your done!

Anything short of a ceiling fan should work.

You can find this box I included a picture of at:

http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/raco/raco_datasheet.asp?PN=7922RAC&FAM=RacoBoxes&P=1974,2019,2020


This should be able to handle a fixture no more than 35 pounds.

If the fixture is not more than 6 pounds, you can use the rectangle single gang old work box in a wall, found at:

http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/raco/raco_datasheet.asp?PN=7887RAC&FAM=RacoBoxes&P=1974,1975,2013

An outlet box should have been installed behind the fixture, unless the fixture installed by your contractor is listed to be installed without a box, which I doubt.

Some govermeent agency should have required a permit, perhaps the state, you can begin checking there to see if the work was inspected.

Hope this helps.

I don't have an answer, I have encounted the same problem in my brand new house. The builder did not use any electrical box in any wall light in 3 BA the hood fan/light, and 1 dressing table area. I was told by that this is a NEC code violation. Hole in the wall every time, wire/cable coming through, the 2' light fixtures all had a 2' backplate with a small hole in it, this is where the wire came through. They connected the 3 wires to 3 wires on the fixture and hung fixture, which also had a font plate. No plate is recessed in wall. The plate had screw hole on left and right and that's how the fixture hung on wall. Does anyone truly know the exact NEC or Massachusetts code it violates? Would be grateful for response. Thanks

I don't have an answer, I have encounted the same problem in my brand new house. The builder did not use any electrical box in any wall light in 3 BA the hood fan/light, and 1 dressing table area. I was told by that this is a NEC code violation. Hole in the wall every time, wire/cable coming through, the 2' light fixtures all had a 2' backplate with a small hole in it, this is where the wire came through. They connected the 3 wires to 3 wires on the fixture and hung fixture, which also had a font plate. No plate is recessed in wall. The plate had screw hole on left and right and that's how the fixture hung on wall. Does anyone truly know the exact NEC or Massachusetts code it violates? Would be grateful for response. Thanks

BostonPat,

Please do not hijack a post. Please open a new item. While your post is similar, it is not the same.

In the original post, the home is two years old, it is possible that the original homeowner wired in the fixture and just did not know what they were doing. It's been known to happen. :)

The AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) would really be your best resource. Your City, County or State Electrical Inspectors are the one's to contact. Although I do not believe that this is a code violation (I don't have book with me today). The NEC requires that branch circuit splices/connections to devices be contained in boxes.

However, if the fixture's design allowed for the connections to be made within the fixture, than you should be fine. Where were the splices for this fixture, were the connections made within the light or behind the light through a cutout in the ceiling or wall?

If you cannot find the local electrical inspector to ask, than call the fire department and see if they have the inspector's phone number.

Thank you Don. I will go talk to the electrical inspector i.n town