Light Fixtures and Electrical Junction Boxes

Question: I started changing light fixtures in my apartment and there were no junction boxes. Isn’t that a code violation?

This electrical question came from: Mary, from Tampa, Florida

See more about Home Wiring for Florida

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mary
Electrical Boxes for Light Fixtures
Mary, some light fixtures have an area that is approved for electrical connections and a bonding screw for the ground wire. This area would provide protection for the electrical wiring and would contain the electrical wiring where it would not come into contact with the surface of the wall or ceiling.  However, if the fixture canopy or area is open to the wall or ceiling then the light fixture should be mounted onto an approved electrical light fixture box of junction box.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Home Electrical Junction Boxes

Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring

Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

Home Electrical Wiring Codes

Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring

Electrical Code Directory covering afci-circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical-gfci, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, and smoke-detectors.