Could I please get some feedback on the installation of junction boxes in attics? This issue is so arguable since sometimes I have contractors that want to install j-boxes all over the place. I have a tendency to treat these as I would items in attics per the building/mechanical/plumbing codes, that is to say, if you want to put them up there, put a directory in the panel and build a walkway to them. I have serviced too many SFR's and commercial building, trying to trace down a circuit, only to find after much time there was a buried box in the attic...
I guess the question is: what exactly is "accessible"?
Any and all input is most welcome...

Well, without getting into too much of a heated, heavy debate:

I require them to be accessible so someone can work on them if possible. I don't worry too much about whether or not they label the j-box as this isn't required. The box cannot be concealed by the building or structure (example would be an LB where it has been installed such that one can't get the cover off). I do not allow j-boxes to be installed where only a squirrel, or a mouse can access the box, but I do not require that the j-box be installed to meet 110.26. There have been instances in my past where I allowed j-boxes to be concealed if there was an access hole framed out on rough-in. I made rough-in inspection notes to remind myself to check on final that the access was there (not buried by drywall).

Just yesterday I turned down what I call a "handy" box with a single pole switch installed in it - because there was a 2" pipe in front of it. A qualified electrician would have a hard time even getting the cover plate off if they had to.

I agree with Nick's general assessment. It is hard to establish exactly what would be considered universally accessible & applicable to all cases and circumstances.

Instead, this is a judgment call on a case by case basis. What is considered accessible in one circumstance may not be in another.

So like workmanship, I can't tell you when something is acccessible, but I know what it is when I see it.

I agree with both Bryan and Nick.

No having to have a trained mouse or squirrel to access to the j-box, but also not having to hire a line locator company to find a j-box buried beneath the attic insulation.

I agree with Nick. When I go into older attics I wonder 'what were they thinking?' Commercial ceilings that are suspended drywall often require access panels to boxes; whereas suspended 2x2 or 2x4 grid ceilings are considered accessible.
I remember years ago standing on a ladder inspecting a neon transformer and getting zapped off the T-bar to my belly button....be careful.

A little off the point of the original question: I am having a problem with lay in ceilings that have insulation batts above them. When the ceiling is installed they put a row of tiles, then a row of 2' x 4' batts tightly packed together over each tile. Then a row of tiles and a row of batts, etc. To access the j-box for the lay in fixture you must push up the tile and the batt; find out which tile is correct and putsh it up. After performing work, it is impossible to get those batts back down in the original position. And that is if you really try! If insulation is considered to be part of the 'building finish' then the j-boxes are not accessible.

There is a simple solution for that problem. It is a violation to place insulation on a suspended drop ceiling:

2007 FBC:

As my Grandmother Effie Berger used to say "WELL HOO! RAY!"

no need to address the NEC it is already in the FBC!!

only problem is that lots of times it is in the field and not on the submitted plans.

I intend to check the reference (not lacking faith--- just putting on file for future) and discuss with all inspectors in our section.

thank you AGAIN.

lynn

PS: the SR-71 is on display at he "Air Force Armament Museum" in Ft. Walton Beach Florida. a beautiful aircraft. Gains 11" in length when at Mach 3 due to skin heating by air friction. The fuel tanks would leak at ground temperature. the (kerosene) leaking out would flame- causing many an air traffic controller to declare an "EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT ON FIRE" The fuel burns at a few hundred degrees. The skin temperature at speed is 11,00 degrees!
I have to wonder- What have they replaced it with??? "Area 51- WHERE ARE YOU?" [with apologies to a sick sit-com of the 60's]