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Approved in wall electrical connections

MSA1 | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 23, 2009 02:33am

I have a customer that needs a ceiling fixture moved about two feet (further) away from the switch. I hate the thought of pulling a wire all the way back to the switch. I thought I remembered reading here about 6 mos ago about a connector that was approved for non-access use.

If this wonder product exists, does anyone rememeber what it was called and where I can find it? I still plan to put the connection in a box but it will need to be buried.

Thanks.

 

Family…..They’re always there when they need you.

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  1. DanH | Apr 23, 2009 03:32am | #1

    AMP 45686 00146 Cable Splice. But it's not clear that it's approved for general use but rather for some specific situations (namely for connections between modules of modular buildings).

    The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
  2. DanH | Apr 23, 2009 03:35am | #2

    http://www.smarthome.com/7104/Modular-Splice-Tap-Kit-194130062/p.aspx

    You'll notice that it doesn't say about it being approved for concealed situations.

    The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
  3. DanH | Apr 23, 2009 03:42am | #3

    And this is the one I have a few of (AMP branded), though I've never had call to use them:

    http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(hkmokd45q3evfe45xfswzy23)/productDetails.aspx?SKU=3238110

    The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
    1. MSA1 | Apr 23, 2009 05:28am | #4

      Thanks. I'll check it out. 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  4. gfretwell | Apr 23, 2009 05:44am | #5

    If code compliance is important to you, I would ask the AHJ if they accept the buried AMP device for anything but a manufactured home. The listing is ambiguous.

    1. MSA1 | Apr 23, 2009 05:49am | #6

      Ahj? 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

      1. McMark | Apr 23, 2009 06:29am | #7

        Authority Having Jurisdiction

        1. MSA1 | Apr 23, 2009 06:51am | #8

          Thought so. Really didn't want to get them involved for such a small job. 

          Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  5. User avater
    Ted W. | Apr 23, 2009 07:52am | #9

    Just curious, what's so bad about pulling new wire? I just tie the new wire to the old and pull it right through, takes about 10 minutes in most situations.

    ~ Ted W ~

    Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.net
    Meet me at House & Builder!

    1. junkhound | Apr 23, 2009 08:50am | #10

      pull it right through

      staples????

      1. User avater
        Ted W. | Apr 23, 2009 08:59am | #11

        D'oh!

        I forgot the modernized world outside of Chicago has outgrown rigid conduit. ~ Ted W ~

        Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netMeet me at House & Builder!

      2. MSA1 | Apr 23, 2009 02:59pm | #12

        Thanks junkhound. It would be nice though. 

        Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  6. renosteinke | Apr 23, 2009 05:28pm | #13

    "I have a customer ....."

    Well, that settles it. The issue is pretty clear: splices MUST be made in a junction box (the NEC plainly says so), and the box MUST remain accessible (code also says so.)

    That "ugly" box will never be noticed. If they're still fussy, camoflage it by mounting a smoke detector over it.

    Sure, there are ways to "make it work." Never underestimate Murphy's law, though ... those splices are where the troubles happen- which means that you get to trash the entire ceiling the next time you even think that's where the problem is.

    1. DanH | Apr 23, 2009 08:54pm | #15

      The afore-mentioned splices do not have to be in a box. Whether they can be buried or not is the issue.
      The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

      1. gfretwell | Apr 23, 2009 09:16pm | #16

        The AMP device is designed to be buried and 334.40 even allows them to be "fished". This is the most common way modules of prewired modular homes are connected. The only question is if they are listed for use in site built dwellings. There was a time when AMP was saying so. Now Tyco only talks about modular homes. Personally I am not a big fan of this device. I had AMP send me a few to look at when they had the original media blitz and I wasn't impressed. These are "insulation displacement" connectors, like those blue things you see in auto parts stores or "RJ-**" keystone connectors. You stick the insulated conductor in the cavity and crimp down on the top cover to seat it in the metal slot.
        I think I still have them around if anyone wants to see a close up picture

      2. renosteinke | Apr 24, 2009 01:57am | #19

        I am wll aware of the specialized gizmos discussed before. The manufcturer has since revised his literature, and there has been some clarification made; you are pretty much limited to using one of these to replace an existing one in a listed assembly (trailer).

        For all intents and purposes, those connectors simply do not exist for us regular folks, and their use outside a factory setting is not allowed.

         

    2. MSA1 | Apr 24, 2009 02:42am | #20

      I'm with you and I explained that to the client. I also told him about the discussion I read here and told him i'd save him some money if I could. 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  7. rasconc | Apr 23, 2009 06:25pm | #14

    I guess there is no access above.  We stayed in a condo last weekend that must have been wired for fans/ceiling fixtures and the covers they had were pretty unobtrusive, no screws.

    For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
    1. User avater
      jonblakemore | Apr 23, 2009 09:53pm | #17

      Could those have possibly been sprinkler heads? 

      Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

      1. rasconc | Apr 24, 2009 12:55am | #18

        Possibly but each was centered where I would have put a fan and there were mystery switches.  Had to do some checking to find outlets that were not switched.  It appeared at least in the bedroom that there were two unaccounted for switches I presumed light and fan.  Very good point though!! Each BR had three switches.  It was a nice place and not too old.  Caledonia and True Blue at Pawleys Is. 

        If ever there hit the Pawley's Island Tavern known as the PIT.  Best fried shrimp I have seen in a long time.  Happy hr 4-7 7days.  Pint of Yuengling draft $2.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

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