Code for installing junction boxes in ceiling

NewHomeDIYGuy

I'm finishing a part of my basement, and I'm redoing the recessed lights in my basement. I'm trying to figure out what to do for one part where the homeowner spliced into the existing electrical run. The circuit is just for lighting on the lower floor, but it goes from one end of the house to the other.

The issue is that the owner cut the line that feeds the basement (at the point of one of the recessed cans) at one point, and tapped into it and ran it to switches below, but now I want to remove the "tapped" line at that point.

I understand it's frowned upon to put concealed junction boxes behind drywall, but is it against code? If I'm going to put a recessed light in the near vicinity, could I just wire nut the connections and stick them in the electrical box of the recessed can? Or, would you guys recommend installing a separate ceiling/junction box, with a "cap" that's accessible?

I'm not sure exactly what's the "right" way, and could use some advice. The wire is just 14/2 romex.

-Mike

joed

It is against code to put junction boxes behind drywall. They must remain accessible. If the can light has enough room to satisfy box fill then you can use it as a junction box. It most likely does not have enough room.

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NewHomeDIYGuy

Thanks joed. I guess I'll probably have to just put a box on the ceiling then, unless there's plenty of room in the recessed can box..

I'm not sure what's considered "good practice," but it's annoying as all hell when people tap existing lines and get the power from that point, just to save a few lousy feet of wire. The line is tapped at another point, and I guess I'll just run a new length of romex so I can avoid a second junction box in the ceiling.

hammerlane

Is the circuit you're talking about overloaded?

NewHomeDIYGuy

No, there were only 6 ceiling lights on the 15 amp circuit. I just mean they could've done a neater job with the wiring, rather than tapping into the wire at certain points in the ceiling.