Install light fixture near water pipes

roovane1

I want to install a wall lighting fixture in a bathroom and have it centered over a mirror. There is a stud behind the sheet rock where the fixture needs to be centered. Copper water pipes run along each side of the stud and connect to the sink below the mirror. I have a metal pancake box but I am concerned about using it in such close proximity to the water pipes. The house wiring is 3 wire (black, white & ground). The light fixture also has a ground wire. Can I use the metal pancake box? It probably would not be touching the pipes but would be within 1/2 inch...maybe less. Should I be using a plastic pancake? Thanks!

jamiedolan

I don't know of anything in the code that requires a certain distance from pipes for a regular junction box. There are size limits for boxes, but if you just have one wire going into the junction box connecting to the light, I think you will be okay. Make sure to use a green screen and connect the ground wire to the metal box.

Jamie

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Jamie Dolan - Neenah, WI

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roovane1

Thanks Jaime. The light fixture has 4 black, 4 white and one ground wire. Is that too much for a pancake? Please forgive my ignorance, but what is a green screen? There is a green screw for the ground wire on the mounting strap.

roovane1

Thanks Jaime. The light fixture has 4 black, 4 white and one ground wire. Is that too much for a pancake? Please forgive my ignorance, but what is a green screen? There is a green screw for the ground wire on the mounting strap.

iminaquagmire

That's too many wires for a pancake. You'll have to find a straddle box. I believe I've seen them at lowes. If not, an electrical supply house should have them or could get you one.

http://www.arlcatalog.com/Fan_Specia...ng%20Boxes.htm

Jim Port

The fixture wires are not included in the volume calculation, only the wires that are part of the premise wiring.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

iminaquagmire

That's true, but what I meant was its tough enough to fit one set of wires in a pancake box, let alone an extra 6 wires. Why try when you can just use a different box?

jamiedolan

Sorry for the delay. The box size will be fine, you have room in the back of the fixture for the fixture wires. You can use the screw on the mounting strap as long as it is secured to the metal box with metal screws. I normally would attached the incoming ground to the box, and have the fixture wire tied to the mounting strap.



Jamie

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Jamie Dolan - Neenah, WI

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