Install motion detection lights

04-02-2011, 11:40 PM	#1
whatrymes Member   Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 53	Install motion detection lights Hey: I have little experience wiring outdoors and need to know some basics. I want to install a weatherproof box under a soffit, run NM through the center (bottom) knockout and hang a motion light. How do I clamp the cable as the box will be flush with the soffit? Is an override switch necessary? Recommended?

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04-03-2011, 08:53 AM	#2
gregzoll Average Joe/ex-Navy IC3     Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Midwest - Central Illinois Posts: 9,257	Install motion detection lights You can not run NM outside.

04-03-2011, 09:18 AM	#3
LyonsElecSupply Electrical Supplier   Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 205	Install motion detection lights You can bring NM from inside, through a hole, then DIRECTLY into a box when it is protected. There is no problem with this....if you dont feel good about it, then sleeve it in pvc....... To answer your question, just use a threaded NM connector, secure it to the box then put it up against the soffit....... __________________ "Do it right the first time and avoid duplication of effort" Your AHJ/Inspectors ALWAYS have the final say on ANY electrical code issue. If in doubt, contact a licensed, experienced, reputable electrician to perform the work.

04-03-2011, 09:48 AM	#4
whatrymes Member   Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 53	Install motion detection lights Quote: Originally Posted by LyonsElecSupply You can bring NM from inside, through a hole, then DIRECTLY into a box when it is protected. There is no problem with this....if you dont feel good about it, then sleeve it in pvc....... To answer your question, just use a threaded NM connector, secure it to the box then put it up against the soffit....... I'm fine with NM directly into box which was my intent, but would the NM coonector lay flush between the box and trim? Thanks , Ed

04-03-2011, 02:59 PM	#5
teamo Member   Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 254	Install motion detection lights When you say bottom of the box are you talking about the knockout in the back of the box? If you need to use the back knockout then you will need to make the hole big enough to recess the cable clamp.

04-03-2011, 06:51 PM	#6
whatrymes Member   Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 53	Install motion detection lights Quote: Originally Posted by teamo When you say bottom of the box are you talking about the knockout in the back of the box? If you need to use the back knockout then you will need to make the hole big enough to recess the cable clamp. Yes, that's what I was thinking. Drill a big whole? I guess I could do that. I wasn't sure if there was something else I wasn't familiar with. Thanks you