Junction Box Placement?

jerseyguy1996

Any code as to how far a junction box has to be from the entrance to an attic? I placed one about 12 inches from the opening to my attic. It was done out of convenience because I had a lot of wires servicing switches and lights fairly close to the attic opening. It was easy for me to hook things up while I stood on the ladder that I was using to get into the attic. Now I am concerned that there may be some code requirement regarding the placement of junction boxes.

oleguy74

unless wires and boxes are guarded 6' is required.

jerseyguy1996

What do you mean by "guarded"? Is that easy to do?

oleguy74

2x4 blocking ect.just have to be protected from stepping on wires and boxes when entering attic crawl spaces.

jerseyguy1996

Does the fact that I mounted the box to the side face of the joist and not the top of the joist make a difference? It is still oriented with the cover plate facing up but it is screwed into the joist from the side. Not sure if I am explaining the mounting correctly. I will try to take a picture of it.

oleguy74

just needs protection from being steeped on and dammaged.if with-in 6'

jerseyguy1996

Here is an image of the junction box in question.

clashley

If that's within 12 inches of the attic hatch/door, it's a step/trip hazzard. Just because you know that it there and to avoid doesn't mean the next homeowner will. That being said, you could probably cover the area with a large piece of 3/4" plywood spanning the joists to protect the box.