[BurkeW]

I just bought three pendant lights from Cost Plus and would like to hang them above my dining room table. I have one electrical box directly over the table. I'd like to avoid installing and wiring two more boxes in the ceiling (for aesthetics and also I don't want multiple boxes if I decide to remove the pendent lights), so I'm thinking about building a wooden canopy. The canopy would have a recessed space to route the wiring for the three pendant lights.

See this post for an example of the canopy I'd like to build: http://traceblog.com/2012/02/29/diy-multi-pendant-chandelier/

As long as the connections are made in the single junction box, would this meet code?

Thanks for your help.

 

[busman]

While you're at it, why not build a wicker tank. No, that's not to code. Consider the great fire resistant properties of WOOD.

Mark

 

[BurkeW]

So what if all three cords go through a metal plate which seals off the junction box? I'd drill three holes and then use some sort of grommet to protect the cord from the metal edge. Then build the wooden decorative canopy over the junction box (in a removable way). The wooden box is mostly to space the pendant lights out.

My biggest questions would be:
- does code require a metal (or plastic) cover plate over a junction box?
- does code say anything about what can be placed over or around the junction box (when covered with a proper plate)?

Thanks again for any help on this.

 

[Oso954]

You might want to call your insurance agent and ask him whether installing a light fixture (particularly home built or assembled), that is not NRTL listed, has any impact on your Homeowners/Fire insurance.