Is it acceptable for junction boxes to be located under loose fiberglass insulation in an attic?
Asked by Yolanda Hill 
2 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I’ve been researching whether junction boxes can be placed under loose fiberglass insulation in an attic. Some people say it’s okay depending on how your inspector defines “accessible.” The general consensus is that the box just needs to be accessible, with some suggesting that marking the location and clearing the insulation away would suffice.
I’m in the middle of a DIY project and not sure if I need to redo this box. Any advice?
Place a collar box and cover over it. Everything will be alright.
In my opinion, it would be considered accessible if you are in the attic tracing wire, lifting up insulation, and you come across a junction box. Yes, it’s accessible. To be tidy and professional, the wire on ceiling joists should be placed approximately halfway up a joist to avoid interfering with insulation.
Thanks Ed! I’ll mark it with a flag and make sure to mount the other junction higher.
Hey abriel, consider using a sharpie on the rafter above.
If it has a cover and is not open, then it’s okay
It’s fine as long as you keep it uncovered and accessible. If it gets buried, then relocate it to a higher rafter.
Send it over
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Delmont ornick
I had to place them on a board a little higher after inspecting, but that only happened once
Accessible means you can reach it. Lifting insulation is accessible. Just make sure it’s grounded and covered
Thanks a lot! Yes, it has a cover and is properly grounded and bonded.
I think it’s either a code or just a good practice, but for some reason I always remember to have it 14” above insulation.
That’s exactly how they did my home….and then conveniently “forgot” to blow in the insulation!
Reat idea
LOL, you should definitely check out the NEC codebook 😂👌
You can manage it, but if someone needs to reach it, they’ll have to call Dora The Explorer.
There will be some swearing
I’ve noticed some folks putting up a flag that says “junction box” above the insulation. I personally prefer not to place boxes under insulation, but sometimes you have no other choice.
Hey Travis, great suggestion! I’ll do the same for all the ceiling boxes.
Easily reachable without causing damage to the walls or structure of the building.
So, if you have access to the attic, conceal that thing
Absolutely
Definitely legal. From my experience, it’s better to move these boxes to a more accessible location for easier maintenance. It doesn’t take much longer to find a spot above the insulation.
You’re all set. With a cover and accessibility, no need for it to be immediately accessible.
It’s not advisable for them to be hidden, in case of repairs it will be very complicated, also I don’t understand why in several countries they don’t use steel PVC pipes or conduits so that there are no problems when wiring in houses or businesses needs to be changed, do you all believe that the electrical installation is ETERNAL?
According to code, accessible and immediately accessible are different. It may not be immediately accessible. The interpretation of “accessible” here would be up to the AHJ. But we can all agree that nobody wants to dig through insulation to find a junction box. So, if possible, avoid installing boxes that could get covered.
Just saw someone mess with the Joyce box – turned it around and flipped it. Can’t believe they thought we wouldn’t notice!
Hey, you must be in the South or West because in the East you can’t do that, you can’t do any work, I’m just saying
No content
I’d be more concerned about box capacity, you have a lot going into a shallow box.
Sounds good, I’ll make sure to double check that.
It’s possible for it to be under the fill, but if you have the chance to make a repair without the fill obstructing your work near the outside wall, so that it’s no longer under the fill, I would definitely do it.
Preferably, make sure it’s accessible *and* identified by location, especially if it’s buried in insulation. But if possible, move it to the top of the truss’s lower span.
Just picture if the insulation was BLOWN IN. COME ON MAN
Looks great! 👍🏼
It’s best to try and place it above where the insulation is located. That way, you can easily locate it later on.
You shouldn’t hide it behind drywall or any other material. Accessible means just that. Having to climb a ladder, then crawl through a small opening, and move across rafters in 20″ of blown-in insulation is not accessible.
Big thanks to everyone for all the responses! Exactly what I needed.
Whenever we have to work in an attic like this, I always attach a flag to the rafter and label it
You’re doing great!
The 4 11/16” is flipped around
Hey James, the attic access is from above.