Hidden outlet?

[Copymutt]

In process of making and installing soffits. Existing exposed eves have a couple of weatherproof outlets for roof heat tape which will not be utilized. Does code permit just leaving them in place, enclosed under soffit? If not I can relocate or just terminate in the box.

 

[PCustoms]

I'm going to guess no, as this would be the same as a hidden junction box....

Leave them for Xmas lights?

Put a new box in, nut the wires and put a weather tight lid on it painted to match?

 

[Copymutt]

Gotcha, makes sense.

 

[rlitman]

I'm going to guess no, as this would be the same as a hidden junction box....

Leave them for Xmas lights?

Put a new box in, but the wires and put a weather tight lid on it painted to match?

How are the soffits being enclosed? I've seen many done like a drop ceiling, and boxes above a drop ceiling may be allowed (not in a plenum, but elsewhere). If the soffit can be easily opened to access the box, I think that would be good enough. If you're screwing up cement board, then yeah, expose the box to the underside.

 

[Copymutt]

Fabricated sheet metal soffit, several inches below the outlets. Extending them would also result in a hidden box, no access. Do I remember an in line, in wall approved connector for extending an NM-B run?

 

[pattenp]

The inline connector you are thinking of is only allowed for making repairs, not extending a circuit.

 

[Copymutt]

Whoops, cut the wires too short. Time to repair!

 

[alfredeneuman]

Repair not Relocate

 

[rlitman]

The inline connector you are thinking of is only allowed for making repairs, not extending a circuit.

Huh?

There are connectors designed to splice and tap NM-b that can be buried in a wall.

 

[Copymutt]

Yes there are, but just like fat Propanel screws, Infrared bath heat fixtures, round soffit vents, Home Depot doesn't stock them!

 

[rlitman]

Yes there are, but just like fat Propanel screws, Infrared bath heat fixtures, round soffit vents, Home Depot doesn't stock them!

No, but I have seen them at Lowes.

 

[PoorUB]

Put a plastic access panel in the soffit, right under the outlet?

 

[dscheidt]

Huh?

There are connectors designed to splice and tap NM-b that can be buried in a wall.

no, it doesn't. Look it up. 334.40 B was changed for the 2014 code cycle to allow concealed use only for repair, not extension or a tap. In exposed wiring (like an attic say) they can be used for a splice without a box in extending a circuit. I don't understand why if it's good enough to repair with it, it's not good enough for new work, but that's the code language.
(a different section allows their use in pre fabricated housing)

 

[sparky 1971]

The wires go back to somewhere, switch, gfci, breaker, etc. Find where that is, disconnect them and forget about it. Or you could get in the attic, if there is one, find the cable and cut it and put it in a box. That would be my last choice, I personally won't go in attics between May and October. Too damned hot.

 

[Copymutt]

Still pondering whether to incorporate an access panel. Cleaner to go in from the soffit end panel as both outlets are close to the ends. Thx for all the suggestions. Score so far, me 100+, wasps 2.