Lighting Question

[BrandonV]

I primarily work in commercial and industrial, so if anyone with residential experience could weigh in, I’d appreciate it.

I’m looking to replace two lights in my garage, which currently have standard recessed boxes. I bought surface-mount fluorescent fixtures approved for use as junction boxes and that do not mount to an existing box.

If I have enough slack, can I remove the strain relief clamps from the existing boxes, move the strain relief to the fixture knockouts, pull the conductors through to the fixture, and make all connections there?

I assume this would comply with 410.24(B), as the original junction box would no longer be functioning as a junction box and would no longer need to be accessible thru the fixture.

Thanks!

 

[Bert_]

Just punch or drill a big hole in the back of the light. That way you still have access to the box.

I usually just use a 2" ko punch.

 

[BrandonV]

Just punch or drill a big hole in the back of the light. That way you still have access to the box.

I usually just use a 2" ko punch.

Thanks, I might go that route. I was always told it negates the UL listing of the fixture, but considering that half the fixtures at big box stores completely block access to the junction box, it may be worth a try.

Off topic, but I believe it was the Lithonia CSS that recommended mounting a fixture with toggle bolts after concealing the junction box. I installed a Lithonia fixture for a friend once and the thing must have had 3-4 different style of push-in & Wago-style connectors inside connecting the various parts together. Really sloppy manufacturing.