- Q.I want to lower
receptacle outlets from 4 feet off the floor to 18
inches. I plan to make a splice at the existing
receptacle and extend the new wire down through the
stud cavity. Can the junction box be inside the wall or
does code require that you have access to it by using
the existing outlet box as a junction box with a solid
cover plate?
A.Master
electrician Rex Cauldwell responds:
You’ll have to use the exposed cover
plate. By code, you must leave access to any splice
anywhere. (The only exception is an irreversible
crimp on a service entrance cable — a
special case requiring an expensive crimping tool.)
Splices in attics and crawlspaces are considered
accessible as long as there is a hatchway into the
space. Even these splices must also be in a box and
behind a cover plate.