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Junction Box Covers from A to Z

#Inspections
Romex wiring should be placed inside an enclosed junction box to avoid any safety concerns.
Romex Wiring should always be placed inside of an enclosed Junction box to avoid hazards like electric arcing, resulting in potential fire and electric shocks.

Three Common Junction Box Issues that will be Flagged in your next Home Inspection

What is a junction box? Junction boxes are responsible for enclosing the electrical connections throughout your home. This helps protect electrical wiring from weather and prevents safety hazards. However, if not secured properly, a junction box could be an item flagged in your next home inspection. There are many reasons a junction box could be flagged in your inspection, most notably related to a proper junction box cover.

Loose Wires Outside of Junction Box

A common flag is a connected or spliced Romex wire laying loose. This is something that is often found in the attic or garage. It is important that this wiring connection is placed inside of a junction box to avoid electric arcing. Electric arcing results in potential fire, electric shocks, and other safety hazards. A double-sided box is best used for this so that the electrical unit is properly enclosed. It also still allows the Romex wire to extend down the line as needed. 

A missing junction box cover is a common flag on home inspection reports.
A common flag seen in home inspections is a receptacle with no junction box cover.

Missing Junction Box Cover

Another issue we find is a junction box with a receptacle but no junction box cover. With modern plugs and switches, especially in newer homes, this can cause your home inspector to wonder if the work was completed by a licensed contractor. In which case, the work would most likely be done properly from the start. This also leads to the indication that there may be a number of other flags throughout your home. To avoid these issues altogether, it is important that the job is completed by a licensed contractor. Also, make sure that drywall fully covers the Romex wiring running up the wall, if your junction box is on a wall. Also be sure that the junction box cover is placed on the receptacle to avoid flags in this area.

An outdoor junction box should also follow safety precautions with a junction box cover and proper stake.
An outdoor junction box should always sit at least 6 inches above ground.

Outdoor Junction Box Covers and Safety

Lastly, your outdoor junction box, commonly used for outside lighting and power tools, should always sit at least 6 inches above the ground. Using an exterior approved stake or post will help to keep your junction box elevated, secure and avoid other issues. A weatherproof junction box is also a great investment. Always make sure to have approved weather-resistant junction box covers for any outdoor junction box.

How the QwikFix Can Help

Do you need a quote on a home inspection report? Whether it’s an issue with your junction box or something totally different, TheQwikFix provides you with an accurate quote for repairs in 24 hours or less. Learn more and get your quote today!

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