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.
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.
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.
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