314.29 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, and Handhole Enclosures to Be Accessible.
Code Change Summary: Revised code section on box access.
The previous language in 314.29 has been revised and formatted into a list for usability. The 2020 requirements still maintain that boxes and conduit bodies must be installed so the wiring contained inside can be accessed without removing any part of the building or structure. As well, underground boxes and handhole enclosures must be installed so they are accessible without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth, or other substance that is to be used to establish the finished grade. All of this is to ensure that a box is never concealed to the point where no one knows it’s there. Troubleshooting a circuit can be difficult if there are concealed boxes containing splices.
Between the first and second draft of the 2020 NEC®, this section saw a new subsection (C) which allowed boxes to be accessed by the removal of a luminaire. After second draft public comments were reviewed, subsection (C) was removed since it conflicted with new language in Section 410.118 which prohibits a box from being accessed only by the removal of a luminaire as follows:
N 410.118 Luminaires recessed in ceilings, floors, or walls shall not be used to access outlet, pull, or junction boxes or conduit bodies, unless the box or conduit body is an integral part of the listed luminaire.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
314.29 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, and Handhole Enclosures to Be Accessible. Boxes, conduit bodies, and handhole enclosures shall be installed so that the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible without removing any part of the building or structure or, in underground circuits, without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth, or other substance that is to be used to establish the finished grade.
Exception: Listed boxes and handhole enclosures shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggregate, or noncohesive granulated soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavation.
2020 Code Language:
314.29 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, and Handhole Enclosures to Be Accessible. Boxes, conduit bodies, and handhole enclosures shall be installed so that wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible in accordance with 314.29(A) and (B).
N 314.29(A) In Buildings and Other Structures. Boxes and conduit bodies shall be installed so the contained wiring can be accessed without removing any part of the building or structure.
N 314.29(B) Underground. Underground boxes and handhole enclosures shall be installed so they are accessible without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth, or other substance that is to be used to establish the finished grade.
Exception: Listed boxes and handhole enclosures shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggregate, or noncohesive granulated soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavation.