Does this require a Junction Box? Suggestions?

snoopede · May 20, 2021

My wife and I recently purchased a house and every electrical related item I go to replace seems to be installed incorrectly... I want to put a new porch light outside and it seems they did not install any sort of junction box. The house is brick and would require that I drill into it to create the space for the box.

I'm guessing one of three options needs to occur:
1. Install a junction box embedded in the brick before installing the new light
2. Install a junction box on the exterior of the brick, no drilling required
3. Purchase a light that has some sort of built in junction box and simply attaches to the exterior brick

I think I need to do 1, but could someone set me straight? And if 1 is the way to go, any suggestions? What is the best way to drill into the brick? Do I need to use mortar to secure the box?

Tips would be very much appreciated! (I do have pictures but couldn't figure out how to upload them)

ipf · May 20, 2021

Is there an existing porch light?
I'm thinking the joint wants to be internal to the house, with a cable through the wall to the light fitting.
It's looking like you may need an electrician.

My wife and I recently purchased a house and every electrical related item I go to replace seems to be installed incorrectly.

This is looking like a common trait all over the western world, it seems.

snoopede · May 20, 2021

ipf said:
Is there an existing porch light?
I'm thinking the joint wants to be internal to the house, with a cable through the wall to the light fitting.
It's looking like you may need an electrician.

My wife and I recently purchased a house and every electrical related item I go to replace seems to be installed incorrectly.

This is looking like a common trait all over the western world, it seems.

There was an existing porch light hooked up that I took down. I've attached some pictures!

Thanks for the reply

ipf · May 20, 2021

Just connect the new one to the existing cable.....you're third option. The new light fitting will have provision for connecting, as per that removed, plus some method of fixing to the wall.

snoopede · May 20, 2021

The wires don't need to be housed in a junction box? They can just be connected directly?

westward10 · May 20, 2021

@Megawatt an American member will know the answer to this.

Megawatt · May 20, 2021

snoopede said:
The wires don't need to be housed in a junction box? They can just be connected directly?

You will need to mount a surface mounted box which Lowe’s or Home Depot has them. Go rent you a hammer drill and buy you a box of blue plastic anchors which already has a 1/4 inch masonry bit with the anchors. I run into this situation all the time. That job I could do in 10 minutes. If your going to work on your own house then bring everything up to code. Good luck

Megawatt · May 20, 2021

snoopede said:
The wires don't need to be housed in a junction box? They can just be connected directly?

When cable is run through brick it needs to be sleeved with a price of PVC pipe.

snoopede · May 20, 2021

Megawatt said:
You will need to mount a surface mounted box which Lowe’s or Home Depot has them. Go rent you a hammer drill and buy you a box of blue plastic anchors which already has a 1/4 inch masonry bit with the anchors. I run into this situation all the time. That job I could do in 10 minutes. If your going to work on your own house then bring everything up to code. Good luck

Awesome! Thanks so much for the quick reply.

So would something like this work?: https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-1-Gan...w-Ceiling-Pans-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/1099827

I would run the cable into that, wire it to the sconce, and mount the sconce against the pancake junction?

Megawatt · May 21, 2021

snoopede said:
Awesome! Thanks so much for the quick reply.

So would something like this work?: https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-1-Gan...w-Ceiling-Pans-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/1099827

I would run the cable into that, wire it to the sconce, and mount the sconce against the pancake junction?

When you go and buy a box ask where the outside boxes are. Buy a PVC octagonal plastic box which is about 2 inches deep. Good luck