Junction boxes under floorboards

[DNS1]

Just a quick one guys. Just wanted to clarify something which I've heard many opinions on... Is it acceptable to have a junction box under floorboards?

Just doing a lighting rewire and several lights are of the kind without the loop-in/out/switch terminals, just the line, neutral, earth.

Boxes would still be accessible by simply lifting carpet and jemmying a board. As I understand, as long as I note the location then everything is ok. Is this right?

Should I be thinking about the possibility of someone laying a non-removable floor later on (tiles or laminate) or is that simply not my problem?

 

[Guest111]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I appreciate that the maintenance free junctions are preferable, but are they really vital in most situations?

I'm a bit stuck now because I've got to get a job done this weekend and want to do it properly, but none of the local places sell anything other than standard JBs, choc block etc.

Surely if maintenance-free is the only way to be compliant, the local places would be selling the LINE kit, Wagos etc...

I think mf joints are one of those things,in an ideal world they would always be used where required,however I,m sure we would all own up to fitting one where we shouldn,t at some time.regarding local places only selling standard jb,s if you consider that most jb,s are used in inaccessible places there would probably be a large loss of sales of them if mf types and there uses were widely published,and be honest every company going seem to produce standard jb, but not all produce mf types.

 

[telectrix]

screw type JBs sit in thousands of houses around the country, giving no trouble at all.if you're stuck for getting the job done w/e, the use these, but mark the floor, making a short access trap. then argue about whether it's accessible or not.

 

[telectrix]

btw, phil, how's the rescue GSD getting on? hope she's doing well.

 

[Guitarist]

As I said, there's no excuse now for not fitting MF enclosures where there will be no access. Just keep a load of Line enclosures in the van, a multi-box of Line or wago connectors, and a few MF kits. That way, you are sorted for every occasion.

 

[DNS1]

screw type JBs sit in thousands of houses around the country, giving no trouble at all.if you're stuck for getting the job done w/e, the use these, but mark the floor, making a short access trap. then argue about whether it's accessible or not.

Thanks mate,

if I had MF stuff available I'd use it, but in this case it seems perfectly reasonable to use a screw type box and just make the relevant notes on the paperwork.

I'll definitely look at ordering a load of MF stuff in for future jobs though...

 

[Tonkatoy27]

What wholesalers do you have locally cos I don't know of one that doesn't keep them and I'm in Devon, last place to get everything. If by wholesalers you mean B&Q then no, not suprised. (and realistically, it'll be the only place open on a sat morning)
Standard JB will be fine, just note it on cert.

 

[Steve_P]

Elecsa advice at the ammendment 1 seminar was that junction boxes under floorboards are not considered accessible unless the exact location is noted on your certificates and paperwork. I'd also mark the top of the floorboard etc.
Hwever, maintenance free jb's are the way forward. I use Hagar, which are availble at all 3 of my main local wholesalers, Denmans, Devondale and Edmunsons. (probably city too) They are about £2.70 + VAT each. If you have more than 4 cores in any connector however, you'll need extra wago's or 2 jb's.

I was just going to say that but you beat me to it. Even exact locations on the form and a 6ft flag stuck in the floorboard isn't going to help if laminate goes down on top. MF connectors do it for me but only when there's no other way.

 

[Guest111]

btw, phil, how's the rescue GSD getting on? hope she's doing well.

settling in nicely thanks,her diet is improving as well now she only tries to eat people who go near the car,oh and the wife when she grabbed me messing about lol.

 

[LineProducts]

Surely if maintenance-free is the only way to be compliant, the local places would be selling the LINE kit, Wagos etc...

This is a good point. At present the standard wago range does not meet mf requirements. Only the LINE and hager mf do.

The mf reg has only been around since January and there is still a lot of confusion over it, in my opinion, fueled by companies that do not have a true mf solution.

The problem with the wholesalers is that unless you guys are insisting on the correct spec product they find it easier to continue selling existing stock.

Any help you can give by demanding and pointing the wholesalers in LINE's direction will be appreciated!

 

[Guitarist]

I think that getting wholesalers to stock your kit is the ideal solution Farell. However, until they do, I will order directly from you, and I urge anybody else who is having problems finding a supplier to do the same