I'm going to be running new 14/2 from an outlet mounted on the inside of the same wall, through the header, and into the eave/soffit cavity outside. This new outlet will be used to power a nest camera and some string lights.
To keep things looking clean, I was thinking of just doing a surface install to the side of one of the ceiling joists that extends into the soffit. The soffit is wood, so to give me access to this outlet (both during installation and for somewhat adhering to code) I was going to install an access panel in the soffit.
My question is can I run the Romex directly into the box mounted to the joist? Or, since that outlet will still technically be accessible, do I need to use conduit over the Romex wherever it's visible from the open access panel?
Unrelated but for completeness, I intend to drill a hole in the soffit to route the lights and camera cables into the soffit cavity and plug them into the new outlet. Then caulk around that hole to close things up.
Best Answer
I suppose if you put an access panel in the soffit and a receptacle inside the attic. As far as the NEC is concerned there doesn't seem to be a problem. However if you install a piece of equipment with a standard cord connection on the exterior and run that connection through the soffit. That does violate the NEC.
I may not be correct, but I imagine everyone including myself who has viewed this post is wondering, "If you are cutting in an access panel in the soffit, why not just install a duplex flush in the soffit?".
Personally I am against installing devices in remote, concealed areas since they could potentially become faulty and create a fire hazard. There is a potential that this type of condition could go unobserved until a fire is out of hand.
Hope this helps and good luck