Electrical – Ok to conceal electrical junction box under cabinet behind removable toe-kick

electricalnec

There is a 5 or 6 inch gap between the floor and the bottom of my kitchen cabinets. I have ikea cabinets so the toe kick is connected to the cabinet legs by plastic clips. It comes off just by pulling with a small amount of effort. Would putting an electrical junction box in this area be a violation of electrical code? If I put it there I would mark in the cabinet above it that there is a junction box below so that it would be easy to identify and find.

Best Answer

The definition of readily accessible in the National Electrical Code.

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to actions such as to use tools, to climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth

Junction boxes above drop ceilings are considered Accessible but if you have to remove part of the building (such as a piece of drywall) then it is NOT accessible. I had a house where the panel was behind some paneling that was hinged. This is usually acceptable to the Inspector.

Bottom line is if you can easily access it, and if you leave information as to where to find it, it should fit the definition if Accessible. 😊