I haven’t heard from the electrician who wired my house for 5 days and prior to that was just a short text to say our contract didn’t include installing light fixtures for a remodel. I live in a rural area, so contractors are hard to come by. I can do basic wiring.
My questions concerns electrical boxes for PPG fiber cement light blocks and outlet blocks. The blocks are trim pieces for outdoor electrical fixtures. They have very narrow and shallow openings.
The light block is 1.25” thick x 7.25 wide x 9.5 high. One block has 2 cables protruding and the other has 1. A 4” diameter pancake box was slightly too large in diameter.
My light fixtures are Bellagio 16.5" high, bronze downbridge outdoor wall lights. The backplate is 6.75" high x 4.75" wide. They weigh 4lbs.
Question: What type of light box should I use to enclose my wiring? Should I use a metal 3.5” octagon box 1.5” deep? I want the light fixture to sit flush with the trim.
The outlet block is 1.25” thick x 5.5 wide x 7.5 high. I tried a 1 gang, 1” deep blue PVC flanged shallow box, but it was too wide. I found a metal box that will fit, but it is 1.5” deep. I was hoping the face of the GFCI outlet would be flush with the trim. The outlets will be protected by waterproof boxes.
Question: What type of outlet box should I use? Should I stay away from metal? Also, one outlet block has 3 cables protruding from it.
Question: The final question concerns how the cables protrude from the sheathing. In several cases they’re not in the center of the opening. Should I use a jig saw to cut into the sheathing to reposition the cable to be able to pass through center knockouts?
Thanks!
Best Answer
It would help to have a single question and focus on it , what is the question about 3 wires? I can see 2 on the top left and a loop on the right, is the question on how to wire?
I would use a round light fixture box inset in the wall For the upper boxes If the box is mounted in the wall NMB wire is ok but if the box is surface mounted then it comes down to local jurisdiction rules and amendments.
A wall pack normally needs no box, the connections are made inside the fixture, most lanterns more common with this setup will need a round box. Metal or plastic is your choice.
You mention receptacle / GFCI yes you will need an in-use or heavy duty cover and a weather rated GFCI if the GFCI is outside (many locate the GFCI inside for longer life but with weather rated it doesn’t matter as the electronics are sealed).
I forgot to mention but many jurisdictions require tamper resistant receptacles on top of GFCI.