I'm replacing knob-and-tube wiring, and plan to add blown-in attic insulation afterward. I figure it would be safer to run NM wire on the underside of the attic rafters than to bury it in insulation, where they might be stepped on or tripped over. I can't find anything in NEC 320.23 regarding rafters. Is this allowed?
Further, I figure junction boxes would be considered accessible on the rafters, since they won't be concealed under insulation. Is this allowed?
Do all j-boxes in the attic need to be accessible through the ceiling?
The attic is accessible via access hole.
Thanks!
Edit 1:
Here is a sketch of what I have in mind.
Best Answer
Junction boxes on rafters are fine but make sure there's at least 1.5" clearance from the back of the junction box to the outside edge of the rafter, since roof sheathing, properly installed, will be nailed with 1.5" penetration into the rafter and cables enter the junction box right at the back. My inspector called out a junction box too close to the sheathing and it had to be moved on a recent rewire.
FWIW at least here, junction boxes under insulation are still considered accessible as long as the insulation can be removed (you can't spray foam over a junction box cover).