I'm planning to replace an old fluorescent T8 light fixture that's wall-mounted with a hanging LED panel. This light is inside an enclosure and shines through troffers. My goal is to extend the house wiring that comes directly out of the wall (which doesn't come from a junction box but rather through a small hole in the drywall). I want to run the wiring vertically so it can connect to the LED panel. I've read that wiring extensions typically need to be done with a junction box for accessibility, but since this setup will be enclosed and not normally visible, I'm wondering if that's really necessary. Alternatively, could I just mount a junction box outside the wall and place the spliced connections there? I don't mind how it looks since it won't be seen when the panels are in place. Any advice?
3 Answers
You definitely want to run the Romex wire through a junction box and secure it to the wall studs. Just pushing it through the top plate isn’t up to code. If you're extending the wiring, adding a junction box might be the safest way to go, rather than just scabbing some wire onto the existing wiring and calling it good. Trust me, safety first! Plus, your connections will be that much easier to access if something goes wrong.
Absolutely, you should really always follow safety guidelines, even if the wiring isn't visible. Using a junction box ensures that your connections are safe and accessible. If you’re okay with the appearance, mounting the junction box outside the wall is a smart move—it keeps things compliant and safe.
Just a thought: if you're looking at visibility through the troffer, why not consider switching to LED tube replacements for the T8s? You could bypass the ballast and starters, and tubes typically cost around $15. This way, you maintain that cove lighting effect without needing to reroute wiring too much.
I was actually considering using splices instead of wire nuts, but they would be outside the drywall, not behind it. Can I still opt for an externally mounted junction box for those splices? Looks aren't a concern for me at all.