Is this legal?

Saw an article in Family Handyman about updating a bathroom. One step was removing the old light bar above the mirror and replacing with sconces on each side. The part that got me was that they gave one alternative for getting power was to install a junction box BEHIND the mirror and run power to each of the fixtures from it.

Now, they did have a caveat that said you'd have to use mirror clips of some sort so that it could be easily removed for access to the box if you went that route. I thought the rule was that no tools need be required to access a box? Like you could have a hinged door or a painting hanging over one, but not something that required tools to remove?

 

I would say that is not legal according to code. I wouldn't call the mirror easily removed and if the present homeowner left...... no one would know of the box behind the mirror.

 

I don't want to blast Family Handyman, but I will blast other how-to sites.

Most are way to simplistic.

"How do I wire a new light?"
"Insert wires, connect them, turn on light"

An exaggeration, but not by much.

 

Most of the time FH stories are written or reviewed by actual Pro's, but I just can't see how this would be kosher.

 

This is the key. As long as the mirror is not permanently mounted in place, it is fine. It is the same as junction boxes being behind an access panel or above a suspended ceiling.

 

So the no tool thing is just some Internet myth, I guess?

 

The no tool thing is for readily accessible, such as for electrical panels and GFCI devices.
J-boxes, device boxes, etc. are only required to be accessible.

 

Actually if you don't consider a rock a tool the box would be easily assessable without tools.

 

Ahhhhh, that clears it up! Thanks TI. Probably had my Internet memes confused.

 

A rock is a tool. Just ask any neanderthal.

 

Mog say yes.....ugh ugh.

Still seems like a darned stupid idea, though a properly made connection in the box should be trouble free I guess.

 

I dunno..... a little stretch here. Junction boxes are expected to be behind access panels and above suspended ceiling.... not behind a mirror.... no matter how easy it is to remove.

 

The same could be said with electrical panels behind a painting, or junction boxes in an attic of a house. Both are allowed. At least in my area they are.

 

I agree. Behind a removable mirror or picture is not an issue,