by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Sun Mar 28, 2010 12:56 pm
That is a general question for which only a general answer can be given: Yes, as long as it also complies with 300.15.
- 300.15 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or Fittings — Where Required.
- - A box shall be installed at each outlet and switch point for concealed knob-and-tube wiring.
- - Fittings and connectors shall be used only with the specific wiring methods for which they are designed and listed.
- - Where the wiring method is conduit, tubing, Type AC cable, Type MC cable, Type MI cable, nonmetallic-sheathed cable, or other cables, a box or conduit body shall be installed at each conductor splice point, outlet point, switch point, junction point, termination point, or pull point, unless otherwise permitted in 300.15(A) through (M).
- - - (F) Fitting. A fitting identified for the use shall be permitted in lieu of a box or conduit body where conductors are not spliced or terminated within the fitting. The fitting shall be accessible after installation.
From the definitions:
- Conduit Body. A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system.
- - Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are not classified as conduit bodies.
- Fitting. An accessory such as a locknut, bushing, or other part of a wiring system that is intended primarily to perform a mechanical rather than an electrical function.
The definition of "fitting" does not fit well with 300.15(F) above and its use of the term "Fitting", which places greater importance on the requirements stated in (F) (bold and underlining are mine) "A fitting identified for the use shall be permitted in lieu of a box or conduit body where conductors are not spliced or terminated within the fitting. The fitting shall be accessible after installation."
For the purposes of 300.15(F) the definition for a "conduit body" would seem more appropriate than the definition for a "fitting".
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired