dkdkrd posted:RSJB18 posted:If you don't want to use them (the lights) at all you can cover the boxes with a blank plate and put your scenic backdrops over them. The backdrops are not considered a permanent finish so no code violation.
Thanks for the clarification!
Would that be true for a backdrop that is glued/pasted to the wall? Seems like that might be considered 'wallpaper' to some home inspectors? I can understand the acceptability if the backdrop is free-standing, or mounted on a separate substructure....which would, indeed, be considered not a permanent wall covering. Also, the blank box covers I'm aware of are hardly flush with the drywall surface (at least the cover in the bathroom I mentioned above!), so there would be a 'cover-lump' in the backdrop, I suppose?
I know this is all probably moot, anyway. As is so often mentioned in those home improvement episodes, the D.I.Y. guy/gal is going to do their electrical work with or without code guidance...as your 25+ years of discoveries have verified!! It's all about the bite down the road....if it ever happens...fire, shock, pre-sale/closure home inspections, etc., etc..
Would that be true for a backdrop that is glued/pasted to the wall?
yes- since you can see the lump it would not be considered buried.
Also, the blank box covers I'm aware of are hardly flush with the drywall surface
Depending on the type of box in the wall there are blank covers that would be more flush than the typical finished blank covers
This fits a typical light box- called a 4" round blank
This is a handy box blank. Will fit the typical rectangular gem boxes.
As TOMTEE mentioned- basement wiring is usually easy to trace out unless the room is totally finished. If you want to get rid of them all together you can probably locate the wire and remove it. If you disconnect the wires at the switch (hot and neutral), and remove that wire from the box (clip the wires short in the back of the box and push them out with a screw driver), so it cannot accidentally be connected later by someone else, then you can abandon the light fixture boxes in place and cover them.
Bob
