I just removed a couple can lights in my bathroom soffit. There were three runs of wire leading to the two cans. I plan to install a light fixture a couple feet away from where the cans were located. Now that the cans are gone, I have three open ends of conduit
just sitting there. I need to attach an electrical box to each conduit and from each electrical box run wire to the fixture. my question is can I just attach the elec. boxes to the conduit without anchoring them to a joist or wood blocking?
I'm guessing "no" but just wanted to be sure.

Is the box accessible from the attic or will it be accessible from below?

It can't be buried in the ceiling.

We're talking three boxes here, but they will be accessible from the attic.

I'm a little rusty on code, but it would be best since you have access to mount the box to a block that is attached to the joists.

Since you have conduit, can I assume you're in Chicago? Most areas don't require conduit for residential construction.

It depends. It can be attached to framing members or by support wires.
It can also be free standing IF, it does not contain a device [yours will not, correct?], has threaded entries [connectors] and have at least two conduits as support. And also be secured with proper strapping to structure within 3' of the box, or 18" if all the conduit runs entry on the same size.
Clear as mud?
Read up on NEC314.23 And yes as posted earlier those boxes must be accessible.

ok, thanks for the advice. And yes,you're right, I'm from Chicago because only in Chicago would you have an electrical fire if you didn't use conduit

Either many a conduit factory nearby or very strong electrical union in Chicago ? Conduit works really tack on billable hours to a job.

Hey Commonwealth Sparky,
I'm from Central PA as well. I went to Cumberland Perry Tech to be an electrician but went into the USAF for communications after I graduated and never worked as an electrician having stayed with communications when I got out of the USAF. Are you in the Harrisburg area?

On another note, is there a place you can read the code on-line for free? Last time I looked you had to buy the book or pay a subscription to look at the code. Last I looked the books weren't cheap either.

Sparky

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I do remember stumbling on that website, searching for some little know codicil from the "Faber Charter". It was of very little help as I recall.
Current NEC code books are astronomical in price. As is all trade publications. But will they even be around in 5 years in binder form. I doubt it. I work out of a 2008 issue and it will be most likely the last I buy. DeWalt.com/guides is an excellent source of code reference books. They are published on a three year cycle, just like each trades codes are. I use both the electrical and plumbing books and find them top shelf guides. Mainly for residential applications, they break down a build room by room explaining typical construction details. Best of all each page lays out descriptions with pictures detailing most likely situations. And the books list for a rather modest price as well.

no floaters allowed, the boxes must be anchored.

Sparky, Chicago has unions as strong as the mob is in Cicero. Genova invented PVC/CPVC pressure and drain pipe in Chicago. illegal to use the drain line until the late 80s in its home territory. cast iron needs more tradesmen to install, you see.

and I think the BX might still be needed straight to your fixture. make a phone call to the code office if you have to ask the question, don't give your address

Yes many a time local jurisdictions over ride what is written in the NEC. And is allowable as the NEC is just a guideline most can agree on as to how the electrical world is and should be put together.
The fun part [?] of the code is trying to decipher the exceptions following every section of the code. It is akin to jumping down the rabbit hole trying to plead your case to a CO. Always a fun day.
I too think that if EMT is required in that municipality that all whips would have to be armored cable as well. Not that it would be a deal breaker. Once you get the hang of it cutting that type cable, the job would become easier I would venture a guess. And they may require all boxes to be attached as well. So you take the time and find a way to perform that.

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