Where to find an electrical junction box

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Alf -  
Xileh Posted messages 19446 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   -
Hello,

I am desperately looking for an electrical junction box that is hiding in the walls of my house.
I have already tried:
- removing all the wallpaper
- putting a cable in the conduits to see where they go and measure the distance
- making holes in the ceiling to follow the conduits

All of this without success unless I completely dismantle my ceiling...

Does anyone have an idea to suggest?
Thanks in advance

10 réponses

papy-ion Posted messages 4130 Status Membre 1 013
 
In the ceiling, there are holes with a suspension hook where the cables for the chandeliers come in.
I found myself in this situation several times.
All the wires were passing from hole to hole, going up or down through the switches to power the outlets. Wiring from the 60s-70s, I believe.
10
Alf
 
Ok, I see.
In any case, thank you for all this information, I'll dive into the next part of the research starting tomorrow.
Thanks again.
1
Alf
 
The house is old, but the renovation was done 10 years ago (they rebuilt everything)
I am worried but glad to know that they are putting the junction box in the floor, happy to see that my research might be limited to taking down one or two drywall panels.

However, I did not understand the idea of the cables passing through the holes of the lamps.
3
papy-ion Posted messages 4130 Status Membre 1 013
 
No.
Now, all electrical wiring is done this way, in buildings for example.
Electricians install the "octopus" between the ceiling and floor slabs.
There's a maximum time saving for installation (pre-wiring in the workshop) but in case of a breakdown, it's a hassle!
It all depends on the age of the house.

There is another possibility, I've also seen wiring passing through the "holes" of the lights (in the ceiling) in some houses or apartments.
2
papy-ion Posted messages 4130 Status Membre 1 013
 
Hi.
It could be a "Spider" or "Octopus".
It's a big junction box that distributes throughout the house with a large number of conduits.
Have you checked in the loft (attic)?
1
Alf
 
Hello and thank you for this response.
Clarification: There is a circuit breaker on the ground floor and a junction box in the attic.
The junction box that I'm missing shouldn't be huge as it serves about 6 or 7 conduits only.

Nothing in the attic (which isn't very big), I suspect it might be between the first floor's flooring and the false ceiling... Strange, isn't it?!
1
papy-ion Posted messages 4130 Status Membre 1 013
 
You're welcome and good luck.
0
jmp59 Posted messages 29288 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   6 349
 
Hello,

A cable detector like this one http://www.conrad.fr/detecteur_de_cable_lsg_2_p_19336_19378_314487 will allow you to trace all your embedded conduits.

There are less sophisticated ones that are significantly cheaper. I don't remember what I did with the one I bought 15 or 20 years ago. Check in a large hardware store, they should have that.

--
To err is human, to persist is diabolical.
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papy-ion Posted messages 4130 Status Membre 1 013
 
Hi, "Jmp59".
Well spotted, well spotted!
I hadn't thought about those little critters anymore, and yet I use them at work (but quite rarely).
0
alf
 
Indeed, Well Seen!
However, if I understand correctly, this machine detects cables, but can it differentiate between 1 cable and 6 or 7 cables connected to a junction box?
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papy-ion Posted messages 4130 Status Membre 1 013
 
In general, these devices allow you to trace a cable path, a conduit in a wall, etc.
To differentiate a parallel cable from others, that's another story.
However, it may guide you to that hidden junction box at the intersection of all the paths.
0
vincent
 
I have the same problem......
I just bought a house, renovated by the English who placed the junction boxes behind the drywall!!!!!!!
The stupidity at this level is close to infinity !!!!!
I obviously have an electrical problem, but how can I find these boxes without breaking the drywall???????
I am shocked by such a way of doing things!!!...... but they are English, so twisted.
If you have a solution, other than destruction, I'm interested.
Thank you and have a great day everyone.
1
Xileh Posted messages 19446 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   6 568
 
Hello to you too....

Bringing up a topic from 2009 may not be the most effective... You should resubmit your question here

https://bricolage.linternaute.com/forum/

And incidentally, the comments regarding the English... since it doesn't seem to be humor, are unnecessary....
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vincent > Xileh Posted messages 19446 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention  
 
Hello
Indeed, it wasn't humor, but I stand by my point, they are twisted.
Thank you for the non-answer.
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Xileh Posted messages 19446 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   6 568 > vincent
 
No need to worry about the "no reply," which is still a response (direction towards a more appropriate forum) to this old topic that I am closing....
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