Conductors that originate and terminate within the box (e.g., pigtails) aren't counted at all ( Fig. Each loop or coil of unbroken conductor having a length of at least twice the minimum length required for free conductors in 300.14 must be counted as two conductor volumes. Using 314.16(B), calculate each of the five following conductor equivalent volumes:Įach unbroken conductor that runs through a box, as well as each conductor that terminates in a box, is counted as a single conductor volume. Nor do you need to count conductors that originate and terminate within the outlet box (such as equipment-bonding jumpers and pigtails). In this process, you don't need to count raceway and cable fittings (including locknuts and bushings), wire connectors, or cable connectors with their clamping mechanism outside of the box. In no case can this exceed the box volume. The number you get is the total conductor volume. After you calculate all five volumes using 314.16(B)(1) through (5), add them up using the equivalent volumes found on Table 314.16(B). Conductor volumeĬalculating conductor volume is a matter of adding up individual conductor fill volumes and conductor equivalent volume fills - and there are five such volumes. Include only those parts that are marked with their volumes in cubic inches or included in NEC Table 314.16(A). Then, add to it the sum of the individual volumes of the assembled parts, such as plaster rings, extension rings, etc. If the box is not a standard size, the volume will be marked on the box by the manufacturer. If Table 314.16(A) is inapplicable for your installation, which it typically will be, how do you calculate box volume? It's a matter of adding up individual volumes of assembled parts. You can use Table 314.16(A) only if the box contains no switches, receptacles, luminaire studs, luminaire hickeys, internal cable clamps, or equipment-grounding conductors. Table 314.16(A) seems to make it simple to determine the volume of a box, but don't get too excited. You calculate box volume per 314.16(A) and box fill per 314.16(B), but make sure your 314.16(A) box volume is greater than or equal to your 314.16(B) box fill. Note: This article is based on the 2005 NEC.īox fill isn’t just the number of wires in the box - it's the total volume of the conductors, devices, and fittings in a box.Įvery outlet box has a specific amount of space for conductors, devices, and fittings. If you’d like to see updated information on this topic, please check out this recently published article, Brushing Up on Your Box Fill Calculations. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC ® edition of NFPA 70.Thank you for visiting one of our most popular classic articles. See the actual NEC ® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Nonmetallic barriers that are not marked with their volume are considered to have a cubic inch volume of 1 inch.īelow is a preview of Article 314. Metal barriers that are not marked with their volume are now considered to have a cubic inch volume of ½ inch. Some barriers are already marked with their volume to indicate how much space they take up inside the box while other barriers are not. Now, in the 2017 NEC, a divider or barrier inside a box must be counted since it takes up space inside the box. Section 314.16 provides rules on calculating box fill and includes an allowance for conductors, devices, internal cable clamps and support fittings but has never required a specific allowance for a fixed barrier installed inside the box. Similar language for receptacles is found in 406.5(J). Section 404.8(B) states that a snap switch shall not be grouped or ganged in enclosures with other snap switches, receptacles, or similar devices, unless they are arranged so that the voltage between adjacent devices does not exceed 300 volts, or unless they are installed in enclosures equipped with identified, securely installed barriers between adjacent devices. Sometimes the code requires a barrier inside a junction or device box. Code Change Summary: Code language was added to address box volume for a fixed barrier inside a box.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |