314.16 (B)1 Unbroken conductor box fill

[davejwalker]

I have recently been doing some studying the NEC and need another opinion here. My question is on Article 314.16 (B)1. Specifically, if I were to leave a coil of wire in a j-box long enough to be spliced onto in the future would that wire need to be counted as 1 wire or 2? My thinking is that it would need to be counted as 2. (the loop would need to be 12" long so that when cut in half you would have (2) 6" pieces). This would make it "twice the the minimum length required for free conductors in 300.14" However, the text that I am studying from seems to be counting this as one conductor. What do you guys think?
Thanks, Dave

 

[jumper]

I believe it counts as two.

Here is a link.

http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/electric_box_fill_calculations/

 

[LarryFine]

I believe it counts as two.

I agree, as it will become two 6" leads when cut.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I believe it counts as two.

Here is a link.

http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/electric_box_fill_calculations/

I agree if you left 12" or more on the loop. If the loop were shorter I believe it would count as one

300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points.
At least 150 mm (6 in.) of free conductor, measured from the point in the box where it emerges from its raceway or cable sheath, shall be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point for splices or the connection of luminaires or devices. Where the opening to an outlet, junction, or switch point is less than 200 mm (8 in.) in any dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at least 75 mm (3 in.) outside the opening.
Exception: Conductors that are not spliced or terminated at the outlet, junction, or switch point shall not be required to comply with 300.14.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I agree, as it will become two 6" leads when cut.

Although prudent to count it as two, I don't believe it is required.

 

[raider1]

Although prudent to count it as two, I don't believe it is required.

Actually 314.16(B)(1) would require you to count the loop of wire if it was 12" or longer.

Chris

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Actually 314.16(B)(1) would require you to count the loop of wire if it was 12" or longer.

Chris

I agree but my point was that 12" was not require

 

[davejwalker]

Thanks guys for the comments,
Let me phrase the question a different way. Is there any way that you could leave a service loop long enough to splice onto in the future and only have it count as one wire, as far as box fill is concerned? (legally that is)

 

[jumper]

Not sure if I fully understand your question? Service conductor as in like a #3 cu or such? Are talking about a big loop in a panel or gutter?

 

[mcclary's electrical]

If they're not spliced, they do not have to meet the 6" rule, if they're a loop under 12", you can(if you want) NOT count it twice

 

[infinity]

I have recently been doing some studying the NEC and need another opinion here. My question is on Article 314.16 (B)1. Specifically, if I were to leave a coil of wire in a j-box long enough to be spliced onto in the future would that wire need to be counted as 1 wire or 2? My thinking is that it would need to be counted as 2. (the loop would need to be 12" long so that when cut in half you would have (2) 6" pieces). This would make it "twice the the minimum length required for free conductors in 300.14" However, the text that I am studying from seems to be counting this as one conductor. What do you guys think?
Thanks, Dave

If you had a loop of less than 12" it counts as one conductor. Cut it and it counts as two conductors but now you may have a problem with each conductor being less than the required 6". So if you think that you may need to cut it in the future leave more than a 12" loop and count it as two conductors towards box fill.