Box Fill on Recess Lights

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eds

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I seem to recall a excerpt from one of my code handbooks pertaining to thru branch circuit conductors and box fill. Normally the recess lights that I use have a tag telling me that the box is rated for 8 #12 branch circuit conductors. Is that in addition to the switchleg feeding the recess light?
 
eds said:
I seem to recall a excerpt from one of my code handbooks pertaining to thru branch circuit conductors and box fill. Normally the recess lights that I use have a tag telling me that the box is rated for 8 #12 branch circuit conductors. Is that in addition to the switchleg feeding the recess light?
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I cannot follow. Sorry, but “thru branch conductors” has to be defined. Length matters.

I will look for a pic to explain.

Box fill is covered by 314.16
 
joebeadg said:
If it says its rated for eight number 12s, thats all u can put in there, I don't think they could say it any clearer than that
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Well, one needs to consider the “thru” statement. Conductor count for what is eight will matter.

The switch legs count, but other factors apply.

314.16(B)
(1) Conductor Fill. Each conductor that originates outside the box and terminates or is spliced within the box shall be counted once, and each conductor that passes through the box without splice or termination shall be counted once. Each loop or coil of unbroken conductor not less than twice the minimum length required for free conductors in 300.14 shall be counted twice. The conductor fill shall be calcu- lated using Table 314.16(B). A conductor, no part of which leaves the box, shall not be counted.
 
The OP is referring to this:

410.21 Temperature Limit of Conductors in Outlet
Boxes. Luminaires shall be of such construction or installed
so that the conductors in outlet boxes shall not be subjected
to temperatures greater than that for which the conductors
are rated.
Branch-circuit wiring, other than 2-wire or multiwire
branch circuits supplying power to luminaires connected
together, shall not be passed through an outlet box that is an
integral part of a luminaire unless the luminaire is identified
for through-wiring.
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So is the capacity 7 CC conductors if you have grounds? A tag telling me that the box is rated for 8 #12 branch circuit conductors seems to indicate that you get the grounds for free if you are using Romex or MC. :roll:

I've wondered about this too but I never have that many conductors in those boxes to worry about it.

ETA: I would think that a switchleg counts as branch circuit conductors. Why don't they just say "Max box fill: 8 #12 conductors".

-Hal
 
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hbiss said:
So is the capacity 7 CC conductors if you have grounds? A tag telling me that the box is rated for 8 #12 branch circuit conductors seems to indicate that you get the grounds for free if you are using Romex or MC. :roll:

I've wondered about this too but I never have that many conductors in those boxes to worry about it.

ETA: I would think that a switchleg counts as branch circuit conductors. Why don't they just say "Max box fill: 8 #12 conductors".

-Hal
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Nothing in life is free!:)

Switch legs are circuit conductors.
 
The reason this comes into play is I am using a different model of can ( same manufacture) and it limits me to 6 thru conductors. I am in a house where 90% of the switch legs run to a homework’s panel, I like to use 14/2/2 to a fixture box or recess can, and then take my other switchleg to its proper load, the 6 conductor tag puts a stop to that. I just remember a discussion in one of my books, and dont recall there take on it
 
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