Box Fill

[Dennis Alwon]

There is a fan rated pancake box with a 14/3 nm cable for a canopied fan with light. How many cu.in. do I use for box fill? Assume an external connector so no need to count it. Fan has 4 wires- white, black, red and green

 

[augie47]

Assuming 14/3 WG your have (4) #14s requiring 8 cu inches. The four fan wires probably do not have to be counted per the exception to 314.16(B)(1) depending on how your interpret that exception which is likely why you asked it .

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Assuming 14/3 WG your have (4) #14s requiring 8 cu inches. The four fan wires probably do not have to be counted per the exception to 314.16(B)(1) depending on how your interpret that exception which is likely why you asked it .

Exactly my interpretation however Jeff Rodriquez who teaches code classes in our area and is a well respected teacher has sample tests that specifically state on the answer sheet that the equipment grounding conductor does not get counted based on the exception of the article you cited. I honestly don't see how he gets there. I have so much respect for his ability I am questioning myself here but I don't see it.

His answer is 6 cu. in

Exception: An equipment grounding conductor or conductors
or not over four fixture wires smaller than 14 AWG, or
both, shall be permitted to be omitted from the calculations
where they enter a box from a domed luminaire or similar
canopy and terminate within that box.

 

[luckylerado]

I don't see it.

I disagree as well. The EGC that he is not counting does not "enter a box from a domed luminaire or similar canopy and
terminate within that box."

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I disagree as well. The EGC that he is not counting does not "enter a box from a domed luminaire or similar canopy and
terminate within that box."

To me it is very clear however I think he is taking the first statement that says an equipment grounding conductor and stopping there. I see it as the egc can be omitted where they enter the box from the domed canopy

 

[jumper]

I the egc that can be omitted is that skinny little bare one that comes with some fixtures.

I am talking about the one that comes with a chandelier and you thread it through the chain with the fixture cord.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I the egc that can be omitted is that skinny little bare one that comes with some fixtures.

Or the skinny little green insulated one that comes from fans...

 

[tkb]

All of the items listed in the exception are for conductors that enter through the domed canopy. IMOo

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Thanks-- I just needed to hear that I didn't miss anything

 

[infinity]

I agree, you count the conductors in the box without the fan in place. Hanging the fan does not magically remove the EGC from the box fill.