box fill

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

normbac

Senior Member
Was cited for having 2 # 14 romex and 1 # 12 in a single gang nailon plastic box
to be used for an outlet I thought the yoke was calculated at the largest single conductor 2.25 cu. in. is it actually calculated at 2 conductors 4.5 cu in. any explanation would help TIA
 
normbac said:
Was cited for having 2 # 14 romex and 1 # 12 in a single gang nailon plastic box to be used for an outlet I thought the yoke was calculated at the largest single conductor 2.25 cu. in. is it actually calculated at 2 conductors 4.5 cu in. any explanation would help TIA
Click to expand...
According to my math you are at 19.25 cu. in. If your box was a carlton 118, you're over the limit.
 
Last edited:
normbac said:
Was cited for having 2 # 14 romex and 1 # 12 in a single gang nailon plastic box
to be used for an outlet I thought the yoke was calculated at the largest single conductor 2.25 cu. in. is it actually calculated at 2 conductors 4.5 cu in. any explanation would help TIA
Click to expand...

4 # 14 cond. = 4 x 2 = 8
2 # 12 cond. = 2 x 2.25 = 4.5
1 gnd, largest size cond. = 2.25
device = 2 x largest cond. = 4.5

19.25 total
 
Why even buy those smaller boxes ???? I always use the larger ones myself, makes it easier on trim out.I just wish there was a larger old work 1 gang
cut in PVC box.
 
allenwayne said:
I just wish there was a larger old work 1 gang
cut in PVC box.
Click to expand...

Smart Box makes a 22.5 ci er, works great for old work cuts that happen to be next to a stud.
 
P&S also makes a 22.5 cu. in. nail on box. That is the only single gang box we use.
 
infinity said:
P&S also makes a 22.5 cu. in. nail on box. That is the only single gang box we use.
Click to expand...

22.5 cubes in a single gang is bigger than my first apartment. My only concern with them is that the back of the box is so close to the opposite wall that I have nightmares about sheetrock screws finding their way into them from a careless sheetrock hanger.
 
tallgirl said:
22.5 cubes in a single gang is bigger than my first apartment. My only concern with them is that the back of the box is so close to the opposite wall that I have nightmares about sheetrock screws finding their way into them from a careless sheetrock hanger.
Click to expand...

The first house I worked on the studs were 4" wide, then they went to 3 5/8" then to 3 1/2". What next?
 
electricman2 said:
The first house I worked on the studs were 4" wide, then they went to 3 5/8" then to 3 1/2". What next?
Click to expand...

2 1/4 metal studs.

Worked out real well with deep 1900 boxes ~ the screw pokes out the back sheetrock....even better with panels - usually about 4" deep to just fit on standard stud with 1/2" rock.
 
tallgirl said:
22.5 cubes in a single gang is bigger than my first apartment. My only concern with them is that the back of the box is so close to the opposite wall that I have nightmares about sheetrock screws finding their way into them from a careless sheetrock hanger.
Click to expand...

Only a problem with 2x4 walls... and read this as well...


It is acceptable for the NM Cable to enter the outlet box through its knockouts even though it comes close to the drywall. The NEC is concerned with damage to the cable from nails or screws. Outlet boxes are usually located low to the floor or above counter spaces. Also switches will be found near door opens and a little above the waist. It is unlikely that a picture would be hung in these areas. Section 300.4(B)(2) does state that "if" it is likely that a screw or nail would penetrate the cable than a steel plate needs to be used.
Finally, if you drilled a hole in the box than you would void the listing of the
product and would get tagged by the inspector. Last year we sold over 500
million boxes with knockouts without a problem pertaining to the NM Cable
entering the knockouts.

This was from Carlon's website....http://www.carlon.com/FAQs/FAQ-ZipBoxes.pdf
 
celtic said:
2 1/4 metal studs.

Worked out real well with deep 1900 boxes ~ the screw pokes out the back sheetrock....even better with panels - usually about 4" deep to just fit on standard stud with 1/2" rock.
Click to expand...
Celtic you always refer to 1900 boxes, now being raised in Brooklyn, NY I know what a 1900 box is but I have not met a southern in NC that can tell me what it is. For those of you who don't know and want to know it is a 4" square box for you other dudes that don't care it's too late.
 
stickboy1375 said:
Outlet boxes are usually located low to the floor or above counter spaces. Also switches will be found near door opens and a little above the waist. It is unlikely that a picture would be hung in these areas. Section 300.4(B)(2) does state that "if" it is likely that a screw or nail would penetrate the cable than a steel plate needs to be used.
Click to expand...
Maybe nobody will likely try hanging a picture at receptacle height or next to a door opening, but drywallers definitely will drive nails or screws at any random height, especially near doors.
Finally, if you drilled a hole in the box than you would void the listing of the product and would get tagged by the inspector.http://www.carlon.com/FAQs/FAQ-ZipBoxes.pdf
Click to expand...
That's funny. We shouldn't allow accidental damage because it's against code.
Last year we sold over 500 million boxes with knockouts without a problem pertaining to the NM Cable entering the knockouts.
Click to expand...
I has never occured to me to complain to the manufacturer that someone damaged a box or a wire. Hmmm.
 
Where does it say that you can't drill a hole in a box? Have you ever used a box without any holes in it and field drilled them?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top