Code of the day

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Jpflex

Jpflex

Electrician big leagues
Location
Victorville
Occupation
Electrician commercial and residential
the calculation of todays box fill at 22.5 cubic inches would not be correct as it’s written in my 2020 NEC code book 314.16 B (1) and I’m not sure if 2023 version has wording corrected

Because as it’s written:

“Each conductor that originates outside the box and terminates OR IS SPLICED WITHIN THE BOX SHALL BE COUNTED ONCE.”

The “OR” separates those wires coming into the box and terminate into the box from those wires just being spliced within the box, such as pig tails (others say you wouldn’t count). Therefore, as its written pig tails or wires in the box being spliced would also be counted. (I understand that perhaps it was not the intent of NEC not to count pig tails? But their wording is ambiguous as always)

This would increase the volume of wire fill beyond 22.5 cubic inches listed in the picture of the day.
 

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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 calculated using Table 314.16(B)(1). A conductor, no part of which leaves the box, shall not be counted.
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It only applies to conductors that originate outside the box that either terminate or are spliced within the box.
 
Note the wording in 314.16(B) "A conductor, no part of which leaves the box, shall not be counted."
A "pigtail" does not leave the box although it might well be spliced onto a conductor that enters the box. (1 in, pigtail not leaving = 1 )
This as opposed to say a neutral which enters the box, splices, and then leaves the box (1 in, 1 out = 2)
 
If the pigtail goes to a device mounted on a mud ring or extension ring is that technically considered leaving the box? 🤓
 
augie47 said:
Note the wording in 314.16(B) "A conductor, no part of which leaves the box, shall not be counted."
A "pigtail" does not leave the box although it might well be spliced onto a conductor that enters the box. (1 in, pigtail not leaving = 1 )
This as opposed to say a neutral which enters the box, splices, and then leaves the box (1 in, 1 out = 2)
Click to expand...
So pigtails from line side of first receptacle to second receptacle hot or pigtails for ground to box are not counted correct?
 
MasonF said:
If the pigtail goes to a device mounted on a mud ring or extension ring is that technically considered leaving the box? 🤓
Click to expand...
The code says no conductor entering or leaving the box shall not be counted as a confusing double negative instead of just saying any conductor entering or leaving the box SHALL be counted

However my point was not even that but the way NEC worded the code, wires that do not enter or leave the box MUST BE COUNTED WHEN THEY ARE SPLICED IN THE BOX
 
The code says no conductor entering or leaving the box shall not be counted as a confusing double negative instead of just saying any conductor entering or leaving the box SHALL be counted

However my point was not even that but the way NEC worded the code,
augie47 said:
Note the wording in 314.16(B) "A conductor, no part of which leaves the box, shall not be counted."
A "pigtail" does not leave the box although it might well be spliced onto a conductor that enters the box. (1 in, pigtail not leaving = 1 )
This as opposed to say a neutral which enters the box, splices, and then leaves the box (1 in, 1 out = 2)
Click to expand...

The code says no conductor entering or leaving the box shall not be counted as a confusing double negative instead of just saying any conductor entering or leaving the box SHALL be counted

However my point was not even that but the way NEC worded the code, as it’s written, wires that do not enter or leave the box MUST BE COUNTED WHEN THEY ARE SPLICED IN THE BOX. Therefore spliced pigtails would be counted
 
Jpflex said:
The code says no conductor entering or leaving the box shall not be counted as a confusing double negative instead of just saying any conductor entering or leaving the box SHALL be counted

However my point was not even that but the way NEC worded the code,


The code says no conductor entering or leaving the box shall not be counted as a confusing double negative instead of just saying any conductor entering or leaving the box SHALL be counted

However my point was not even that but the way NEC worded the code, as it’s written, wires that do not enter or leave the box MUST BE COUNTED WHEN THEY ARE SPLICED IN THE BOX. Therefore spliced pigtails would be counted
Click to expand...
No one is supporting that argument.

In Canada they have a more complicated box fill calculation that includes wirenuts and othere factors.

In new Zealand they use what we use for low volt to secure wiring devices basically no back to the box so they just write off the whole idea of a device box fill.
 
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