Conductors in switch/outlet box

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tuna

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The NEC tells us that we must leave 6 inches of conductors out of a box to make connection to an outlet or switch. When you have two romex cables into an outlet box you must connect the two grounds together and leave enough ground wire to connect to the outlet or switch. What the code require you to do with the two ground wires in the box??? Is 6 inches of both ground wires required????
 
Re: Conductors in switch/outlet box

JAP2525

We are required to connect the two ground wires together by a listed connector. DOes the code require 6 inches of each groound wire out of the box, the listed connector, and then an additional 6 inches to make the connection to the outlet or switch???
 
Re: Conductors in switch/outlet box

DOes the code require 6 inches of each groound wire out of the box
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The way you worded the question, no.

The code requires a minimum of 6 inches of free conductor from where it enters the box.

The code also requires a minimum of 3" of free conductor past the face of the box. So for deep pull boxes, etc, you will end up with a lot more than 6" of free conductor.


and then an additional 6 inches to make the connection to the outlet or switch
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As long as you meet the above requirements, I don't see any requirement in the NEC for pigtails to be any specified length. 6" of free conductor and 6" pigtails could make for a real mess inside a box.

Is 6 inches of both ground wires required????
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Yes. You cannot cut the ground wires shorter than 6". However, this rule is frequently violated in residential work. :mad:

(All answers are based on '02 code)
 
Re: Conductors in switch/outlet box

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 (fixtures) 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.
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Re: Conductors in switch/outlet box

Sorry for the lack of a reference, but my book is almost never next to the computer.

I really need to get a CD ROM version. How much do they cost?
 
Re: Conductors in switch/outlet box

Originally posted by peter d:
I really need to get a CD ROM version. How much do they cost?
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Peter what makes you think I did not type that out from memory? :D

I was told the 2005 code and Handbook will be available in February.

The cost will be about $170.00

You could check this out at NFPA
 
Re: Conductors in switch/outlet box

Bob,

LOL! :D I guess you have Super Man Code Memory??


I need the '02 more than I need the '05, since we just started using the '02 last July here. :eek:
 
Re: Conductors in switch/outlet box

The '3 inch' of conductor outside the box requirement, is for boxes of 8 inches or less in dimension. The boxes larger than 8 inches do not require the 3inches of conductor outside the box.

Pierre
 
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