GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

[wrestless]

Do you think that GFI receptacles,Faceless GFI,
Dimmers take up more room in box than standard devices why are they not marked with volume area
or counted as 4 conductors? HMMM?

 

[bphgravity]

Re: GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

Basically, box volume allowances are based on the larger devices, so when a smaller device is used, you will simply have more space but are still required to use the double allowance.

 

[hbiss]

Re: GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

I don't remember in what code cycle it was changed ('99?) but it use to be that a device or yoke only counted as one conductor. Now it's two and I'm sure the change was to account for the larger devices.

Of course there is nothing to keep you from adopting your own practice if you feel two conductors are not enough.

-Hal

[ April 26, 2004, 04:10 PM: Message edited by: hbiss ]

 

[roger]

Re: GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

Hal, I agree.


This narrows it down to a couple of code cycles.

bill addiss
Chief Moderator
Member # 6

posted April 13, 2004 10:05 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark,

The code changed. Back in '84 NEC it was one deduction for a Device and in 1990 NEC it was two. So, it changed either in 1987 or 1990. (My guess is 1990)

This would be close to the time GFCI receptacles were becoming common place.


Roger

 

[curt swartz]

Re: GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

For anyone that cares the 1990 NEC was the first addition to require a deduction of 2 conductors instead of 1 for each device.

 

[wrestless]

Re: GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

Thats how long it is since I did my last calculation LOL. Thanks guys Rich

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

Originally posted by wrestless:
Thats how long it is since I did my last calculation LOL. Thanks guys Rich

Wow!
Are you not required to take continuing education classes in your area?

 

[hbiss]

Re: GFI or Dimmer counted as 4 conductors

Wow is right. Even given that the 1990 code was probably not adopted around here for a few years it still seems like yesterday that we discussed that change. That's what happens when you get old!

-Hal