Table 314.16(A) Question

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c2500

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Yesterday I was searching around for a metal box that would satisfy a two gang with high fill requirement. (I had posted that question separately) I had already reviewed Table 314.16 (A) prior to posting.

Why is the table not more comprehensive? Today in searching around I found a 4" square box that was 3.5" deep. It also makes no mention of anything larger than 2 gang. I realize that not everything can be listed, but could/should there be more detail?

Just curious if anyone has any insight into this.

Thanks,

c2500
 
314.16(A) is just the standard boxes. The plastic 2 gangs etc are varied way too much to list. This is why Table 314.16(B) is there. Once you know the cu.in of the box then you would use (B) Table along with info from art.314.16
 
Perhaps there should be some type of chart or appendix out there based off of current products that would list the size and cubic inches. It was serve as a guide if you need something odd or unusual, and a quick reference.

Another example would be that I ran across a steel pancake box rated at 6.8 cubic inches (fan rated). No problems running 12-2 into it. Maybe it is not an NEC issue, but I think it would be great to have a comprehensive listing.

c2500
 
c2500 said:
Perhaps there should be some type of chart or appendix out there based off of current products that would list the size and cubic inches. It was serve as a guide if you need something odd or unusual, and a quick reference.

Another example would be that I ran across a steel pancake box rated at 6.8 cubic inches (fan rated). No problems running 12-2 into it. Maybe it is not an NEC issue, but I think it would be great to have a comprehensive listing.

c2500
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I stick with one brand of boxes, so the cu. #'s are easier to remember. Also I carry a catalog of the brand that I use that has all the info on all the boxes they make.
 
I believe the manufacturers outpace the NEC in many cases, just too many to list so it is easier on the industry to have them stamped.
In regards to that 6.8cu in pancake box, yeah (1) 12-2 is fine if they stop at that. Sad to say many don't stop at one NM Cable.......They want to use it as a fan box (when listed for it) and put in a 12-3 or for that matter a 14-3 which exceeds the boxes marked manufacturer volume.

So basically the table is for standard " everyday " boxes that are not marked by the manufacturer and a table listing all possible boxes would ....well be too inclusive to really keep up to date in my opinion.
 
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