How Long do Wires Need to be in 2023? NEC 2023 300.14 and 314.17(B)(2)

Рет қаралды 71,294

Жыл бұрын

Check out Belt and Boxes Channel featuring a clip from Sparky Channel: • NEW! The power to cut ...
Amazon Prime Student 6 month Free Trial: amzn.to/2J4txZw
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Gardner Bender ERB-UG Ugly's Electrical Reference Book: Amazon: amzn.to/3yHunTd
National Electrical Code® (NEC®) Tabs, 2023 Edition Paperback - January 1, 2016: Amazon: amzn.to/3s2rJmY
Knipex Tools 13 82 8, 6 in 1 Electrical Installation Pliers with Comfort Grip Handle, Red and Blue: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2j454UI
Knipex 09 12 240 SBA 9.5-Inch Ultra-High Leverage Lineman's Pliers with Fish Tape Puller and Crimper: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2jIp403 amzn.to/2j4bWBz
Knipex 09 08 240 SBA 9.5-Inch Insulated Ultra-High Leverage Lineman's Pliers: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2jWUehM
Knipex 2618200US 8-Inch Long Nose Pliers with Cutter - 1,000 Volt: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2jIqE1J
Knipex 8605250 10-Inch Pliers Wrench - Comfort Grip: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2iLs38A
Knipex 8702250 10-Inch Cobra Pliers - Comfort Grip: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2jIqdop
Knipex 09 12 240 SBA 9.5-Inch Ultra-High Leverage Lineman's Pliers with Fish Tape Puller and Crimper: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2j4bWBz
Knipex 7408200SBA 8-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters - 1000 Volt: Amazon.com: amzn.to/2jIfzOn
Discount on Amazon Prime: amzn.to/37ZJmLN
Amazon Business Account: amzn.to/31NGgGw
Amazon Kids+ : amzn.to/2J6xFIt
Exclusive benefits on Twitch: amzn.to/2HCWNpN
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial: amzn.to/35IlgC6
Amazon Home Services: amzn.to/3jxIFez
Kindle Membership Plans: amzn.to/31O9Pro
Amazon Prime 30 Day Free Trial: amzn.to/3mqTcdq
Amazon Prime as a Gift: amzn.to/3jxxF0U
Create an Amazon Wedding Registry: amzn.to/3jyHL1m
Audible Gift Membership: amzn.to/31Oxb08
Prime Video Channel Free Trial: amzn.to/3mwgUEW
Prime Student 6 month Trial: amzn.to/2J4txZw
Create an Amazon Baby Registry: amzn.to/35CGa5K
The video was taken with the: PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 Body 4K Mirrorless Camera, 20.3 Megapixels, Dual I.S. 2.0, 4K 422 10-bit, Full Size HDMI Out, 3 Inch Touch LCD, DC-GH5KBODY (USA Black): Amazon: amzn.to/2VvWVcV and the PANASONIC LUMIX Professional 8-18mm Camera Lens, G LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT, F2.8-4.0 ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-E08018 (Black): Amazon: amzn.to/2Yem0JO
This video was edited with: Cyberlink PowerDirector 18 and PhotoDirector 11 Ultra: Amazon: amzn.to/2Qz2w1t
To make this video I used the ZoMei Z818 Light Weight Heavy Duty Portable Magnesium Aluminium Travel Tripod: Amazon.com: amzn.to/1XOgA5T
This video was made using the: Transcend 64GB Class 10 SDXC Flash Memory Card (TS64GSDXC10E): amzn.to/1w02Oxn
Bill and sparkychannel.com are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Пікірлер: 134

@kenbrown2808 Жыл бұрын

I still go by the rule of thumb of grab the wire with the base of your hand or the tip of the thumb against the edge of the box, and cut at the other side of your hand. no wire shortages, here.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Good tip, thanks Ken!

@calculator1841 Жыл бұрын

Yeah I have perfect body proportions, that trick my hand is exactly 6", elbow to wrist 12" and between the 2 joints on my pinky 1". Who needs a tape measure?

@jackxv Жыл бұрын

Yeah, in a standard box, the conductors need to measure 6" from the end of the sheath, and 3" from the edge of the box, but most people at the company I work for just teach us to measure them 6" outside of the box, because it doesn't really hurt to leave extra, and also just in case we're too dumb to not undershoot 3". I just leave 6" outside the box. It's never bitten me, yet, even with a lot of wires in the box. Wires that are a little longer are easier to bend, than shorter wires.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

It's OK to exceed code.

@davidbarham9113 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill. I really appreciate that you take the time to try and clarify and/or correct bad information and superfluous interpretations of the NEC. Showing and explaining changes and additions are really helpful.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

No problem, my pleasure!

@ellsobrien Жыл бұрын

I do like how they clarified that "conductor shall be permitted to be spliced or unspliced". Many times in service work you are provided with the smallest nub of wire in a box and many folks thought you had to run a new cable to fulfill the requirement in the 2020 NEC. Now you just connect a wago with a pigtail and your good to go.

@kenbrown2808 Жыл бұрын

drives me nuts when the last guy put in a 6 cubic inch box, and barely left enough wire to get a tool onto the terminal screws.

@im2yys4u81 Жыл бұрын

Love those Wagos. Never heard of them until I started watching Sparky 4 years ago, now I keep a good supply on hand.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Excellent point, thanks!

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

@@im2yys4u81 Me too!

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

@@kenbrown2808 Been there, done that. 😅

@esl4058 Жыл бұрын

Love hearing these little refreshers and updates to the basics.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@esam2017 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

@joeysowell116 Жыл бұрын

I like you explaining the new 2023 code changes. Makes it easier to understand. Thanks

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@apackwestbound5946 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

You bet!

@Eddy63 Жыл бұрын

Great little vid as usual ... Thx for keeping us up to date ...

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

You bet. thanks Eddy!

@timdyer7692 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update, Bill! Good information as always.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

You bet, thanks Tim!

@brianmcdermott2430 Жыл бұрын

Great tips. Thank you Sparky.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

No problem, thanks Brian!

@thehunter3386 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! You couldn’t have made it any clearer!!

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@davidjackson4112 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your video Sparky. Thanks

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@tedmcdonald3377 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill, enjoy your weekend 😎🛠️😎🛠️😎

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

I will, you too as well!

@roweboat Жыл бұрын

It was helpful!! Thank you!! ☺️

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, thanks!

@fraynesperez Жыл бұрын

Thank you for dedicated time to Teach

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

@slimydee5173 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, thanks!

@ethelryan257 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate this! It's downright crazy, the arguments people get into about six versus eight inches and just as unproductive here as elsewhere.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

It's all right there in the NEC. Thanks Ethel!

@Caffein780 Жыл бұрын

Awesome

@R860H Жыл бұрын

Great video, keep up the good work

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@hezaswellguy2734 Жыл бұрын

Good content, keep up the good work.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@jspriver Жыл бұрын

A friend of mine is an engineer on the national piping committee. I now understand why these code books are the way they are. My friend constantly lives in a world of what if‘s And is completely driven by fear that the code is not ‘safe’ enough. I picture guys like him on the NEC committee… These are the people that gave you GFI‘s for every circuit in your house driving the consumer absolutely mad.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

I do understand!

@thedude5040 Жыл бұрын

I do substation engineering. We roll our eyes at the NEC, oh good lord what overaly cautious person wrote this. Sometimes its funny when telecom needs a building and their contractors ask for 12& 14awg wire for normal outlets and im like um we got some spare #6, 1/0, 250mcm, and 4/0. Then they will get mad when they asked for a 200A service, but if im in a good mood we will give them a 2/0 cable because I dont ever think they need need nearly as much power as they think they do.

@WeatherNut27 Жыл бұрын

I use my pinkie and thumb distance from edge of box. Its about 7" so Im good. 👍

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Sounds good!

@Bobcat1950 Жыл бұрын

Another great explanation of the code! I have also noticed some confusion about changes to box heights.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, I've ordered a new 2023 NEC handbook and I'll be interested to see what they have to say.

@donl1410 Жыл бұрын

Good video!

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks Don! Hope you're doing great!

@JohnSmith-ng2ek Жыл бұрын

Now these are the videos that I like to see.

@JohnSmith-ng2ek Жыл бұрын

I could watch these educational videos all day on (CODE).

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Hi John! Sounds good, I have a lot more to come. I got my new 2023 NEC spiral bound book recently and it looks like they were working overtime making changes. I have purchased the 2023 handbook as well, but it hasn't arrived yet. Take care!

@frankortolano5886 Жыл бұрын

Excellent

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks Frank!

@Litephaze2000 Жыл бұрын

As always, great videos! So glad to be a Subscriber and “Like” button-smasher!

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@garydudgeon Жыл бұрын

Good explanation Sparky.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary!

@Guardducks Жыл бұрын

Hey sparky, good video. I never measurer my wire from the box, i just follow the rule of thumb, the length of my hand and trim accordingly . Off to watch my nascar , enjoy your Sunday.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Who is your fav driver?

@Guardducks Жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel #3 Earnhardt sr, 88 Earnhardt jr.

@RobertLeBlancPhoto Жыл бұрын

"From any dimension". IMO, the greatest measurement would be from a front corner of the box to the diagonally opposite REAR corner of the box. Remember, it's a box, not a square. :)

@paulwheeless1080 Жыл бұрын

The beauty of the HANDBOOK version of the NEC is they have explanitory diagrams and examples to clarify interpretation. This one is included.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

I'll be interested to see what they say in the 2023 handbook. I've ordered it, but it hasn't arrived yet.

@ellsobrien Жыл бұрын

@@paulwheeless1080 It's just a shame that you can't take the Handbook version into a test. :-(

@glasshalffull2930 Жыл бұрын

@@paulwheeless1080 And does it measure the diagonal as the greatest dimension as the original poster opined???

@paulwheeless1080 Жыл бұрын

@@glasshalffull2930 The 2020 NEC Handbook has explanitory notes in 300.14 "The length of slack (free conductor) required for the box size is shown in Exhibit 300.12" The exhibit shows square boxes with dimensions measured on each side [not diagonal]. The key is the smaller boxes where the measurement "in any dimension" is LESS than 8" require the 3" extention outside the box. The exhibit shows a larger box (10" on the sides) where the free conductor must still be 6" in length but is not required to extend outside the box. I think the 2023 principle is the same.

@davenag957 Жыл бұрын

This rule really comes into play when extension rings and/or deep mud rings are used. In Chicagoland it's common to see a 1900 bracket box with a 1-1/2" extension ring and 5/8" mud ring at residential switch locations to accommodate box fill requirements. This would add another 2+" to your wire length to be 6" beyond the edge of the finished opening. Not sure why the code says edge of the box and not finished opening? I'm an old electrician who always uses edge of finished opening. I hate short wires!

@ethelryan257 Жыл бұрын

You and me, both. It's not as if it *must not extend MORE than three inches* outside the opening - an argument I've actually had with some apprentices.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

I agree, it should be edge of finished opening.

@im2yys4u81 Жыл бұрын

Do you mind answering a question for me? In my attic is a 4x4x2-1/2 junction box. Inside that box is the main feed, and four feeders that feed wall receptacles down below. Best I can tell that means my box is overfilled. I'm sure it's grandfathered in, but I want to be legal. So my question is: Can I overcome the over filled box by installing a 4x4x1-1/2 extension ring w/cover on top of the existing box? Thanks in advance for the response. *Note: The jbox sits in a remote corner of the attic that is not trafficked.

@nooneyouknowhere6148 5 ай бұрын

@@im2yys4u81yes that's why they make extension rings. You dont want to be cramming wire in too tight and you don't want heat build up from lack of space.

@fastxsam Жыл бұрын

I've been doing electrical for many yeats now so I got to ask an honest question. Does anyone actually measure 6" out? I always go with my gut and I've never had an issue. Certainly 12" is too much but I'm always leaning towards longer is better mentality.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Most electricians have a quick way to measure without using a tape measure.

@MrKen59 Жыл бұрын

I think you need to let an electrician write the code so it’s understandable. Very cool review.

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

I agree!

@nooneyouknowhere6148 5 ай бұрын

The rule was 6" from the edge of the box. Now it is 6" from where it enters the box.

@thedude5040 Жыл бұрын

Hmm. I just installed a light in my garage, probably didnt make it quite long enough. Oh well, Im not an electrician and dont do permits/or inform the AHJ; not that I would know how to contact them anyway.

@JodyBC1 Жыл бұрын

did you see that dogs tail flip when the board hit that wave?

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

6:45 I hadn't noticed that😄

@jmac213stuff Жыл бұрын

one thing that been difficult to find out is that the sheathing shall be 1/4" min past the clamp. But what is the max length it can be? for a 4s box? and for Electrical Panel. I saw 18" somewhere (not in the code book) do you know where I can find that info?

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

There is no maximum that I know of.

@vince6829 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the clarification. Much appreciated. Question: does the NEC limit the length of the sheathing that enters the box. I know that it has to measure a minimum of 1/4 inch; but, is there a maximum limit?

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Hii Vince! Great question. I know of no limitation to the maximum of sheathing.

@janvanruth3485 Жыл бұрын

metal boxes were banned in europe at least 40 years ago...

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Interesting, thanks.

@theoisaac9948 Жыл бұрын

6 inches

@adelhomeserviceselectrical728 Жыл бұрын

Bill do you have an email to reach out for questions? I have a question about hottubes

@jobaecker9752 Жыл бұрын

I'm surprised that measurement isn't taking into consideration the wire gauge - I would think that a set of 10ga or larger wires would fill the box quicker, and that there would be some kind of adjustment table to make those larger wire requirements just a tad shorter. ?

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

I understand.

@nooneyouknowhere6148 5 ай бұрын

The free conductor length is to ensure there is enough wire to properly install or change/service the devices.

@jasperjones6962 4 ай бұрын

Hello do steel 4 gang boes with mounting brackets need to be supported on the otherside?

@SparkyChannel 4 ай бұрын

I would. I like my boxes to not move at all when plugging in.

@jasperjones6962 4 ай бұрын

@@SparkyChannel The brass walk plate against the drywall should stop it from moving.

@jimmac1185 Жыл бұрын

I disagree on one point. I don't believe that it is 6 inches from the sheath AND 3 inches beyond the edge of the box (for the smaller than 8 inch box). That would be too much wire in certain boxes, thats why you only need 3 past the edge (in my interpretation).

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Okay, thanks Jim!

@johnnykayofficial Жыл бұрын

When you say needs to exceed 3” from the edge of the box; does the mean the wire needs to be at least 3 inches long from the edge of the box to the outside of the box?

@johnnykayofficial Жыл бұрын

Or it needs to be 3 inches to reach the inside edge of the box? :)

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

3" past the edge of the box and 6" long if the box is less than 8" in all dimensions. But please read the code again because I'm paraphrasing.

@GODofAbrahamIsaacandJacob Жыл бұрын

At 3:25 in transcript, it say's CHEESE ? LOL

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

LOL!🤣

@oshtoolman Жыл бұрын

Hello Bill. I have a question not related to this video, but since I trust you for your knowledge and advise, I'm going to ask here. In my master bath I have two exhaust fans that operate off one push button digital switch. That switch is going bad (it shuts off after 4 minutes no matter what time you set it for). What should I be looking for in a replacement?

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

Would you like another timer switch? What brand do you have now?

@oshtoolman Жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel Yes on the timer switch. It's been so long since I installed it that I have long forgotten what it is!!

@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын

@@oshtoolman That's OK. Do you have a ground available for a new timer switch?

@oshtoolman Жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel There is ground wire there, but I'm not sure it goes anywhere, at least not to a legit ground. I do know the original part of the house isnt grounded. I have had electrical work done in the past and it was added to the new stuff and circuits.

@oshtoolman Жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel think I got it solved. When the contractor put in the new bath, they did run a ground. Whew. I found a Leviton LTB60-1LZ electronic countdown timer. It has a total of 5 wires, one of which is not used (it's for a three way application). I was able to identify the load, line, neutral and ground in the box. Pulled out the switch that was almost dead, and using my Wago Lever Nuts (saw on your channel!) installed it and had it in and working in about 20 minutes. Thank you for the channel and education.