How Long Must Wires Be in an Electrical Box? (2020 NEC 300.14)

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How Long Must Wires Be in an Electrical Box? (2020 NEC 300.14)

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Пікірлер: 255

@mattmclaughlin7338 4 жыл бұрын

learning every video . I just started electrician school last month . so this really helps understand the book

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Best wishes Matt!

@submittedbymail 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome that you started school. Alot of guys will rag on an electrician who went to school. Not trying to poke at you, just want to prepare you. School is not a substitute for on the job experience. Try to get some experience while in school and you will have the best of both.

@G0dspelronin 2 жыл бұрын

@@submittedbymail Excellent comment. A Wiseman taught me that young men know the rules; old men know the exceptions. Best to know both

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

@@G0dspelronin Here's another one: There are bold electricians and old electricians but there are no old bold electricians!

@G0dspelronin 2 жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel Love it! Thank you sir

@jamisongillespie3524 3 жыл бұрын

I wish the guy that wired my house listened to this. All the outlets extend maybe 1 inch outside of the box. Makes doing anything a pain, but its making me proficient at pigtails

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

I understand!

@georgebush6002 3 жыл бұрын

I feel your pain. Did you install pigtails to get extra length or just live with it?

@jamisongillespie3524 3 жыл бұрын

I installed extra wire. At first I tried to live with it but it made everything so much harder. That extra length allows you to fold the wire and makes it easier to get them in the box.

@NickFrom1228 2 жыл бұрын

@John Bergeron Exactly. Code requires stapling within 12 inches of the box, but the cable can be 18". So, if you staple at say 6", you have 12 of extra cable you can use for extending.

@csimet 2 жыл бұрын

As usual, a good explanation of the code and demonstration of its application. I usually leave 8-10" roughed in and trim it back to 6" when I mount the device.

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@pointedspider 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Bill for bringing this back. I going after my masters and this is so helpful! It brings the book to life!

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent! You can do it!

@shadhutchison6578 3 жыл бұрын

Where are you doing your masters?

@JustHazardous 2 жыл бұрын

If you are sitting for a master's license test and you need this, good luck to anyone whoever hires you!

@thawrath9306 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck, a lot of that stuff is so not worth the debt.

@vandoo66 3 жыл бұрын

Canadian code is the measure between my extended pinky and thumb. 😂 Just leave not too much that you cant fold it back in the box and enough for the next guy who comes around who has to fix the mess you left behind. Nimble AND humble.

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! :)

@realdeal485 2 жыл бұрын

35 year electrician and I am still learning... Thank you for your time and effort making these videos... I am a licensed journeyman and thought it was six inches.. Ohh the apprentices I wrongly chewed out ! lol

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@KitchenerLeslie2 2 жыл бұрын

6 to 8 beyond the finished edge of the wall is still preferable to me. It’s safer and turns out neater. Some of us also work for companies that don’t allow us the time to turn off circuits to safely work on them. One of my bosses tells me if I want to turn off a circuit to short hot to neutral. I’ve seen two service bugs fry and two transformers blow when people intentionally short a circuit. Of course three of those times were late on a Friday and once in the rain.

@davidschwartz5127 2 жыл бұрын

I wish you and KZfaq had been around in the late sixties when I had to learn the NEC. But then you still had the individual localities inspector's interpretation of how it's to be applied since they have local jurisdiction.

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks David!

@ToadeRTroniX 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your videos. I'm a new fan of your channel. I had ordered a Klein tools VDV scout pro 2 and then saw your comparison with the VDV scout pro 3. I quickly cancelled my order and bought the 3. I'm looking forward to getting it. Since then I've been watching your channel avidly. You're a great teacher! Thanks again!

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

I would very much recommend the Scout Pro 3. I think you made a great choice! Thanks for watching!

@aerofart Жыл бұрын

The way I’m reading the second condition (where opening in any dimension is less than 8”), it seems to me that only 3” of wire length is required outside the opening because the box in such case would be so small (or the bends in cable would be so acute) that they relax the 6” requirement used for boxes having no such minimum dimension, such as with a small-box, light switch outlet. The Code is so convoluted it makes even the most intelligent amongst us dizzy. What they really need to have for each section is a logic flowchart. Hmm, maybe I should write a book . . .

@poserwanabe 2 жыл бұрын

Been doing it same way my entire life, I make an "accordion"... I run to opposite side of box, fold over and come back, then back to opposite side, done. Anyone who comes behind me is happy, peace.

@crazysquirrel9425 3 ай бұрын

No need with the invention of WAGO's

@josephpasquale8932 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the simplified explanation.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

No problem, thanks! Have a great weekend!

@crazysquirrel9425 3 ай бұрын

Author's video is fine for NEW INSTALLATION. Does not usually work with existing/old installations. Especially when you are NOT using a big box. Try shoving all those wires and such in a normal outlet box then try to fit in those thick GFCI's in there. You need a piece of wood and a hammer to drive the wires in enough to fit the GFCI outlet.

@N-hunter 4 жыл бұрын

I always use my linesmans pliers to measure the length. I leave them a little long during rough in, then when I go to make up the box, I stick my pliers to the back of the box, and where the handle ends, that's where I'll cut them off. This is similar to how someone might use the bar of their chainsaw to measure for firewood

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thanks!

@tedbownas2748 4 жыл бұрын

I do that, too. My pliers are 7", so I clip them about an inch from the end, which typically leaves between 3"-4" outside the box.

@davidsmith6979 2 жыл бұрын

I use a "rule of thumb", make a fist with your thumb out (like you are hitchhiking), place the side of your fist against the box and the end of your thumb should be cut length.

@davcot3675 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill for calling out fake news Aka incorrect code references

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

LOL! Have a great weekend!

@thomasseabrook1041 3 жыл бұрын

Its always good to note alot of codes NEC/CEC state minimal requirements. I believe that minimum code is a starting point, and you can do better. Working above minimum code you are building in contingency this means building in added longevity and safety. 6" is good for single gang boxs, as the boxes get bigger so should your length especially when starting with 24"×24", gutter/splitter boxes and panels.

@thomasseabrook1041 3 жыл бұрын

Also sometimes some wires of your cable may need to be longer then others, like neutrals and especially bonding/grounding conductors.

@fritzmiller9792 2 жыл бұрын

Very true.

@MMGJ10 3 жыл бұрын

I typically go with 4-5 inches past the face of the box. I'm a bricklayer though 🤷🏼‍♂️ Anything more than that is just a pain in my ass to stuff in there. I've rewired the majority of my house and garage and it's still there!!

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@36736fps 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation but I think your use of the box diagonal is misleading and confusing when determining if "any dimension" is less than 8". Box height or width will always be less than the diagonal so the lesser of the height or width should be the determining dimension. For example, a 6x6 box has a diagonal of 8.5" but the "any dimension" of 6" is less than 8".

@UnlikelyToRemember 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. By "any dimension" they mean height, width, or depth. Not any diagonal you might be able to come up with.

@miket5506 2 жыл бұрын

I generally leave 6-8 inches beyond the front of the box because it makes servicing the device so much easier.

@shopart1488 2 жыл бұрын

We have switched to using Wago’s in most cases much simpler to use and somewhat space saving.

@ronpost587 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Finally a straight answer to this question.

@shinigami388 2 жыл бұрын

I took the 8" in any dimension to mean smallest dimension measured(trade measurement?) . Not sure where Bill gets diagonal from that wording? ie any box less than 8x8. And given almost no box is min 8x8(smaller at least 1 dimension) I took this as a passive way of NEC telling you to basically always ensure wires are 6"+ with 3" outside box. Am I wrong? And if so how, please!

@blowing_up 2 жыл бұрын

That’s how I read it as well

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

It says opening less than 8 inches in any dimension, not every dimension. So basically any box smaller than a 3 gang box, you need to have 3 inches outside of the box as well as the total conductor length must be 6 inches from where it enters the box. If you have a bigger box, like 3, 4, 5 gang, etc., then the conductors must be at least 6 inches from where it enters the box but it doesn't need to stick out 3 inches from the face. This is because there is more working space in the box (larger and also possibly deeper) therefore the 3 inches isn't important. Imagine trying to work on a small single gang box with only 2 inches of conductor beyond the face of the box. There is no room to get your hands in there and maneuver the wires.

@actionjksn 2 жыл бұрын

I do 6 inches from where it exits the box, it gives plenty of wire to work with. 3 inches seems really short. I guess on a GFCI the shorter length makes it fit in the box easier but I prefer 6 inches on regular outlets and switches.

@thesoutherngentleman1600 2 жыл бұрын

%0 plus years ago I got out of the Navy and went to work for my Dads friend a electrical contractor. So I started out as a helper and then the next week the guy I was working with didn't show up so I continued where we left off the previous week. A couple days later another guy wanted me to be his helper by carrying about 10 or so boxes of 12/2 w g as he walked to the other end of the project. this was 2 blocks away from where I was working and told he to carry his own stuff and left him. well he reported me to the boss and after the boss came an saw what I was doing he comment to the other guy that my work was with out error and after looking at what I had done those 3 days and what that other turkey did He told him that he might be advised to take a lesson since I had done 3 apartment and he was still working on his first 1 and half units. Oh after that incident I was given a 1.50 raise which put me on the same level as that so called electrician was getting. Dad always told me to pay attention cause one day I might have to do something like that. Dad was a smart one that I learned lots from and still wish He was still here today. Miss you Dad....

@edscmidt5193 Жыл бұрын

A lot of peopel have that monent(s) in their life, always do what you feel is right and the world rewards you

@rickn6349 2 жыл бұрын

Multiply box size by 1.5 Example:if you have a 4sq box 4×1.5=6 6×6 Hoffman 6×1.5=9 Not sure about code...I've never fail a inspection.

@mikez4132 3 жыл бұрын

Just to clarify, for pigtails in the box to connect to devices-after the splice, how should the wires be measured? Say the upstream and downstream conductors of a receptacle are tailed together leaving a B/W/G wire for the device connection.

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike! Excellent question. While the wires coming into the box are regulated by NEC, I haven't seen regulations on the pigtail length after the splice. Certainly, the length must be long enough to be professional work however.

@sorenmundfrom4643 4 жыл бұрын

PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON ARTICLE 220 specifically RANGE CALCS❤️

@mathman0101 4 жыл бұрын

I would do a video if you have the time on branch circuit load calculations. Take an example 15amp circuit calculate its existing load and then add other devices to work out a new revised load, covering power factors, continuous use, specific purpose devices. Another good topic is to cover wire bend radius across all wire gauges and what that means for safety and installation purposes. Just be careful Bill in responding to everyone in the comment section some are fake posts and some posts are pretending to be someone they are not this was one of the way they hacked the previous account. Take some time to learn about that issues. Unfortunately that’s the world we live in.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Boy, I could say a lot about getting hacked but I think it's best to just keep a good attitude and just keep going forward. But like you say, you have to keep up a good defense too. Excellent video ideas, thanks!

@georgebush6002 3 жыл бұрын

I wonder how many are up to the math involved in calculating parallel loades.

@mathman0101 3 жыл бұрын

@@georgebush6002 it’s something electricians should know and keep familiarizing themselves with.

@rezzle2457 4 жыл бұрын

This is a very helpful video! Please do more of these Bill!

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! I try to work code references into my videos. Have a great weekend!

@itaintrocketscience 3 жыл бұрын

I touch my linesman to the back of the box and cut the wires the length of the linesman ( about 9”) That’s a quick and dirty way to meet the code.

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Nice tip, thanks!

@samconrad4005 3 жыл бұрын

As long as you dont have more than 2 runs going through. That's a lot of wire to fill a box when you have more 😁

@chicagohandyman 3 жыл бұрын

I have a mark on my stripper and I just have to touch the outside of my mud ring.

@itaintrocketscience 3 жыл бұрын

@@chicagohandyman That actually sounds like a better method. I’ll probably steal it!

@Icehso140 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. Thanks. 6" from where it enters the box through clamp or conduit. If any length of the box opening is less than 8", the wire must extend a min. of 3 inches from front of the box. Code is minimum. Extra is ok until it over crowds the box. How about just leaving the electrical work to licensed electricians or indentured apprentices? Good video. I really get sick of scary KZfaq "I think I know what I'm doing!" wiring videos.

@themechanic4222 3 жыл бұрын

Just came cross here .I do work in Manhattan NY on commercial buildings and this is very good channel to whom wanted to learn the trade . I’m subscriber

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to Sparky Channel! Thanks!

@zerocool5878 4 жыл бұрын

The only part I differ with you on interpretation is the 3 in rule. My understanding is that the 3 inches must extend out the opening. That's it. Nothing to do with an edge. As long as it pulls out past the front of the box at ANY point 3 inches it's legal. I could be wrong but that's how I've always understood this rule.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

You're correct. Here is the code: "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." I think the phrase "outside the opening" is the key there. But how are you going to know where exactly the opening ends unless you use the edge as a reference?

@zerocool5878 4 жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel for example a common box for me is 6x6x4. Frequently I mount this to a wall above ceiling and bring the conduit or mc in the back of the box. I know I need the 6 in and 3 outside the box so the smallest I can leave the wire is 7 inches from where it emerges from the conduit or mc connector. If that makes sense.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

@@zerocool5878 That sounds correct to me. :)

@chrisallen9154 2 жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel Think of it like this. Using the box viewed in your video. With the wire entering center right, the wire must be 3 inches longer than the corner furthest from the box entry point. That will give you greater than 6 inches in your example.

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

The opening is the edge. You don't differ, you're just hung up on semantics.

@keithharrington4595 3 жыл бұрын

Bill, thanks for the reference with the code. To many idiots want to be helpful, but do not know the rules laid out in the code. The only thing more scary for me is that person that knows the rules and ignores them and tries to hide their "violations" from the inspectors.

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Keith! No problem. Yes, they are scary!

@DS-zo8xs 11 ай бұрын

Better long than wrong. But I do appreciate the technical answer, but that is the minimum requirement. I've debated this answer a lot at work and, I've always quoted code but get bashed by people who "been doing it 20 years and just know". However, code is King. Nonetheless thank you for this answer, great explanation and I agree 100 % with you!

@SparkyChannel 11 ай бұрын

Yep, code is King. Thanks!

@maintman420 4 жыл бұрын

Good rule of thumb is, leave the length according to ones fist heel against the box face and out to the extended thumb, as in the thumbs up symbol.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@fritzmiller9792 2 жыл бұрын

Really good advice.

@SteveWhiteDallas 2 жыл бұрын

Cool! I knew there was a code for this, but I never looked it up. I've heard several stories on required wire length, but it's pretty easy to recognize the bs, because it will be missing the details that are always included in the actual NEC. Experienced electricians like long wires. A good residential wiring practice is to leave a Romex® (Nm-B) about 1 foot long from where the sheath enters the box. That allows for each conductor to be gathered with like conductors at a common point at the back of the box, stripped even at 3-4" outside the box. Then, in a switch box, twisted together by hand, cut, capped and neatly folded (2 bends) into the back of the box. Or in a plug box, 3 bends to leave them in the back of box. Getting wires to the back of the box is important. Otherwise, the sheetrockers will hit them with their Roto-Tool. When it's time to install receptacles, the wires are long enough to strip and wrap by hand around the screws, tighten and twist wire by hand until it breaks off. That leaves 2 bends (one at the receptacle) and the wires push into the box behind the receptacle without getting in the way of the box extension ring (if required.) For anyone who is unfamiliar, maybe Sparky has a video on hand-twisting wires in switch boxes. It's a big time-saver.

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve!

@SteveWhiteDallas 2 жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel I love electricity ... Always have. I can't stand to see things done wrong, and I've seen alot of it. KZfaq is a great information resource because of people like you showing others how to do it right.

@ReggaeRedeemer 3 жыл бұрын

I feel like this is the first thing i ever learned doing electrical

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@noconsentgiven 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the discount on the book Sparky!!

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

You bet!

@JulianA-tr6pt 2 жыл бұрын

I've been replacing some of those horrible "self contained" receptacles, and this may be the only thing I've done that could be considered out of code. Some are probably 6 inches, others, definitely not. I also tended to pull too much sheathing into the old work boxes. Really, I don't think it's a safety concern as much as a serviceability and easy of installation issue. The 12ga were a pain to get in the box. The rest will be done this way.

@torodaman 4 жыл бұрын

I understand but you can't go wrong 6" from the edge of the box, that's what I do, been doing it all threw out my career, the sheathing I've always left the 1/4" inside the box, some people don't understand that is easier and faster to make up a box when you fallow this guide lines, some people I work with leave up to 3 inches of sheeding on the wire and really short leads like 2 inches coming out the box but i make it work...thank you.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds good! Have a great weekend!

@georgebush6002 3 жыл бұрын

In my home's new work electrical boxes, the person who wired my gfci is the only one who left a long enough wire. I was amazed at how much easier it is to pack everything in the box with the longer wire. I would have predicted less wire would be easier. I started installing pigtails to give me the wire length I should have been left.

@fritzmiller9792 2 жыл бұрын

I wish the Code also gave the maximum amount of sheathing that can be left. The 5/8" he left seems like a good length to me.

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

These codes are just minimums.

@IBEW126 4 жыл бұрын

Good Morning Sparky. first time i Comment. first that you so much. i am an IBEW126 Union member. Phila. pa. my question is. What is the best all around FLUKE METTER to use for HVAC an All around? THANKS YOU AGAIN

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Good morning Jesse! By far my favorite Fluke HVAC meter is the 902FC,. You can see it in action here: Fluke 902FC HVAC Clamp Meter with Fluke Connect + 2020 NEC 210.11(B) Even Loads: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qc93eshjnMubiJc.html

@riverja57 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sparky! I needed this training aid.

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@crazysquirrel9425 3 ай бұрын

It used to be 6" out of the box. If the box is 2" then add 6 and you get the 8". Many times it is impossible to have 8" when crammed back into the box. For me I try to leave about 3/8 to 1/2 minimum sheathing in the box. Depends on the space I have to work in. Enough to easily see when a device is removed. Hard to miss that bright yellow sheathing. Most customers will not want you to rip open their walls just to do something simple. NEC needs to allow more leeway. If you use WAGO's, things should be more allowable. But are they? NEC is just being far too picky on many things. 6" outside the box is plenty to work with. And has little to do with electrical safety.

@paulandmegian9139 2 жыл бұрын

Ughh! I installed a power inlet box and i'm not sure if i got 6 inches of wire or not. I might have just wasted $30 worth of 6awg wire. Why would i ever need to splice/make changes to a power inlet box for a generator?

@n.gineer8102 4 жыл бұрын

It would be helpful to see an example where the 3inch beyond the edge requirement made the wires longer than the 6inch requirement. The Code writers had a reason but often no one knows it and then it’s hard to deal with special installations.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

It may be when extensions are added to a box. I'll have to play with that and see if I can figure it out. Excellent point!

@georgebush6002 3 жыл бұрын

Perhaps it is seen more in commercial and industrial installs?

@joshuacheung6518 2 жыл бұрын

I'm like a year late and not a sparky, but if you had something like a 5x5x5 box with the wires coming i from the back or near the back (idk if that exists, just an example) i think you would need 8 inches? 5 to clear the box, another 3 to have 3 inches outside the box? Possibly up to half an inch less depending on where the sheath stops, and how far away from the back the wires come in?

@chrisallen9154 2 жыл бұрын

@@joshuacheung6518 Precisely. That is how the addition works.

@wingerrrrrrrrr 2 жыл бұрын

I guess the reason for it being applicable only to boxes being smaller than 8" x 8" opening is the ability to get tools or hands in there to work.

@NutmegThumper 3 жыл бұрын

I’m just learning about wiring so this was helpful. A question you can possibly address in another vid - if I have 2 wire BX with no ground wire and I want to insert an outlet & plug in the middle of the run for a generator to power a furnace, does this qualify as an “improvement” that requires me to upgrade this to 12/3 Romex? Just curious if I can modify existing and still be considered still in code.

@washingtoncowboy7295 2 жыл бұрын

All your video highlights is how beyond reason, the NEC really is. Taken as a whole, it is so contradictory and convoluted as to be virtually useless. This result is a natural extension of what happens when you task an apparently expert committee to define common sense. It's an indictment of how our whole society works (or doesn't) in the modern age.

@garyd4419 2 жыл бұрын

I'm saying 6 in from the cable entering the box and minimum of 4 in from the outer edge of the box

@MarkLawry 4 жыл бұрын

good question, good answer

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark! Have a great weekend!

@martingonzalez529 3 жыл бұрын

Always good information and fun to watch your videos 👍👍

@SinfulSavant 2 жыл бұрын

I am just adding a positive comment for the algorithm. I am learning a lot from you. Thanks

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@assassinlexx1993 2 жыл бұрын

In ideal condition the wires should be 6 inches long. But rarely do you have that other than new construction with a less than full capacity. With changes as the electrical needs increased, you quickly need shorter legs because the box is jammed full.

@rodolfovesga979 2 жыл бұрын

I already knew that but good little quiz to remind me lol great content lol

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@porfiriomagana7166 Ай бұрын

Love your videos!!

@SparkyChannel Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@Tre16 2 жыл бұрын

I use the rule of thumb length which for me is about 6" from the edge of the box.

@brucerobak145 2 жыл бұрын

And remember the NEC is the minimum standard. I find that 3 inches of conductor out of the box is difficult to work with, and I leave my conductors longer, which makes installing the wiring devices or lights at the finish easier for me.

@actionjksn 2 жыл бұрын

Me too but I do like to shorten them up a little bit on a GFCI so they fit in the box a little easier.

@KinGIIRomE 2 жыл бұрын

Conductors that are not splice do they have to be grounded or can they continue to go to the raceway?

@blueplasma5589 2 жыл бұрын

a,b and c meets the "at Least" code requirement and is correct no?? Wah, Wah, Waaah

@kpdvw 2 жыл бұрын

And then there are the Boxes on some existing "jobs" where the wires are below or even with the box and you are lucky if you can extend them with a wire nut....!

@Maatson_ 4 жыл бұрын

Lol I got it right non of the above but to be fair I’m a electrician so I have to live by the book. But hey most electricians measure how much wire by making sure it goes to the end of the hand old school way to make sure . Unless you have tiny hands .

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Good job! Have a great weekend!

@losttownstreet3409 3 жыл бұрын

tiny hands ==> less wire needed You should look if it's a real requirement or a recommendation. Many pages in the book are only recommendations and may be only a requirement if the contract stated as such. If it's a requirement you need to change the whole wire in case you cut short in case of maintenance.

@bgarrison67 2 жыл бұрын

You can tell houses that were wired in times of rough economies. 1 inch wire outside of the box. Sometimes I wonder how they wired it the wires were so short.

@harryl7946 2 жыл бұрын

Always delighted to learn!

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@nayivisdenis1401 2 жыл бұрын

Hi,sparky,i got to splicing #600kcml paralell in to the box in straigh pull my dude its, i have per nec let a loop?????casanova

@MattFerguson26 8 ай бұрын

From the thumbnail photo, don’t you need a staple on that cable?

@fritzmiller9792 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sparky . 😊

@davidespinoza4626 4 жыл бұрын

Yes this video is really helpful Thank you sparky 😉

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, thanks!

@surferdude642 Жыл бұрын

Should the wires extend at least 3 inches from the edge of that box or the edge of a single gang mud ring that may commonly be used on that type of box? I think it would be the latter, but I'm not sure.

@johnengel7564 18 күн бұрын

I have always measured from mud ring to make it easy on maintenance workers and homeowners.

@christianruiz9502 2 жыл бұрын

would this also apply to low voltage such as telephone, cctv, fire alarms?

@tedlahm5740 3 жыл бұрын

Non of the above. But 3 inches beyond the edge of the box for small boxes?

@gyrgrls 3 жыл бұрын

Forever, or until rebuild / remodel / code revision.

@scottlawton6107 5 ай бұрын

No need to go more than double the width of the junction box that what my tech school teacher said way back in the day.

@FirstLastOne 2 жыл бұрын

At least the 2020 NEC has gone metric. Why resist a measuring system that uses a decimal point and is based on 10? Fractions, what's the point of that?

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Good point!

@johnnyarsenault9124 3 жыл бұрын

Should’nt this be the minimum also in distribution panels? Specially for neutral wire length?

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

You need more than 6 inches to connect any wire inside a distribution panel, regardless of rules/codes.

@--JohnDoe 4 жыл бұрын

We don't measure boxes corner to corner. Table 314.16 (A) shows height, width and depth. If I am wrong feel free to teach me.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

"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." You could be correct. Also, I think Math Man above could be correct and I think I could be correct. IMO the code writers aren't giving us enough information to be exact on this point. However, I think the general point is that on the smaller boxes, 4x4 and smaller for sure, the conductors shall be long enough to extend at least 75 mm (3 in.) outside the opening.

@--JohnDoe 4 жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel the code writers always leave everything up to personal interpretation. It's not easy learning this stuff.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

@@--JohnDoe Absolutely correct! Isn't that the truth!

@paulwheeless1080 3 жыл бұрын

Based on the article's accompaning Exhibit 300.12 in the Handbook edition of the 2020 NEC you are correct. it shows a square box with measurements of "any dimension" along the edges of the box. I find endless confusion resolved using that edition with all the commentary and exhibits, particularly when discussing a given issue with the AHJ.

@georgebush6002 3 жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel I think the requirement is to ensure electricians have room to work. The exception to wires extending needs to be based on the smallest possible opening measurement which is how the requirement reads to me anyways, not the largest, which is consistent with this purpose. Relying on the corner to corner measurement alone would situations of having to work inside of a 1"x10" opening which makes no sense.

@safetythirdified 4 жыл бұрын

How do you put together a resi meter and service?

@danjoe22 2 жыл бұрын

I would say all of the time.

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

LOL! Good one!

@garydudgeon 4 жыл бұрын

Good explanation Sparky.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary! Have a great weekend!

@justinearley7728 3 жыл бұрын

In my state the 2020 NEC code book hasn't been adopted for testing yet, does it still supercede the 2017?

@fritzmiller9792 2 жыл бұрын

You are right on... It's not Code for us until our State ratifies it.

@paulwheeless1080 3 жыл бұрын

Was that you sprinting across the beach at the end? ;-))

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I love to run on the beach!

@nitewindhi 3 жыл бұрын

Thx for that info. Good stuff keep em coming ...Shaka

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@wim0104 4 жыл бұрын

ah, I never realised you have to meet both the code lengths; from the end of the sheath *and* the edge of a small box.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Correct, or where the wires emerge from a raceway. I really wish they would write these codes in plain English! Have a great day!

@wim0104 4 жыл бұрын

IMO, the code mostly "legalizes" good standard practice, that's why it turns into loopy spagetti salad. the 6" and 3" reqs do just mostly happenstance together in the field. my first master tought me 8" (ye olde handspan) from the back of a small outlet box.

@wim0104 4 жыл бұрын

also, if you're going diagonal for the "maximum dimension"; boxes are a 3d shape, so the max dimension is a diagonal across from the front face to the backside. I think the code should say maximum *nominal* dimension; i.e. height*depth*width.

@mathman0101 4 жыл бұрын

wim0104 yes that’s what the code is intended to do. I have read that it applies to any one of these 3 dimensions not that all 3 dimensions have to be of that size. As a standard setter albeit in a different field. The use of formal language is to avoid too erroneous an interpretation by trying to be precise in the language used as you say that principle is important for legal/regulatory purposes. Through the various review and revision process and discussion the aim is to remove any erroneous interpretations but that’s not a guarantee- circumstances can arise in the future that were not envisaged when the code was written that then leads to another cycle of revision or corrections which is what the NEC goes through. Look at the number of errata already published for the NEC 2020 code.

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

@@mathman0101 "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." You could be correct. Also, I think John Doe below could be correct and I think I could be correct. IMO the code writers aren't giving us enough information to be exact on this point. However, I think the general point is that on the smaller boxes, 4x4 and smaller for sure, the conductors shall be long enough to extend at least 75 mm (3 in.) outside the opening. Bill

@jeffmoss26 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff Bill

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeff!

@Cozcacuauhtli 2 жыл бұрын

THANKS FOR SHARING

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@heroknaderi 3 жыл бұрын

Good to know

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@bgarrison67 2 жыл бұрын

What's the maximum fill of a box? That's the million dollar question.

@jfbeam 3 жыл бұрын

It should be said, if, however, you follow "C", you'd be meeting code. (6/3 is 2020 code, 8/6 _exceeds_ code)

@SuperVstech 3 жыл бұрын

A 2.5” deep 4” square box is just over 8” from back corner to outer opposite corner... so...

@crazymusic001 3 жыл бұрын

Hey boss can we get a video on high voltage saftey?

@terrysmith4465 3 жыл бұрын

I'm confused.

@roberttirpak474 2 жыл бұрын

Love these code videos. Keep up the good work, paps. 👏👍 Can you make a video on reidentification of cables? Example: can you use a 12/2 BX as a 220V for a AC line then at disconnect switch run a 12/3 MC to air handler. I see, I believe, some crazy shit and my supervisor is ok with it. 🤷

@SparkyChannel 2 жыл бұрын

See: Find the NEC Code Violations! IDEAL National Championship Code Violation Board Round 1 Part 2: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ipN_d7ainLSvmmw.html

@fritzmiller9792 2 жыл бұрын

@Robert Tirpak. If the air handler is 120volt and requires a neutral then the answer is No. But if the 12/3 is only being used with the White re-identified as a hot to switch something then that is OK. Bottom line, if the original feeder 12/2 is on a double pole breaker then it isn't providing a neutral and so it can't be used to supply any load that requires a neutral.

@frankortolano5886 3 жыл бұрын

Yes it was

@placitas52 2 жыл бұрын

I just went by the rule of thumb that they should be long enough to connect to your switch and short enough to stuff back into the box.

@stevendouglas3860 3 жыл бұрын

It's in the code -larry haun

@SparkyChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds good!

@MrTooTechnical 4 жыл бұрын

Perfect

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave!

@brucebratschi4300 3 жыл бұрын

Learning is fun

@racenuke Жыл бұрын

Good reminder. I guessed wrong lol

@commercialelectrician133 4 жыл бұрын

Great video just ordered my new 2020 nec book yesterday

@SparkyChannel 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Have a great weekend!

@TheFSUfan82 3 жыл бұрын

@@SparkyChannel I’m a first year apprentice. My co workers with the most experience say to use the 2014 or 2017 code book. Does is really matter which book you choose to study???

@eds6889 2 жыл бұрын

Good video but 5.66”? Inches have fractions metric has decimals. Not going to find 5.66” on a measuring tape are we?

@mrt5187 2 жыл бұрын

They should this line. After They Have Ben Spliced. To the Article So, it would Read. Each conductor shall be long enough to extend at least 3' outside the opening. After They Have Ben Spliced. That would Beter clarified the length of the wires. so, the next person to axis the box Won't say WTF there still too short because the idiot that made up the box didn't factor in Right turns and twisting lengths when making up the box.