Hey Team! I hope this video helps you with your project. I placed timestamps below to help you navigate this video👇. Look what is stamped in an electrical box! 00:24 What do the numbers mean inside an electrical box 01:02 What is a volume allowance? 01:25 What are internal clamps? 03:15 How to do electrical box fill the easy way! 04:01 How to calculate electrical box fill using cubic inches 05:06 Knockouts vs internal clamps 07:25 Two gang box calculation example 07:41
I think you missed 1 volume allowance for the internal strap while calculating the single gang box with 2 wires and one device @ 4:39 Or am I mistaken?
Great explanation! QUESTION: So what if you have mixed wire sizes in the box. Say you have two 12/2, two 14/2, one switch connected to the 14/2, and one outlet connected to the 12/3 (split between sockets)?
After watching 2 other videos that were twice as long and still being confused, I’m glad I found your video to quickly and clearly explain box fill. Thanks for the videos.
What is the volume allowance for a GFCI Plug? I was using a steel RACO box 3" X 2 x 3 1/2" deep. 21" cu. I wanted to have a possible food waste disposal later, so I had 12-3 supply from the switch. It is a steel box so I had a ground pig tail
GFCI and AFCI receptacles are treated the same as regular receptacles as far as box fill calculations are concerned. If it seems to be a tight fit, you can use a larger box or add a box extender to add room. Not the box extenders that are used for boxes that are mounted too deep from the wall surface. You could also use a Legrand Wiremold starter box as an extension.
Great video. I bought an CANTEX OLD WORK BOX. It's a 14 cu. in. and it has the same numbers that you showed on your 18 cu.in. (9/14) (8/12)(7/10). How can that be?
Thank you. I stumbled across this video. Because I've been struggling with box fill been a few years since I've done it. Well drawn out and very well said thank you very much. I'll be keeping your video to show to the other apprentices.
Gotta say man I've been in an electrical systems tech course in local community college and this stuff blew my mind. Watching your video helped clear it up and I was able to keep track in the code book as well as the illustrated guide. Thanks again and keep safe.
Hey Roger! I always try to explain things in an elementary way. I used to get overwhelmed about stuff like this but I keep it easy to understand. Thanks a lot for watching!
The only suggestion I have is adding the section of the code book where these tables are found. I’m in CA with the 2020 code and this info is found in 314.16(A) & (B) other than that great video.
I was in the store today and looking at the boxes. I noticed those numbers and thanks to your great explanation, now I know what they mean and how to do the calculations.
Josh if you ever get tired of electrical work you definitely have a path for teaching. Bro you broke that down to even the most confused person could understand. Great video 👍👍
Question for you about volume allowance and wire within the box. Lets say I have a 2 gang box with both of them being OUTLETS and I have 1 wire coming and I have a short (a few inches) wire to jump power from 1 outlet to the other. 1) That short jumping wire would it COUNT towards the volume? 2) does the wire allowance only count for wires coming in?
So as I see it won't be against the electrical code if you use a larger box than needed, it would be ok and that way you know you have plenty of space and it won't be overcrowded.
Great explanation. So many people showing about box fill calculations, but I can't find a single explanation that shows what to do if there are too many wires etc.. in a box. I have a metal 4 gang (4 single gangable joined) that contain 4 14/3 and 5 14/2 and will have to fit 4 dimmers/3 way switches with pigtails and wire nuts. That is way too much fill. Since I couldn't find any solution anywhere, what I did is, I installed a junction box above it near the ceiling (which will be accessible) and I relocated there 3 of the 14/2, which will branch out to the other end switch box. So now, on this 4 gang box I have 4 14/3 and 2 14/2 (2 circuits coming from the box above) and will have to fit the 4 dimmers with pigtails etc... = 4 14/3 + 2 14/2 + 2 pigtails and wire nuts for the each of the 2 circuits + 4 wire nuts for each dimmer = 20 wire nuts? I'm going nuts myself. That is still too much fill ... Help! Thank you. BTW: I'm in Ontario Canada, I know you're in USA, but a solution might be useful in Canada too ..? :/ If the framing studs are 3-1/2", why the **** can't all boxes be 3-1/2" deep? Why bother making the 2", 2-1/2" and 3" deep ones? Life has to be complicated, doesn't it. ?
Hey Josh great videos, Do you have any plans you can share to give me an idea to build my own house as well I’m a licensed electrician, but do a lot in all the other trades as well . I will sub out some of it Like basement foundation And other stuff but want to build mostly ourselves me and my wife.
Hey Jason! I do not have professional plans. I drew up this house and hired a truss designer for the roof system and that was it. I have alot of video on how to build your own house on my channel. Be sure to check them out!
So question then: If the cubic in calc is exactly the size of the box then it doesn't pass code? To be clear: 2x12/2, plus 1 gnd, plus 1 receptacle in this box, and given it has punch-outs, that's it... and 7 is less than the box wire count of 8 (good) ... and 7 x 2.25 => 15.75 < 18, so again in cubic in... we're good. Now, let's go to 3x12/2 ... but stay in the same 18" single gang box ... => (3x2)+1(gnd)+1(receptacle) = 8 ... which is allowed per the box - good, as again, the punch-outs don't count ... and the cubic in => 15.75+2.25 =18 (all else being equal gnd & receptacle) ... and that equals the box size 18 in - i.e. doesn't exceed the box size .. so, does this meet go, or as indicated we need to go to a 22 cu in box?
This has to be united states code he's talking about. This is not Canadian code. Not to mention again his terminology is wrong and can and will be misread in the cod book.
Hey Team! I hope this video helps you with your project. I placed timestamps below to help you navigate this video👇.
Look what is stamped in an electrical box! 00:24
What do the numbers mean inside an electrical box 01:02
What is a volume allowance? 01:25
What are internal clamps? 03:15
How to do electrical box fill the easy way! 04:01
How to calculate electrical box fill using cubic inches 05:06
Knockouts vs internal clamps 07:25
Two gang box calculation example 07:41
Very good explanation about the number of wires that can be inside of electrical boxes!
Good video
awesome
I think you missed 1 volume allowance for the internal strap while calculating the single gang box with 2 wires and one device @ 4:39 Or am I mistaken?
Absolutely
NEC ARTICLE 314
Great video
Thank you!
Thank You!
You are a good teacher If you teach in school many student pass the exam . I am too late, 67 years old .just watch for general knowledge . thanks.
In the second example, I see you didn't include the internal clamps. But if its a 2 gang box or more we don't calculate them?
You just saved my sanity. Simple explanations are gold. Thankyou
Awesome I’m glad I could help!
Excellent presentation.
What about counting marrettes for boxfill?
This is one of the best explanations
Great work. Very informative
Great explanation! QUESTION: So what if you have mixed wire sizes in the box. Say you have two 12/2, two 14/2, one switch connected to the 14/2, and one outlet connected to the 12/3 (split between sockets)?
I was a journeyman electrician 40 yrs ago - great content - you have made it easy to understand!
Thank you for the explanation!
Geez....this was really good! Thanks!
After watching 2 other videos that were twice as long and still being confused, I’m glad I found your video to quickly and clearly explain box fill. Thanks for the videos.
What is the volume allowance for a GFCI Plug? I was using a steel RACO box 3" X 2 x 3 1/2" deep. 21" cu. I wanted to have a possible food waste disposal later, so I had 12-3 supply from the switch. It is a steel box so I had a ground pig tail
GFCI and AFCI receptacles are treated the same as regular receptacles as far as box fill calculations are concerned. If it seems to be a tight fit, you can use a larger box or add a box extender to add room. Not the box extenders that are used for boxes that are mounted too deep from the wall surface. You could also use a Legrand Wiremold starter box as an extension.
Thanks for this video.. now i understand a little mòre
Fantastic freakin video! Thank you my friend.
You are welcome darling!
If you are pigtailing your fixtures, does this factor into your boxfill and if so is the calculation the same?
Thank you for this video...
I love you man. Your explanations are lovely
Thanks! I try to explain everything as if I have never done it before. I hope that helps!
Besides a slightly higher cost, any issue with just doing the larger 22.5 cubic inch box as a default instead of the 18?
That should not be an issue to use a larger boxes as the standard size in a whole building. Hope that helps!
Wow! I had to watch it a couple times... OK, I watched it five times before I got it. Very good explanation sir, 👏!
Does it still count as one for the internal clamps if using larger than 2 gang box ? Maybe a 3 or 4 gang box ?
Sweet video!
Good Info
Thank you!
Man!
Great job Josh
I appreciate that!
Great video. I bought an CANTEX OLD WORK BOX. It's a 14 cu. in. and it has the same numbers that you showed on your 18 cu.in. (9/14) (8/12)(7/10). How can that be?
how about marrette's, do they not count towards box fill?
This was great thank you.
NEC 314.16
hi sir wnated to know if this is base on the nec code of 2020
My brother…keep up the awesome videos!!
Thank you!
Please keep making theses videos!!! Greetings from Texas
Hey Christian! I’m glad you like the channel. Stay tuned!
Great video. Most simple explanation I have seen.
Thank you so much for all the info and no bullshit!!
You are welcome! I ain’t got no time to fluff in my videos. Stay tuned 🔨💪🏻!
Do pigtails count as a conductor?
Excellent video. Thank you very much. No other videos I've seen, explain this.
Excellent information 👍👍👍
I appreciate that Martin!
New subscriber, great video 🙌🏽
Welcome El Jaime!
Very helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to educate us with concise easy to understand teaching. A+++
This is amazing! I hope RUclips is making it worth your while for this great content. Thank you!!!
Thank you Richard! Yes this platform is great. Take care!
Thank you for your clear and concise explanation with demonstration.
Best info ever!! Thank you, 🤝🤝
I appreciate that. Thanks a lot for watching! You are welcome!
Great video. Do pigtails and wire nuts count towards fill limits?
Thought I had it down before I read your question; damn; lol! I wish he'd answer...
Look at the nec article 314 no because it’s a extension of the existing wire
On RUclips, you do the best job in explaining box fill!
Thank you for the video! Was a little confused with some explanations I found online but you make it really easy to understand.
Do you count short pig tail wires just like you do the wires in the nm cable?
Most informative, brother🍻
Hey Lou! I’m glad you liked it! Cheers! 🍻
Thank you. I stumbled across this video. Because I've been struggling with box fill been a few years since I've done it. Well drawn out and very well said thank you very much. I'll be keeping your video to show to the other apprentices.
By far one of the best videos I have watched for DIY projects! Thank you for the clear explanation!
Thank you! I try to keep my videos is comprehensive as possible. Thank you for taking your time to check out my channel. Good luck with your project!
Quite helpful👍 💥
Excellent! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the videos man! Helped me out alot.
Thanks Cory! I appreciate you watching!
Excellent explanation. Good job. Thanks.
This is very interesting. And it also sucks. must make three and four way wiring a nightmare with those extra wires.
Gotta say man I've been in an electrical systems tech course in local community college and this stuff blew my mind. Watching your video helped clear it up and I was able to keep track in the code book as well as the illustrated guide. Thanks again and keep safe.
How do pigtails calculate in this ?
always clear, concise, and humble direction. thanks man, nice content.
Hey Roger! I always try to explain things in an elementary way. I used to get overwhelmed about stuff like this but I keep it easy to understand. Thanks a lot for watching!
This was a phenomenally well done video! Please keep it up!
What about deep boxes?
The only suggestion I have is adding the section of the code book where these tables are found. I’m in CA with the 2020 code and this info is found in 314.16(A) & (B) other than that great video.
This is by far my favorite box fill video I’ve found. I always recommend this video when someone asks about box fill
I was in the store today and looking at the boxes. I noticed those numbers and thanks to your great explanation, now I know what they mean and how to do the calculations.
Great teacher with great examples. Very powerful information in this video.
Thank you!
This was informative. Muchas gracias! 👍
Do jumper wires between outlets in a four-gang count for box capacity purposes?
Thanks for your video. Made this concept very simple to understand. What about wire nuts or pigtails? Do these count towards volume allowances at all?
They do not
Josh if you ever get tired of electrical work you definitely have a path for teaching. Bro you broke that down to even the most confused person could understand. Great video 👍👍
Great job. Thank you for posting this :-)
Thanks Bill! I appreciate you watching!
I never knew this information. Thank you very much for sharing!
Wow moat houses won't paaa
Question for you about volume allowance and wire within the box. Lets say I have a 2 gang box with both of them being OUTLETS and I have 1 wire coming and I have a short (a few inches) wire to jump power from 1 outlet to the other. 1) That short jumping wire would it COUNT towards the volume? 2) does the wire allowance only count for wires coming in?
Great video!
Do internal pigtails count against the fill number/volumes?
Thanks for sharing, this was VERY helpful and understandable, GREAT JOB friend, Thanks !
Where can I get the code books?
Do pig tails count?
Nope!
So as I see it won't be against the electrical code if you use a larger box than needed, it would be ok and that way you know you have plenty of space and it won't be overcrowded.
Great video! You really deserve more suscribers for such a great explanation and information!
If you were to add a jumper, would that add to the volume number as well?
No sir.
Awesome, thanks!
If you are wondering if a box is overfilled, it is.
That’s a good point. Thanks for watching!
Great explanation. So many people showing about box fill calculations, but I can't find a single explanation that shows what to do if there are too many wires etc.. in a box. I have a metal 4 gang (4 single gangable joined) that contain 4 14/3 and 5 14/2 and will have to fit 4 dimmers/3 way switches with pigtails and wire nuts. That is way too much fill. Since I couldn't find any solution anywhere, what I did is, I installed a junction box above it near the ceiling (which will be accessible) and I relocated there 3 of the 14/2, which will branch out to the other end switch box. So now, on this 4 gang box I have 4 14/3 and 2 14/2 (2 circuits coming from the box above) and will have to fit the 4 dimmers with pigtails etc... = 4 14/3 + 2 14/2 + 2 pigtails and wire nuts for the each of the 2 circuits + 4 wire nuts for each dimmer = 20 wire nuts? I'm going nuts myself. That is still too much fill ... Help! Thank you. BTW: I'm in Ontario Canada, I know you're in USA, but a solution might be useful in Canada too ..? :/
If the framing studs are 3-1/2", why the **** can't all boxes be 3-1/2" deep? Why bother making the 2", 2-1/2" and 3" deep ones? Life has to be complicated, doesn't it. ?
Where does the 2.25 come from in the final calculation? Thanks in advance
Check out the table at about 5:18 in the video.
How many 12g wires are allowed in a 6x6x4 junction box?
👍🏻
Thank you Miki!!
Hey Josh great videos,
Do you have any plans you can share to give me an idea to build my own house as well
I’m a licensed electrician, but do a lot in all the other trades as well . I will sub out some of it
Like basement foundation
And other stuff but want to build mostly ourselves me and my wife.
Hey Jason! I do not have professional plans. I drew up this house and hired a truss designer for the roof system and that was it. I have alot of video on how to build your own house on my channel. Be sure to check them out!
So question then: If the cubic in calc is exactly the size of the box then it doesn't pass code? To be clear:
2x12/2, plus 1 gnd, plus 1 receptacle in this box, and given it has punch-outs, that's it... and 7 is less than the box wire count of 8 (good) ... and 7 x 2.25 => 15.75 < 18, so again in cubic in... we're good. Now, let's go to 3x12/2 ... but stay in the same 18" single gang box ...
=> (3x2)+1(gnd)+1(receptacle) = 8 ... which is allowed per the box - good, as again, the punch-outs don't count ... and the cubic in => 15.75+2.25 =18 (all else being equal gnd & receptacle) ... and that equals the box size 18 in - i.e. doesn't exceed the box size .. so, does this meet go, or as indicated we need to go to a 22 cu in box?
Ummm missed the 40k. Wow…….Hello 50
Hey Amazing Framer! I can’t believe it. The channel is growing faster than I would have ever thought. Thanks for stopping by!
Adding new smart WiFi switches to these boxes will not fit. Some of them just will not fit into these full boxes. Fill spec's need to be revised.
Great info! Just came across your site. When did we start to count tabs in boxes? Is that new? Thx!
This has to be united states code he's talking about. This is not Canadian code. Not to mention again his terminology is wrong and can and will be misread in the cod book.