STOP STUFFING BOXES! How Many Wires is TOO Many??
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- Опубликовано: 13 ноя 2021
- Hey Gang! We're having a lot of fun with the electrical content lately so here's one on box fill! There are very few videos on the subject, and it's important! We know the app we show doesn't consider all factors, so we're planning on a follow up video for that so stay tuned! Thanks for watching and we'll see ya on the next one!
Contact: studpack225@gmail.com 
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I'm a licensed master electrician.. and I'd like to know who the 13 (so far) that dislike this video? I will tell you that if Paul was working for me, I'd be pleased with his attention to detail and the NEC guidelines. I also know that he cares enough to be open-minded and learn a better way. Though he is not a licensed electrician, he def. does a lot better than MANY that are licensed. He even pulls his cables in atleast 1/4". HIs method of grounding and bonding is solid. Kudos for sticking the Hot Stick in there for a double check and finding that second hot line. People just assume WAY too often. That is how I have always trained my guys.
I see that you specifically pointed out that Paul is not licensed. I have noticed over the past 25 years that in many cases I have seen the phrase “ must be installed by a licensed electrician”, to “ must be installed by a ‘qualified’” electrician. I feel that having a license can sometimes give electricians to ‘bend’ the rules. My instructor who was also a Local and state inspector told us in code class that he had a rule of thumb which did allow for over-filling a box.
@@dominicm2175 I've been in the electrical trade for 40+ yrs. Acquired my Journeyman in '88 and my Masters in '96. I personally have never been aware of any exceptions given by the NFPA that allows for over-fill of boxes. Not saying that there isn't because the Code has a LOT of exceptions to the rules. i.e. Such an exception may be pending on a "Temporary" provision. But again, I have never known of a box-fill rule to be subject to this. The 2020 NEC had a LOT of great changes in which the contributors really worked on definitions and outlining such. And many additions to existing rules. 2023 is expecting to have even more of these improvements. You have to be a good student of the NEC and maintain a steady study of it. Now, that isn't to say that you won't find yourself in debate with an inspector, etc. from time to time. If and when this occurs, both parties need to just discuss the challenge and always reference it back to the current Code that applies. Some states have stricter requirements than others. They may all use the NEC as the base but, each jurisdiction often has it's own rules in addition to the NEC. For example: The nEC states that you must strap horizonal conduit every 5 ft. But, your city says that it want it strapped every 4 ft. THAT is the one you must comply with. Therefore, you must always follow the minimum of the NEC or do better than what is the bare minimum requirement. The state of NY, Pa, and WV are some of the strictest codes in the nation. An electrician from Virginia would most likely fail in said states because Virginia is very laxed in the rules even though the state is a neighbor of the others mentioned. NY and WV require that not only you be licensed by the state, but, must have insurance. In Pa, they not only are you supposed to be licensed, but, in Pittsburgh, you need to test to acquire a city license as well to work in certain facilities and buildings... and it's a tough one as well. As for Paul, I made the point that he knows more than many who are licensed. He's been there and done that. So he being a good student of the NEC and having a lot of experience in residential and commercial ...certainly would make him qualified to test for a license. Where I live, you have to have performed work under a licensed master in commercial, industrial, and residential for 5 years as a journeyman to acquire your masters state fire martial license. I think that Paul would easily pass the residential license. Who knows, how ever the rules are in his state, there may be somebody with the authority that will watch his videos and encourage him to go test. Again, Paul does a fantastic job on covering details.
@@dominicm2175 Speaking of licenses North Carolina is now requiring low voltage installers to be licensed., (Telecom, video and burglar alarm). I will be the first to admit that the low voltage industry needs improvement in the cabling work. I have seen some incredibly bad workmanship that causes future problems to service and/or excessive labor to clear problems. Burglar alarm people are the worst in my opinion. They routinely wait until all the inspections are done and then come in installing PVC cable in plenum ceilings and letting the cabling lie on the ceiling tiles without support. If the burglar alarm is shown on the print like the fire alarm system then they get inspected like everyone else.
The licensing is a joke. I've been retired for 6 years and it may have changed but it went like this. I called a guy in Asheville told him I do low voltage work. He issued a letter saying I was qualified. I presented the letter to Mecklenburg County which put me on a list of licensed low voltage installers. On any new work showing telephone/data jacks I need a permit. I call or use my laptop to get the permit from Building Standards and my credit card is debited. After I had my cabling installed And while the ceiling is still open I called for the inspection. The inspector came out and looked at the cable to make sure it was not PVC and that was it. When everything was ready I called for a final inspection. The inspector came out looked at the equipment room and asked me where the telephone equipment was. I told him that the customer was using it at the old location and that it would be moved on the weekend. He said he couldn't give me a final OK. This caused the entire job to fail. The contractor was ticked off at me. After I explained what had happened. He called someone at Building Standards and got us a Temporary Certificate Of Occupancy so the customer could move in.
After the equipment was installed at the new location I called for a final inspection. A different inspector came out, looked at it and asked me, "What am I supposed to inspect?" I said, "I don't know. You haven't issued a standard for us to follow." I told him to see that the equipment was grounded (which it was) and he gave me the final OK.
This whole BS routine is about collecting money for the permit. It's not about safety or workmanship.
My background. I've been in telecom since 1968 when I was hired by Ma Bell. Bell had high standards for our work and it showed. Later when I was a Repairman and saw that few problems were workmanship related I saw the purpose of the Bell System Practices. with the death of AT&T in 1984 all craftsmanship died in the telecom industry. Anybody with a car and some tools can be an installer. They like to call themselves technicians but they aren't, they're installers. They have no background in basic electricity. I had a "technician" who couldn't install a device using the basic door bell circuit. The circuit followed a relay in the equipment so we could use a louder ringer. He couldn't read the simple schematic and the circuit description. I was determined to make him learn and he spent 11 hours over two days on it. I even had him him come into the office and showed him on paper and still he couldn't do it.
I had another guy who I went out to help with a problem. When I got there I saw a pile of fuses on the ground. "It keeps blowing fuses" he said. "Well don't keep putting uses in. Find out why they're blowing." I ended up clearing the problem myself. One of the problems is that almost all the equipment is "Plug and play". Take it out of the box, plug in a cable and you're done. My experience was on electromechanical equipment. I had to read schematics. imagine a system with 1200 relays with 12 contacts per relay.
I was also a US Navy Seabee Construction Electrician in a Public Works department where I worked in the telephone exchange, power plant and general electrical repair. I have done high voltage work when needed. How many people reading have worked on a series circuit street light system? It took four days to follow the processes taking place to make a completed telephone call in the schematics.
The decision to retire came easy. I couldn't stand not being able to find competent workers. The real technicians AT&T laid off were the people owning the businesses. We're all retired now and are so glad to be out of the business.
@@robertcuminale1212 speaking of Telecom… after it was deregulated in 1996 and literally hundreds of CLEC’s popped up, I worked for one in New England installing T1’s and zero of the field technicians or collocation techs were licensed.
They are the box stuffers😂 not a lic electrian and I know the PDF version of NEC is free online no excuse for any BS
You're a pretty good "Jack of all trades" but I think you're an electrician at heart!
Agreed, he really loves to get into with electrical seems to be extremely knowledgeable
As someone said to me. “I could wire it for you, but i do not have a license.”
Liability factor?
@@tedlahm5740 falls on you the homeowner ... you being the general?
@@tedlahm5740 Different localities have different rules. In the NE, it's common to prohibit homeowners from doing wiring in the own homes, something that would be unheard of in the West. Usually only an electrician is allowed to pull a permit if the homeowner isn't doing the work themselves; it's the permit holder that's responsible to see to it that the job is done properly.
@@barryomahony4983 I'm in Los Angeles, California. For the most part, homeowner are only allowed to pull building permits. Sometimes, if the jobs are small and include MEP they may allow it, and if the inspectors see crap, he issue a correction by simply stating "Hire a licensed contractors for that part, ie plumbing with no venting, electrical no wired corrected, or mechanical improperly installed.
You guys rock! How can anyone not love this channel? A father and son working together hand in glove. A rare and beautiful thing in this day and age.
I was tracing an outlet with an open ground, from the bedroom up to a box in the attic (still open) to another one (still open) to a third one, where the ground was good but for some reason they had snipped off the ground on the cable feeding towards the bedroom. That box: a) was buried under the attic floor, b) had a broken nailing flange, c) didn't have clamps and some of the cables were not stapled nearby, d) needed 32 cubic inches, but it was only a 15" box! Jammed absolutely solid. I replaced it with a monstrous 42" metal box, with all of those problems resolved.
Awesome thx
I was doing something in a spare room of my house a couple years after moving in and I plugged in a ups that had alerts if bad power etc. Well it alerted to no ground. So I pulled out my tester and sure enough the two boxes on one wall had no ground. Hmm. In the end I discovered that the cable coming into the box had no ground. But when I traced it, the box it came from left with a ground. Hmm again. Looking further I discovered that the ground literally ran out in the middle of the wire. The brainiacs wiring it just ignored it. Couldn't believe the laziness. I wish I could say it was surprising given things I've found in this house.
Box fill. Been obsessed with this since I was a teenager. Glad you guys are finally addressing this serious issue. 👍
I'm glad you checked the power after you flipped the breaker. I always say it is hot until you double checked it with the power tester. Lots of great information here and I never thought about box capacity and now I know to check it. You guys have really made me think more about the things I do since I have to work behind other electricians doing handyman work. Now I know to check for reverse polarity and no ground on existing plugs and boxes an ddon't assume that the last guy that worked on it knew what he was doing. Thanks for all this great information.
Consider it hot until your voltage meter reads 0. Non contact voltage tracers should not be your last line of defense to ensure power to a circuit is off. Always assume the last person working on something was an idiot and didn't do it right so check things out yourself to avoid shocking surprises.
I love how thorough you guys are. Double checking for safety, cleaning up even the side of the box where you clipped the plastic - you guys always do excellent work! Keep it up!
I’ve watched you guys since the beginning. I’m a electrician and I’m very impressed with the information you provide. Keep up the good work my friends and stay safe!
You are 100% correct we love you electrical videos. I have never seen the box fill before (I am sure there are lots of things I have not seen before), but that was very good and I hopefully will use that in the future, I hate it when I see so many wires in a box and it seems like the person before you just SHOVED everything in and screwed in the plate and prayed it lasted till they left the job, so that was great and it would be super if you showed more things(if there are any) like the box fill.
I ran in to your channel this weekend surfing around RUclips. Although im not an electrician i occasionally 'do things around the house'. I love listening and learning from people who know what they're talking about. Thanks for being there. Im learning from you.
I have dealt with many builders in my time, many great, many good, and a few others. I must say it’s always a pleasure seeing someone that has your attitude when it comes to contracting and willingness to learn and teach.
I really appreciate this video! The explanation of box fill and options for boxes is right on time. Really shows the old saying, "Know enough to be dangerous." I have done a fair amount of electrical work at my house, to include wiring my garage from scratch. I did a lot of research to be code compliant and do it correctly. Box fill never really came up in my research. Now I know, the rest of the story. I'll be revisiting all of my work to be sure there is sufficient room in the boxes.
I love the way you explain things that you are doing. I happen to be a very handy person so I understand most of the terminology. You explain to those who may not have that understanding! Keep making those videos!
Hey Paul
I started watching your channel a few months ago, and I'm hooked.
I love your tips, work ethic, attention to detail and especially showing how to learn from mistakes.
To be honest, I got bored with this old house and their ridiculously extravagant projects. You're jobs are the average Joe's (Paul's) jobs, which I love.
I've been a carpenter for 20 years but I love to keep learning and I love tools...love trade shows
Thanks so much for your videos
Oh my gosh, this is yet another example where you directly address a recurring problem that I couldn't solve. Just as you said, the sheathing on those old wires roll up like a shirt sleeve against the integrated clamp! But I needed the space and it was the biggest box I could find. I never considered the metal box and the additional space the front flange can add.
Hey Paul, I recently got into your videos and am a new subscriber. Love the content I've seen so far! Ever since my family and I bought our first house in 2016, I've slowly tried to increase my knowledge and do more DIY stuff. Your electrical videos are helping me better understand how to safely deal with the electrical components of our house! Electrical and plumbing (especially natural gas) have been two areas I've been terrified of touching, but your videos help make electrical less of a boogeyman. We definitely need to go through our panel and map it out to make sure everything is labeled properly!
If you're not already subscribed to them, Electrician U is another good channel for electrical knowledge. Dustin is very concise with his lessons and even pulls out the code book on various videos showing exactly what the NEC says for various applications. Also, if you really want to get better with electrical, the NFPA actually has a site where you can get a free membership and read a digital copy of the NEC book.
Thanks for the heads up on the app!
Love Klein tools and the little tester... testers have saved me from shocks so many times!
awesome video. You covered everything in a residential sense for box fill and such. As electricians doing old work you run into this all day long and in some cases you are totally right its not worth it to shove a device in a box that is already filled to captivity. Yes we all have experimented with that meaning shoving the butt end of hammer on the wires or just giving a device a hefty push and then it goes BOOM!! lol. Anyways love the content thanks.
Before my military time I was a 3ed generation electrician. I like your videos. The first thing I noticed on the first box were no staples within 6 inches of the box, did see you corrected that.
This is a really fun channel. I've had to deal with so many of these issues that it's great to see how others tackle them. In my case the most difficult aspect of rewiring is the hassle of dealing with plaster and lath walls that are tricky to cut into and repair - particularly when you don't have replacement wallpaper. I'd love to see more discussion about the pros and cons of leaving behind non-grounded wires - specifically when they're going just to a light fixture.
Great video. Taught electricity by an Uncle when remodeling my house in 1989. Learned tons. Loved seeing this! Taught me even more. I have bakelite boxes in my current home.
the bane of electricians existence. I bash those POS out just for my own sanity. nothing like ancient bakelight cracking, breaking off device screw tab to f-up your day
Excellent video. I've done a ton of box swaps and rewires but I learned some new tips and tricks. Keep em coming 👍
Great job guys thanks for looking out not only for your customers but us as well.
I've done a lot of wiring mods over years, but I learned something new! Thanks Paul. You guys make me better at what I do and you're entertaining on top of that. God bless y'all
Thanks Mark we appreciate that 💪🏼
@@StudPack That first blue box said 22.5 cu in, not 14. The more shallow one is 14. The one you showed is deeper. Edit: It was an editing error. You had an old work 14.0 cu in box in your hand that looked used, but the close up was footage of a new work unused 22.5 cu in box. Lol
@@StudPack I just cut off the tips of wires rather than untwisting them when replacing old with a new box. The ends can break off so I'd never try to "save" them (unlike my boss, and he's had wire tips break AFTER installing new box and devices) Better to start fresh and also save time/effort.
@@StudPack I have an idea how to install that 48 cu in blue box. Use the flange and mount one screw to get it lined up, then install the 2 screws inside the box. Then remove the screw from flange and cut it off with the buzz saw or a sharp razor knife. The would help line up the box with future drywall but remove the potential for the hump.
You're making me proud, Paul. You did well on this one. You even disclosed the 2.25 rule for 12 AWG. Using the WP extension (not a box) is one of the best methods. FYI.. there are also WP cover designs that provide the same. I am very pleased that you finally got to the box fill/capacity. The app is great ...even though I've been calculating them the old school way for decades. Nevertheless, it's still a good idea. Be sure to mention staple distance rules from box in a future video.,, including staple capacities. The guy who cut the ground from the SO cord needs smacked. That could have easily killed somebody in the right conditions. Idiots!
You're videos are always awesome and informative. I've never seen or used those write various with a hole in the center like that. I bet it really does help with cable management.
Great video. Love the enthusiasm too.. I know a lot but learned about the angle screw locations on the plastic box...which I never knew about before. Bravo
Every time you I get a notification for a video you teach me JUST what I need to know. This time what I learned is that I should have an electrician do the next project! Thanks!
Subscribed! This is the 3rd or 4th video of yours that I’ve watched. I appreciate your clear teaching style and attention to detail.
You clearly abide by the adage “a job worth doing is worth doing right”. Love to see it.
Awesome, thank you!
BEST VIDEO I'VE EVER WATCH, VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND, AND THE POSITION OF THE CAMERA GET REALLY GOOD CLOSE UPS.
THANK YOU SIR ❤❤❤
Thanks again for this great video. It is helping this old retired lineman with my home projects.
Great to hear!
I have done some small electrical projects (ie lights, fans, and outlets). After watching your electrical videos I’ve decided to leave it to the experts. I will double check the projects I have done, and if I have any concerns hire an electrician to double check. You’ve taught me to have a lot more respect for electricity. Thank you.
I just subscribed, great info on everyday general contracting! I am a master electrician in Quebec Canada. Our code in box fill includes marrettes also. Great to see a father son team. Keep going !
Love the content, always learning from you guys and enjoy your personalities!
Great information. Loved "hey, is Jimmy home?" ZAP... hilarious but so true. Keep em coming.
Thx L Rod 👍👊
An absolutely fantastic produced video and extremely educational! Thank you
Paul thanks for the video. Learned a lot as always. I really like it when you do electrical videos.
Love your videos. Noticed on one of them that there was some push in wiring on receptacles. I have seen those come loose and melt insulation off the wire. Another thing, when wiring receptacles in series the load is going through the little brass connector. I was taught to wire in parallel.
A couple small things - at 1:31 you hold up the small blue box, and say 14.0 Cu in. A short time later, we can see that you wrote 14.0 on the outside. Inside, though, it actually says 22.5 Cu in vol.
The gate installers probably didn't connect the ground wire in the plug because of the reversed polarity that you mentioned. I would suggest, though, that you check the gate end of the cable, to make sure that they didn't leave both ends disconnected.
Lastly, in the outdoor box that you added the extension ring to, it looked like one of the black wires was burned - you can see it at 16:18.
Thanks for all of the great content.
I think 1:31 might have been the wrong clip is all. You saw we wrote the box fill on the exterior of the box so I didn’t goof.
Checking the other side of the ground to see if it was connected..... excellent suggestion 👍👍👍. I didn’t physically put eyes on it but I did check it with my meter.., 120V from hot on GFCI to the metal on the gate 💪👊
always fun to watch your videos. for years i have been always searching for the biggest electrical boxes to replace my houses overstuffed ones i have little 3-inch round junction boxes with 5 lines going into them what a mess
Love the outtakes at the end! Great work as always, guys! Keep it up
So glad I found this channel. You guys are awesome! Learn so much!
Stud Pack is my favorite show.
Love the electrical.
You guys are great!! Love the attention to detail. As an electrician myself the only thing I would stay away from is the plug in wagos for pigtails. I've seen them fail a few times, nothing beats splicing with linesman pliers. Great video as always keep them coming!!
What are your opinions on the Wago 221 connectors? As someone who is not an electrician but works on my own home, I love those things. I understand they're more expensive, but I know when I've correctly installed a wire, and can easily remove them. Which is my largest complain about the push in style they used here. Also, sometimes when I'm installing a light or ceiling fan the quick nature makes it far easier for me.
Job well done. I like how you guys used the app. Always double check if the circuit is hot two thumbs up
This is funny. I just finished updating a lighting circuit. I was forced to compress the wiring to fit a dimmer. Then I got to find your video telling me not to. You motivated me to go and buy a deeper pattress box.
Great video guys. I learned something new. I always figured code had something to say about too many wires in a single box.
6:07 literally just learned a thorough NCVT technique right there. This is why I enjoy just _watching_ an electrician work.
love your videos.. you guys are deff a great team, i wish i my dad didnt die when i was 12.... im 35 now.. would have loved to do things like this with him... I just purchased 14 acres... has alot of electrical work that needs done on the buildings on the property.. so much fun learning how to do all this
What a coincidence. This morning I’m reworking the existing wiring and adding a few circuits for cabinet lighting in my kitchen in preparation for new quartz countertops and backsplash. The adjustable boxes are great and I learned about them from you guys from previous videos. A little pricey at box stores but well worth it. I have 12 kitchen backsplash outlets to refit with them. Very helpful video today. Thanks! 👍👍
Thx 👊👍
every OTHER outlet (on the counter tops) on a different circuit? Z06Doc
Stud pack is my favorite channel. Love u guys!!
Perfect timing! I'm redoing my 1920's kitchen and the armored cable power line goes directly into the ceiling fixture and then branches out to 4 or 5 cables from there. Yikes! I'm going to need one of those jumbo metal box with the mud plate thingies. Just got some of those wago connectors from amzn. Thanks for the info
Run all new wire. You will never regret it.
Great tips thank you! Picked up a few new things.
Awesome video. I love how you get right to the point and skip redundant stuff. Thank you. I could not find the app you mentioned.
Great video, here in the UK we also sheath the earth/ground wires inside the box before terminating :)
When your doing electric i just watch and learn. You got me covered.
Great tips! Thanks Paul!
Thanks for this video, as always I have learned something. Box Fill Pro, what a great idea.
Love Your fantastic videos ! Keep ‘em coming !
Great video! I have a few boxes I need to replace now! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge!
Cool thx 👊👍
We have one of those hinged outdoor box cover under a large window, it sucks because you cant see the outlet when you plug into it. Thanks for sharing, Charles
Father and son team great content guys keep up the great work it great to see good workmanship
Saw this video from Argentina, very prefessional. i like the human touch to it.!
Nice! I learned a few things from the video. Never noticed the numbers in the box or the ability to rip of tab/two nails inside.
Studpack - you came to the rescue for me. Exactly what I was looking for.
yoooooo, that extension is a game changer. never seen one of those before that connect to a standard in wall box. i have the exact situation on my patio outlet. i disconnected the outlet and siliconed it shut dreading what i had to do to fix it right. that extension may be perfect, even if temporary until i find my final solution, as there are other issues with the outlet/box.
Yes, exactly the same! I had googled looking for some kind of post with the similar issue and Paul nails it exactly. But like you, I was worried about closing up this huge red flag behind the wall so I siliconed the hell out of it.
In my high end residential remodel's, I like using the 2g welded metal boxes for all of my single and double gang applications. I also run 12awg everywhere. My electricians love me. But I think thats because I pay well.
Really like this guy, can tell hes been around a minute. Threw me off though when he called the oscillator a buzz saw. Only ever heard that term coined for circular saw's.
I gave you a like for the outtakes at the end. (They made me chuckle.) BTW, fantastic information you've provided. I'm a DIY guy, but I like to do things to code and as safely as possible. This is useful information to me.
Great video ! All the DIYers need to realize the electrical codes i.e. National. State / Province are in place and must ne adhered to. Failure can lend itself to fires and as a result, the voiding of your home Insurance. Have an Electrical Inspector inspect your work both, prior to covering the job up ("roughing in") and upon completion of the job ("Finishing").
I like watching all of your videos. Even box fill.
I live in the country in Iowa, only codes in our area are “state” codes but there are no inspections in our county. Only inspection required is if you do anything with the electric meter then the electric company requires that the new panel be inspected! It is amazing some of the things I have come across!
Hey Paul,
Loving all the great videos!
Would you consider doing a review of your favorite tools.
I've learned a lot from all your great tips.
Watched the video till the end love this kind stuff. Keep it up.
The one piece “Bell” outdoor cover is now illegal to use according to the NEC 2020 code. Instead, use a clear “Bubble” cover so it allow the plug to be in the outlet while the connection is covered from the weather. Nice video and thank for the tip about the app.
That sucks the bell one looks nice, the bubble one fades after a few years
We’re still on 2014 where I live 😳🙄👍
@@StudPack Regardless of the NEC Code date being used, electrical safety comes first. The Bell style outdoor lid cover design is not considered weather resistant when the outlet is being used. The "Bubble" enclosure style design is considered more weather resistant when the outlet is being used, especially during rain and snow events.
@@StudPack I'd recommend in use covers regardless of what code you are under. They are just more practical and safe.
Several companies manufacture die-cast aluminum "In-Use" covers .. such as Intematic, TayMac, etc They are far more durable than the plastic types. Plastic types break at the hinge pins too easily. A few more bucks but, far better. Also available are the telescoping type as well.
Man, Stud Pack, You just keep bringing the common sense and professionalism to pervasive problems we all run into
excellent job! It's all in the details very informative.
Thx David 👊👍
Great Video, you almost made a fellow Sparky shed a tear . Great education
I really appreciate you guys sharing your expertise with everyone. Y’all have saved me several hours and headaches with your videos.
I’m fixing to remodel my house and love how you do your junction boxes in the attic. I can’t find the boxes y’all use at the big box retail stores. I’m from Baton Rouge also and was wondering if you would share where you get your electrical supplies? Any help is greatly appreciated.
This is probably the most helpful channel on RUclips
You're a master and scholar thanks for time in making this video
Guys, really great stuff and I enjoy your pace so I don't get a case of the "yawns" as you're explaining things. Because you guys asked I'll share looking at your work thru the "Heavy Industrial Lens" . At the gate we would have placed a fitting at the box and the end of the conduit to use a "Flex whip" to seal out the weather rather than leaving the conduit end exposed even though you were using "SOW" cord. I get your use of the plug for a quick disconnect instead of an actual disconnect switch at the box so maybe some duct seal over the conduit end. Also we would have grounded the metal gate itself (separately) because of the potential your described about the fridge incident and the gate being outside. Tisk tisk about the installers not connecting that circuit ground at the plug. Someone else made comment about the possibility of the motor end or the controls end possibly not having the ground terminated too, need to check that. Love watching your stuff, I know some electricians don't have half the quality you guys have. Keep up the good stuff!!
At 13:15, if you keep your drywall screws at least 12-16 in. away from the box, the hump in the drywall will never be noticed. At 15:15, with the wires reversed it was blowing breakers; their fix was to clip the ground wire... Electricians are licensed for a reason.
I've worked as an electrician for a few years, I've seen all the old wire. Just by trying to strip I can usually tell the difference between new and old. I'm not being a smart ass but some of that old black 12/2 or anything like seems to be a little off sized sometimes. I guess you could account for all the years/ warming and cooling hell idk. Some 12/2 almost seemed off sized again. I love doing old houses with ole pole and rope or that's what we call around here wiring. It's always learning something new for me that keeps it 💯 or brushing up on my technique.
Studpack you rock!
Love the bloopers!!!
A lot of great info thanks 👍🏻
Thanks! Always interesting.
Studpak, thanks for the app for box fill. I'm totally a DIY guy and struggle with which boxes to use. I have rebuilt three houses now. I learn little tips watching your show all the time. For example, cutting the staples or using your diagonals to pry out one leg of the staple. so cool...how else would i learn this shizzle?
Warranty on job. Voided 🤣. (Satire)
Your channel is great! Keep up the good work!!
This video was great! I came for box fill (as I'm installing smart switches and there's no way they'll fit in these Bakelite boxes with FIVE 14/2 runs into them), and got good info on replacing my boxes too. Thanks!
Going to the comments, it seems so many of us have had this exact same problem but couldn't find a solution anywhere. Paul nailed it.
Surprised the inspector would pass the nails and tie straps in that bathroom for multi cables. Usually we have to use the multi cable stackers.
Really good info about the box volume and wire volume!
I realy like your video, I am glad someone else is pissed with box fill. I cant count on both hands how many over filled boxes I have seen/delt with in the past 2 months, unreal!!
Thanks for the app, not sure I have the exact one, but will play with it more.
Thx Terry 👍
Excellent ... 🎅🎅🎅 Thx for sharing ...
When adding new boxes, do you calculate the box fill and install he smallest box to meet minimum code? 2x4 or install a larger 4x4 or larger so you have more work room, and ease for folding the wires and receptacles back in? Does the decision all come down to cost over convenience? If it is convenience what are your preferred box size for installation?
I much prefer the metal boxes. If something comes apart it is going to trip your breaker. I dislike tape around devices for the same reason. It can't protect from mechanical failure and in my opinion it is a false sense of security. Doing maintenance I want to see what's going on before I touch it.
And the device mounting screws always strip out the threads on the plastic boxes.
1/2" Conduit for electric gate has 90 degree elbow opening faced up, this can easily allow moisture (rain, condensation) to Wick its way inside the conduit. Seems to me like something to avoid. Thanks for your well presented and narrated educational videos.
I have a kitchen island with the cooktop on one side of the island as opposed to the center. Unfortunately, there was only one receptacle, and it was on the side where the cooktop was. That meant anytime we wanted to plug an appliance in on the island, we had to stretch an extension cord all the across the island, sometimes across the cooktop. So I decided to run a box to the other side of the island. I am informed enough to know that exposed wiring underneath the island needs to be in conduit, but when I went to the big box store, the only conduit they had was way more than the few feet I needed for the island. Plus it was expensive, and I would still need to buy the 14/2 cable. However, there was an option available with conduit that included wiring that was much cheaper and almost the exact length. The only problem is it was 12/2 wiring. But, I couldn't resist. Everything went great except for the existing box where I extended the run. That 12/2 cable is fat and stiff and just wouldn't fit in the box all the way. As a result, the coverplate kind of sticks out a little. But after watching your video, I am going to get a bigger box.
Thanks for all the great insight!
Love the attention to quality guys...... When is the next podcast??