Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

For a circuit with 14-2 wire, how many conductors are counted for cubic inch calculations?

1. 1 conductor

2. 2 conductors

3. 3 conductors

4. 4 conductors

The correct answer is: 2 conductors

In a circuit using 14-2 wire, there are two conductors that need to be counted for cubic inch calculations. The "14-2" designation indicates that the wire consists of two insulated conductors, typically referred to as the hot and the neutral wire. In addition to these two conductors, a ground wire is also part of the assembly; however, the ground is not typically counted as an additional conductor for cubic inch calculations in the same way that insulated conductors are. Therefore, when determining cubic inch calculations for a junction box or similar application, you primarily consider the two insulated conductors. The cubic inch calculations are essential for ensuring that electrical boxes have sufficient space to safely accommodate the wires without risking overheating or other issues. Understanding how many conductors are included in your wiring setup is crucial for proper box sizing and compliance with electrical codes.