Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

How many cubic inches does a receptacle with 14-2 wiring count as?

1. 4 cu. in.

2. 6 cu. in.

3. 8 cu. in.

4. 10 cu. in.

The correct answer is: 8 cu. in.

A receptacle with 14-2 wiring counts as eight cubic inches. When determining the box fill calculation for electrical boxes, each device and conductor adds to the total volume needed to ensure safe and effective wiring practices. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), each receptacle, including a standard outlet, counts for 2 cubic inches. Additionally, each wire entering the box must be accounted for, with 14-gauge conductors such as those in 14-2 wiring adding 2 cubic inches for each conductor, including both the hot and the neutral wire. In this case, for a receptacle with 14-2 wiring, you account for the receptacle itself as well as the two conductors. Therefore, you have: - 2 cubic inches for the receptacle, - 2 cubic inches for the hot wire, - 2 cubic inches for the neutral wire. Summing these amounts gives you a total volume of 8 cubic inches, which aligns with the correct answer. Thus, understanding box fill requirements is essential for ensuring compliance with electrical codes and maintaining safety in electrical installations.