I have a 14/2 (one circuit) and a 14/3 (two circuits), both Romex NM, coming into a regular steel handy box (2×4") and continuing on from there via outdoor cables (UF cable ?). Am I compliant with the NEC, considering it's three circuits and a total of 6 capped splices? It all fits in but you couldn't fit a smidge more.
Electrical – Can 3 circuts share junction box
electrical
Related Solutions
I'd agree with Keshlam, ask the local inspector about that specifically. It sounds to me like you don't plan on taking out a permit, which I would probably recommend, it gives you peace of mind knowing the job is done right, it's not very expensive, and you can tell the future homeowner when you sell that it was inspected and done to code.
As for circuit design, you said 6 circuits could be a limitation? Then what I'd think about doing is:
- Both bathroom lights on one circuit
- Bathroom GFCI Receptacle
- Bathroom GFCI Receptacle
- Largest and Smallest bedroom Receptacles
- Two other bedroom receptacles
- All bedroom lights (Assuming they don't exceed 12 fixtures)
You probably won't want to have all the lights from one floor on one circuit, as if that circuit ever trips, you'll be in the dark with no supplementary light to guide you.
You could use cable stackers I think:
Related Topic
- Electrical wiring/grounding – continuity via metal junction box
- Electrical – Light Fixture Junction Box with Remote Switch
- Dishwasher Installation – NM Cable from Wall Box to Dishwasher
- Electrical – Conduit Fill and Derating for THHN Cables in Outdoor Run
- Electrical – Three Circuits In One Box
- Electrical – Tricky Three Gang Box Problems
- Electrical – Building out wall for electric panel
Best Answer
Short answer is you are way undersized on your box and it does not meet the National Electrical Code. Here's why:
Table 314.16(A) of the NEC does not list handyboxes for sizing but I am going to estimate they are the same size as a standard devices box of 2" deep. That would probably be generous. So, that would be about 10 cubic inches volume. The table says you can put 5 #14 wires in them. However, the code requires you to count each wire entering a box from outside once so when you make a splice it gets counted twice (314.16(B)(1)).
So, your example would be 10 wires total (5 in and 5 out) plus the ground for 11 wires (the grounds only get counted once no matter how many you have (314.16(B)(1)). Table 314.16(B) shows #14 wire needs 2.00 cubic inches per wire so you would need a box of 22 cubic inches.
Back to Table 314.16(A) and you would need a 4" square box 2 ⅛" deep or a 4 11/16" 1 ¼" deep box.
Happy Day!