Advertisement

Box fill calculator

Estimate volume allowances under the stated NEC 2020 rules for 18 to 6 AWG conductors. This is a US code calculation; have a qualified electrician verify the adopted local requirements.

Calculator

Required box fill volume
0.00033184
Required box fill (in^3)
20.2500
Fill allowances by component
ComponentRequired volume (in^3)
Insulated conductors13.50000
Internal clamps0.00000
Support fittings0.00000
Device yokes4.50000
Grounding conductors2.25000

Advertisement

How this calculator works

Each countable insulated conductor receives the table volume for its gauge. All internal clamps together add one largest-conductor allowance; each listed support type adds one. A device yoke normally adds two allowances based on its connected conductor. Under the 2020 grounding rule, up to four entering grounds share one allowance; each additional ground adds a quarter. Enter conductor allowances after applying loop and pass-through counting rules. Pigtails that stay inside the box are generally excluded.

Formula

Allowances in in^3: 18 AWG=1.5; 16=1.75; 14=2; 12=2.25; 10=2.5; 8=3; 6=5. Total=sum(count x allowance)+clamps+supports+2 x yokes x device allowance+ground allowance. Ground units=1+max(0,N-4)/4 for N>0.

Worked example

Six 12 AWG conductor allowances, one yoke with 12 AWG conductors and three 12 AWG grounds require 6x2.25 + 2x2.25 + 2.25 = 20.25 in^3, without clamps or support fittings.

Advertisement

Frequently asked questions

Is this a Canadian Electrical Code calculator?

No. It uses the named US NEC 2020 rules. Canadian installations require the applicable Canadian code and provincial requirements.

Are wire connectors counted separately?

Ordinary wire connectors do not get a separate allowance in this model. Special equipment, barriers, unusual devices and later code editions may need additional treatment.

What does the largest conductor field do?

It sets the common allowance for clamps and supports. Select the largest conductor actually present, including relevant conductors not counted as an entering insulated wire.

Sources

Advertisement