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Trying to add electrical outlets off of a junction box but the junction box has a lot more wires than Ive been shown so which ones to run it off?
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This is a picture of the junction box with all the wires I've just never seen a junction box with this many wires and I'm brand new at diying electrical stuff but I'm fixing my attic up into a bedroom and there's a light in the middle of the ceiling but absolutely no electrical outlets just the light and then the junction box has the light running out of it.
electrical receptacle
New contributor
add a comment
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This is a picture of the junction box with all the wires I've just never seen a junction box with this many wires and I'm brand new at diying electrical stuff but I'm fixing my attic up into a bedroom and there's a light in the middle of the ceiling but absolutely no electrical outlets just the light and then the junction box has the light running out of it.
electrical receptacle
New contributor
add a comment
|
This is a picture of the junction box with all the wires I've just never seen a junction box with this many wires and I'm brand new at diying electrical stuff but I'm fixing my attic up into a bedroom and there's a light in the middle of the ceiling but absolutely no electrical outlets just the light and then the junction box has the light running out of it.
electrical receptacle
New contributor
This is a picture of the junction box with all the wires I've just never seen a junction box with this many wires and I'm brand new at diying electrical stuff but I'm fixing my attic up into a bedroom and there's a light in the middle of the ceiling but absolutely no electrical outlets just the light and then the junction box has the light running out of it.
electrical receptacle
electrical receptacle
New contributor
New contributor
New contributor
asked 9 hours ago
AmberAmber
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2 Answers
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Good news and bad news.
The good news is, this is very strightforward. This box is being used solely for distribution. There are no switches involved here, so you have the good luck that the wire colors happen to match up to wire function.
All these wires aren't just sitting here waiting for you. They all are already doing a job. One cable (black/white pair) supplies power and the other ones take power onward to places where it is being used. If you separate them, those other places will no longer have power. To add a load here, you'll need to add its black, white and bare wires to each group, and keep the others still together. That means putting 5 or more wires together.
Stab connectors
The wires are going into jab/stab connectors, which are full. You cant add wires, and they can't be used twice anyway.
To remove each wire, grip the stab connector firmly and pull the wire out firmly while twisting slightly (45-90 degrees). If the connector has a release tab, that may help. Start with the longest wires until you get the hang of it; don't twist the wires exscessively as you don't want metal fatigue. Do not simply cut the wires, because wire length is precious.
The stab connectors are single-use and there is no saving them. Into the trash they go. They make "lever operated" connectors that are far more reliable, and they can be reused. For novices, I recommend connection styles made for re-use.
However, stab junction blocks have one merit, they can take as many as 8 wires.
Box fill
The bad news is the box is getting pretty full. We calculate box fill based on cubic inches. This 4x4" deep box has 30.3 cubic inches. You are working in 12 AWG wires (do not use 14 AWG wires here!), and those take 2.25 (2-1/4) cubic inches per wire.
All grounds count as 1 wire. All cable clamps count as 1 wire. That accounts for 4.5 cubic inches, leaving 25.8 cubic inches. That is enough for 11 black and white wires. You have 8 already, so you can add one more cable here before "cubing out".
You can get yourself more cubic inches by adding a "domed box cover" (4-10 cubic inches) or a "junction box extender" (21 cubic inches).
Another option is to add a receptacle here. They make 10.2 cubic inch domed covers with a cutout for a receptacle. A receptacle or switch costs you 2 wires' worth (4.5 cubic inches), but when added to the box, you have just enough room for 14 wires. (7 cables).
- Further, certain receptacles allow "screw-to-clamp" wire attachments (back wiring under the screws, tighten to clamp). These take 4 wires per side, so you can use this type of receptacle to splice 4 cables into each other also.
- if you need more than 4 connections, you can "pigtail", run a short wire between one splice group and the other. Pigtails count for 0 cubic inches.
It looks like OP has access to replace the box with a larger one, if desired, to solve the box fill problem.
– Ross Millikan
1 hour ago
@RossMillikan True, but a dome or extension is an easy fix.
– Harper
21 mins ago
add a comment
|
After reading your question and Harper's comment, it looks like it might be safer to run a new line to your panel to add some plugs. There are times when it’s best to pay to have a professional come in and do it to make sure you and your family are safe, and this might be one of those times. Adding plugs to lines that might have already reached their maximum number of fixtures can be bit risky.
The NEC has no limit on outlets on a given circuit, at least not in residential work
– ThreePhaseEel
6 hours ago
In my area they do. Depending on the locality it’s either 9 or 12. They count switches and plugs.
– Steve
5 hours ago
Are you in Canada perchance?
– ThreePhaseEel
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
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2 Answers
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Good news and bad news.
The good news is, this is very strightforward. This box is being used solely for distribution. There are no switches involved here, so you have the good luck that the wire colors happen to match up to wire function.
All these wires aren't just sitting here waiting for you. They all are already doing a job. One cable (black/white pair) supplies power and the other ones take power onward to places where it is being used. If you separate them, those other places will no longer have power. To add a load here, you'll need to add its black, white and bare wires to each group, and keep the others still together. That means putting 5 or more wires together.
Stab connectors
The wires are going into jab/stab connectors, which are full. You cant add wires, and they can't be used twice anyway.
To remove each wire, grip the stab connector firmly and pull the wire out firmly while twisting slightly (45-90 degrees). If the connector has a release tab, that may help. Start with the longest wires until you get the hang of it; don't twist the wires exscessively as you don't want metal fatigue. Do not simply cut the wires, because wire length is precious.
The stab connectors are single-use and there is no saving them. Into the trash they go. They make "lever operated" connectors that are far more reliable, and they can be reused. For novices, I recommend connection styles made for re-use.
However, stab junction blocks have one merit, they can take as many as 8 wires.
Box fill
The bad news is the box is getting pretty full. We calculate box fill based on cubic inches. This 4x4" deep box has 30.3 cubic inches. You are working in 12 AWG wires (do not use 14 AWG wires here!), and those take 2.25 (2-1/4) cubic inches per wire.
All grounds count as 1 wire. All cable clamps count as 1 wire. That accounts for 4.5 cubic inches, leaving 25.8 cubic inches. That is enough for 11 black and white wires. You have 8 already, so you can add one more cable here before "cubing out".
You can get yourself more cubic inches by adding a "domed box cover" (4-10 cubic inches) or a "junction box extender" (21 cubic inches).
Another option is to add a receptacle here. They make 10.2 cubic inch domed covers with a cutout for a receptacle. A receptacle or switch costs you 2 wires' worth (4.5 cubic inches), but when added to the box, you have just enough room for 14 wires. (7 cables).
- Further, certain receptacles allow "screw-to-clamp" wire attachments (back wiring under the screws, tighten to clamp). These take 4 wires per side, so you can use this type of receptacle to splice 4 cables into each other also.
- if you need more than 4 connections, you can "pigtail", run a short wire between one splice group and the other. Pigtails count for 0 cubic inches.
It looks like OP has access to replace the box with a larger one, if desired, to solve the box fill problem.
– Ross Millikan
1 hour ago
@RossMillikan True, but a dome or extension is an easy fix.
– Harper
21 mins ago
add a comment
|
Good news and bad news.
The good news is, this is very strightforward. This box is being used solely for distribution. There are no switches involved here, so you have the good luck that the wire colors happen to match up to wire function.
All these wires aren't just sitting here waiting for you. They all are already doing a job. One cable (black/white pair) supplies power and the other ones take power onward to places where it is being used. If you separate them, those other places will no longer have power. To add a load here, you'll need to add its black, white and bare wires to each group, and keep the others still together. That means putting 5 or more wires together.
Stab connectors
The wires are going into jab/stab connectors, which are full. You cant add wires, and they can't be used twice anyway.
To remove each wire, grip the stab connector firmly and pull the wire out firmly while twisting slightly (45-90 degrees). If the connector has a release tab, that may help. Start with the longest wires until you get the hang of it; don't twist the wires exscessively as you don't want metal fatigue. Do not simply cut the wires, because wire length is precious.
The stab connectors are single-use and there is no saving them. Into the trash they go. They make "lever operated" connectors that are far more reliable, and they can be reused. For novices, I recommend connection styles made for re-use.
However, stab junction blocks have one merit, they can take as many as 8 wires.
Box fill
The bad news is the box is getting pretty full. We calculate box fill based on cubic inches. This 4x4" deep box has 30.3 cubic inches. You are working in 12 AWG wires (do not use 14 AWG wires here!), and those take 2.25 (2-1/4) cubic inches per wire.
All grounds count as 1 wire. All cable clamps count as 1 wire. That accounts for 4.5 cubic inches, leaving 25.8 cubic inches. That is enough for 11 black and white wires. You have 8 already, so you can add one more cable here before "cubing out".
You can get yourself more cubic inches by adding a "domed box cover" (4-10 cubic inches) or a "junction box extender" (21 cubic inches).
Another option is to add a receptacle here. They make 10.2 cubic inch domed covers with a cutout for a receptacle. A receptacle or switch costs you 2 wires' worth (4.5 cubic inches), but when added to the box, you have just enough room for 14 wires. (7 cables).
- Further, certain receptacles allow "screw-to-clamp" wire attachments (back wiring under the screws, tighten to clamp). These take 4 wires per side, so you can use this type of receptacle to splice 4 cables into each other also.
- if you need more than 4 connections, you can "pigtail", run a short wire between one splice group and the other. Pigtails count for 0 cubic inches.
It looks like OP has access to replace the box with a larger one, if desired, to solve the box fill problem.
– Ross Millikan
1 hour ago
@RossMillikan True, but a dome or extension is an easy fix.
– Harper
21 mins ago
add a comment
|
Good news and bad news.
The good news is, this is very strightforward. This box is being used solely for distribution. There are no switches involved here, so you have the good luck that the wire colors happen to match up to wire function.
All these wires aren't just sitting here waiting for you. They all are already doing a job. One cable (black/white pair) supplies power and the other ones take power onward to places where it is being used. If you separate them, those other places will no longer have power. To add a load here, you'll need to add its black, white and bare wires to each group, and keep the others still together. That means putting 5 or more wires together.
Stab connectors
The wires are going into jab/stab connectors, which are full. You cant add wires, and they can't be used twice anyway.
To remove each wire, grip the stab connector firmly and pull the wire out firmly while twisting slightly (45-90 degrees). If the connector has a release tab, that may help. Start with the longest wires until you get the hang of it; don't twist the wires exscessively as you don't want metal fatigue. Do not simply cut the wires, because wire length is precious.
The stab connectors are single-use and there is no saving them. Into the trash they go. They make "lever operated" connectors that are far more reliable, and they can be reused. For novices, I recommend connection styles made for re-use.
However, stab junction blocks have one merit, they can take as many as 8 wires.
Box fill
The bad news is the box is getting pretty full. We calculate box fill based on cubic inches. This 4x4" deep box has 30.3 cubic inches. You are working in 12 AWG wires (do not use 14 AWG wires here!), and those take 2.25 (2-1/4) cubic inches per wire.
All grounds count as 1 wire. All cable clamps count as 1 wire. That accounts for 4.5 cubic inches, leaving 25.8 cubic inches. That is enough for 11 black and white wires. You have 8 already, so you can add one more cable here before "cubing out".
You can get yourself more cubic inches by adding a "domed box cover" (4-10 cubic inches) or a "junction box extender" (21 cubic inches).
Another option is to add a receptacle here. They make 10.2 cubic inch domed covers with a cutout for a receptacle. A receptacle or switch costs you 2 wires' worth (4.5 cubic inches), but when added to the box, you have just enough room for 14 wires. (7 cables).
- Further, certain receptacles allow "screw-to-clamp" wire attachments (back wiring under the screws, tighten to clamp). These take 4 wires per side, so you can use this type of receptacle to splice 4 cables into each other also.
- if you need more than 4 connections, you can "pigtail", run a short wire between one splice group and the other. Pigtails count for 0 cubic inches.
Good news and bad news.
The good news is, this is very strightforward. This box is being used solely for distribution. There are no switches involved here, so you have the good luck that the wire colors happen to match up to wire function.
All these wires aren't just sitting here waiting for you. They all are already doing a job. One cable (black/white pair) supplies power and the other ones take power onward to places where it is being used. If you separate them, those other places will no longer have power. To add a load here, you'll need to add its black, white and bare wires to each group, and keep the others still together. That means putting 5 or more wires together.
Stab connectors
The wires are going into jab/stab connectors, which are full. You cant add wires, and they can't be used twice anyway.
To remove each wire, grip the stab connector firmly and pull the wire out firmly while twisting slightly (45-90 degrees). If the connector has a release tab, that may help. Start with the longest wires until you get the hang of it; don't twist the wires exscessively as you don't want metal fatigue. Do not simply cut the wires, because wire length is precious.
The stab connectors are single-use and there is no saving them. Into the trash they go. They make "lever operated" connectors that are far more reliable, and they can be reused. For novices, I recommend connection styles made for re-use.
However, stab junction blocks have one merit, they can take as many as 8 wires.
Box fill
The bad news is the box is getting pretty full. We calculate box fill based on cubic inches. This 4x4" deep box has 30.3 cubic inches. You are working in 12 AWG wires (do not use 14 AWG wires here!), and those take 2.25 (2-1/4) cubic inches per wire.
All grounds count as 1 wire. All cable clamps count as 1 wire. That accounts for 4.5 cubic inches, leaving 25.8 cubic inches. That is enough for 11 black and white wires. You have 8 already, so you can add one more cable here before "cubing out".
You can get yourself more cubic inches by adding a "domed box cover" (4-10 cubic inches) or a "junction box extender" (21 cubic inches).
Another option is to add a receptacle here. They make 10.2 cubic inch domed covers with a cutout for a receptacle. A receptacle or switch costs you 2 wires' worth (4.5 cubic inches), but when added to the box, you have just enough room for 14 wires. (7 cables).
- Further, certain receptacles allow "screw-to-clamp" wire attachments (back wiring under the screws, tighten to clamp). These take 4 wires per side, so you can use this type of receptacle to splice 4 cables into each other also.
- if you need more than 4 connections, you can "pigtail", run a short wire between one splice group and the other. Pigtails count for 0 cubic inches.
edited 8 hours ago
answered 9 hours ago
HarperHarper
100k7 gold badges75 silver badges213 bronze badges
100k7 gold badges75 silver badges213 bronze badges
It looks like OP has access to replace the box with a larger one, if desired, to solve the box fill problem.
– Ross Millikan
1 hour ago
@RossMillikan True, but a dome or extension is an easy fix.
– Harper
21 mins ago
add a comment
|
It looks like OP has access to replace the box with a larger one, if desired, to solve the box fill problem.
– Ross Millikan
1 hour ago
@RossMillikan True, but a dome or extension is an easy fix.
– Harper
21 mins ago
It looks like OP has access to replace the box with a larger one, if desired, to solve the box fill problem.
– Ross Millikan
1 hour ago
It looks like OP has access to replace the box with a larger one, if desired, to solve the box fill problem.
– Ross Millikan
1 hour ago
@RossMillikan True, but a dome or extension is an easy fix.
– Harper
21 mins ago
@RossMillikan True, but a dome or extension is an easy fix.
– Harper
21 mins ago
add a comment
|
After reading your question and Harper's comment, it looks like it might be safer to run a new line to your panel to add some plugs. There are times when it’s best to pay to have a professional come in and do it to make sure you and your family are safe, and this might be one of those times. Adding plugs to lines that might have already reached their maximum number of fixtures can be bit risky.
The NEC has no limit on outlets on a given circuit, at least not in residential work
– ThreePhaseEel
6 hours ago
In my area they do. Depending on the locality it’s either 9 or 12. They count switches and plugs.
– Steve
5 hours ago
Are you in Canada perchance?
– ThreePhaseEel
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
After reading your question and Harper's comment, it looks like it might be safer to run a new line to your panel to add some plugs. There are times when it’s best to pay to have a professional come in and do it to make sure you and your family are safe, and this might be one of those times. Adding plugs to lines that might have already reached their maximum number of fixtures can be bit risky.
The NEC has no limit on outlets on a given circuit, at least not in residential work
– ThreePhaseEel
6 hours ago
In my area they do. Depending on the locality it’s either 9 or 12. They count switches and plugs.
– Steve
5 hours ago
Are you in Canada perchance?
– ThreePhaseEel
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
After reading your question and Harper's comment, it looks like it might be safer to run a new line to your panel to add some plugs. There are times when it’s best to pay to have a professional come in and do it to make sure you and your family are safe, and this might be one of those times. Adding plugs to lines that might have already reached their maximum number of fixtures can be bit risky.
After reading your question and Harper's comment, it looks like it might be safer to run a new line to your panel to add some plugs. There are times when it’s best to pay to have a professional come in and do it to make sure you and your family are safe, and this might be one of those times. Adding plugs to lines that might have already reached their maximum number of fixtures can be bit risky.
edited 5 hours ago
manassehkatz
18.7k1 gold badge25 silver badges57 bronze badges
18.7k1 gold badge25 silver badges57 bronze badges
answered 7 hours ago
Steve Steve
514 bronze badges
514 bronze badges
The NEC has no limit on outlets on a given circuit, at least not in residential work
– ThreePhaseEel
6 hours ago
In my area they do. Depending on the locality it’s either 9 or 12. They count switches and plugs.
– Steve
5 hours ago
Are you in Canada perchance?
– ThreePhaseEel
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
The NEC has no limit on outlets on a given circuit, at least not in residential work
– ThreePhaseEel
6 hours ago
In my area they do. Depending on the locality it’s either 9 or 12. They count switches and plugs.
– Steve
5 hours ago
Are you in Canada perchance?
– ThreePhaseEel
3 hours ago
The NEC has no limit on outlets on a given circuit, at least not in residential work
– ThreePhaseEel
6 hours ago
The NEC has no limit on outlets on a given circuit, at least not in residential work
– ThreePhaseEel
6 hours ago
In my area they do. Depending on the locality it’s either 9 or 12. They count switches and plugs.
– Steve
5 hours ago
In my area they do. Depending on the locality it’s either 9 or 12. They count switches and plugs.
– Steve
5 hours ago
Are you in Canada perchance?
– ThreePhaseEel
3 hours ago
Are you in Canada perchance?
– ThreePhaseEel
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
Amber is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Amber is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Amber is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Amber is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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