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Code Q&A: Free Conductor Length Requirements

Dec. 8, 2022

Test your knowledge of the NEC.

Based on the 2020 NEC.

Q. What are the rules about having ‘free’ conductors at boxes for splicing and termination?

See answer below.

A. As per Sec. 300.14 [Length of Free Conductors], at least 6 in. of conductor, measured from the point in the box where the conductors enter the enclosure, must be available at each point for conductor splices or terminations.

Boxes with openings less than 8 in. at any dimension must have at least 6 in. of conductor, measured from the point where the conductors enter the box and at least 3 in. of conductor outside the box.

These materials are provided to us by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.