Files
zmVault/nfpa-70_314_boxes.md
T
2025-10-24 15:30:51 -04:00

6.1 KiB

id, aliases, tags, title
id aliases tags title
nec-314
authorship/other
destiny/uncertain
status/incomplete
topic/construction/electrical
type/media
Article 314: Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes; Conduit Bodies; Fittings; and Handhole Enclosures

Article 314: Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes; Conduit Bodies; Fittings; and Handhole Enclosures

Part I. Scope and General

Part II. Installation

314.28 Pull and Junction Boxes and Conduit Bodies.

Boxes and conduit bodies used as pull or junction boxes shall comply with 314.28(A) through (E).

[!exception] Terminal housings supplied with motors shall comply with the provisions of 430.12.

(A) Minimum Size.

For raceways containing conductors of 4 AWG or larger that are required to be insulated, and for cables containing conductors of 4 AWG or larger, the minimum dimensions of pull or junction boxes installed in a raceway or cable run shall comply with 314.28(A)(1) through (A)(3). Where an enclosure dimension is to be calculated based on the diameter of entering raceways, the diameter shall be the metric designator (trade size) expressed in the units of measurement employed.

(1) Straight Pulls.

In straight pulls, the length of the box or conduit body shall not be less than eight times the metric designator (trade size) of the largest raceway.

(2) Angle or U Pulls, or Splices.

Where splices or where angle or U pulls are made, the distance between each raceway entry inside the box or conduit body and the opposite wall of the box or conduit body shall not be less than six times the metric designator (trade size) of the largest raceway in a row. This distance shall be increased for additional entries by the amount of the sum of the diameters of all other raceway entries in the same row on the same wall of the box. Each row shall be calculated individually, and the single row that provides the maximum distance shall be used.

[!exception] Where a raceway or cable entry is in the wall of a box or conduit body opposite a removable cover, the distance from that wall to the cover shall be permitted to comply with the distance required for one wire per terminal in Table 312.6(A).

The distance between raceway entries enclosing the same conductor shall not be less than six times the metric designator (trade size) of the larger raceway. When transposing cable size into raceway size in 314.28(A)(1) and (A)(2), the minimum metric designator (trade size) raceway required for the number and size of conductors in the cable shall be used.

(3) Smaller Dimensions.

Listed boxes or listed conduit bodies of dimensions less than those required in 314.28(A)(1) and (A)(2) shall be permitted for installations of combinations of conductors that are less than the maximum conduit or tubing fill (of conduits or tubing being used) permitted by Table 1 of Chapter 9. Listed conduit bodies of dimensions less than those required in 314.28(A)(2), and having a radius of the curve to the centerline not less than that indicated in Table 2 of Chapter 9 for one-shot and full-shoe benders, shall be permitted for installations of combinations of conductors permitted by Table 1 of Chapter 9. These conduit bodies shall be marked to show they have been specifically evaluated in accordance with this provision. Where the permitted combinations of conductors for which the box or conduit body has been listed are less than the maximum conduit or tubing fill permitted by Table 1 of Chapter 9, the box or conduit body shall be permanently marked with the maximum number and maximum size of conductors permitted. For other conductor sizes and combinations, the total cross-sectional area of the fill shall not exceed the cross-sectional area of the conductors specified in the marking, based on the type of conductor identified as part of the product listing.

[!info] Unless otherwise specified, the applicable product standards evaluate the fill markings covered here based on conductors with Type XHHW insulation.

(B) Conductors in Pull or Junction Boxes.

In pull boxes or junction boxes having any dimension over 1.8 m (6 ft), all conductors shall be cabled or racked up in an approved manner.

(C) Covers.

All pull boxes, junction boxes, and conduit bodies shall be provided with covers compatible with the box or conduit body construction and suitable for the conditions of use. Where used, metal covers shall comply with the grounding requirements of 250.110.

(D) Permanent Barriers.

Where permanent barriers are installed in a box, each section shall be considered as a separate box.

(E) Power Distribution Blocks.

Power distribution blocks shall be permitted in pull and junction boxes over 1650 cm3 (100 in.3) for connections of conductors where installed in boxes and where the installation complies with 314.28(E)(1) through (5).

[!exception] Equipment grounding terminal bars shall be permitted in smaller enclosures.

(1) Installation.

Power distribution blocks installed in boxes shall be listed. Power distribution blocks installed on the line side of the service equipment shall be listed and marked "suitable for use on the line side of service equipment" or equivalent.

(2) Size.

In addition to the overall size requirement in the first sentence of 314.28(A)(2), the power distribution block shall be installed in a box with dimensions not smaller than specified in the installation instructions of the power distribution block.

(3) Wire Bending Space.

Wire bending space at the terminals of power distribution blocks shall comply with 312.6.

(4) Live Parts.

Power distribution blocks shall not have uninsulated live parts exposed within a box, whether or not the box cover is installed.

(5) Through Conductors.

Where the pull or junction boxes are used for conductors that do not terminate on the power distribution block(s), the through conductors shall be arranged so the power distribution block terminals are unobstructed following installation.

Part III. Construction Specifications

314.40 Metal Boxes, Conduit Bodies, and Fittings.