How many electical lines can go into junction box?

Question

I want to install 4 seperate 120 v 15a circuit lines for xmas lights to one outdoor location. Do I need 4 seperate single gang boxes or can I put multiples in a larger gang box with each line(circuit) going to seperate recepticles? My gut thinks 4 seperate gang boxes but need to ask for peace of mind.

Answer 1

I suggest you buy the 2005 wiring handbook that Home Depot carries. It's based on the 2005 Wiring Code, but costs a heck of a lot cheaper. Around $15 I believe. It depends on the size of the junction box, and the shape.

Answer 2

It all depends on cubic inches like every has said , you could do a 4 gang box but you are unlikely to find a 4 gang outdoor box at a home store , you will find a single gang and a two gang no prob. so if want go with 2 two gangs if you want all the lights to go to one spot or use 4 single boxes if you want the lights in different spots. Or just do 3 20 amp circuits less work less wire , make sure all plugs are GFCI protected and use bubble covers

Answer 3

You can do it either way. A 4 gang box with 4 circuits or 4 single gang boxes. Either will comply with the fill limits for wires and devices. If the receptacles are within reach from the ground they will need to be GFCI protected. And you will need "in use" weather proof covers. Good luck.

Answer 4

you could install the receptacles in a 4 gang box but I would think that you would want to have the receptacles in different areas for more coverage. the amount of wires in a box depends on the cubic volume of the box, the volume of the mud ring, and the volume of the receptacles. I would think that you would be safest using two 4 square boxes and wiring with 14/2 Romex. using this method you can share a neutral wire with each receptacles but you must put one hot wire on each phase in the panel. you cannot put both hots on the same phase.

Answer 5

If you want real peace of mind, then hire someone who knows how to wire this according to code. Idiots on this forum are telling you to use Romex wire that is intended for residential interiors only.

This project should be done in the correct plastic conduit buried at the correct depth according to code. ONE run of conduit from the house to a proper NEMA junction box out on the lawn is all that's needed. Depending upon the distance from the panel, you would have to pull one black and one white #14 or #12 for each 15 amp circuit but you can use a single ground wire. Each circuit needs its own breaker in the panel. From the NEMA enclosure, you could run individual 1/2" conduit to above ground plastic receptacle boxes fitted with GFCI receptacles.

To protect yourself and others, either get a pro to do this work or get a code book and some helpful advice from a pro. It takes very little current to kill someone and that someone could be one of your kids.

Answer 6

Buy a 'muti-gang` box with a 'gang` for each receptacle,
and you will be fine as to wire fill.
Do be aware that the code will require that outdoor receptacles be GFI protected.
GFI receptacles are probably the cheapest and
easiest way to go.

Answer 7

The issue is boxfill. The NEC which building inspectors use allow a specified number of wires for a box style. 9 in a 1900 box, for example. Your question indicates that you need a junction box with four weather-proof receptacles.

Answer 8

install one 15amp breaker in your panel box, then run #14 romex wire to one gang box then tie the feed wire in to a receptacle plug-in then run another wire out of that first box to your next gang box and tie it into a receptacle plug-in and on and on until you get as many reception plug-in's as you need (8 plug-in's are all you are aloud on one 15 amp breaker!)

Answer 9

it depends on how big the box is ,is it a double or a single