How many switches


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Old 10-10-06, 07:52 PM
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How many switches

How many switches can you put in one small box. I want to control four light circuits. The max load on any one circuit would be 2 amps. Switching will be acomplished using "bat" type toggle switches and I want to put all 4 switches in 1 small box. Is this legal. There is plenty of room and the switches are rated at 10 amps.

Jimmie
 
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Old 10-10-06, 08:00 PM
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This does not sound legal - or safe.
 
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Old 10-10-06, 11:30 PM
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it depends on the size of the box in terms of volume, and the number and type of wires in the box.

Take a look at NEC code Article 314.16 for guidance.

Best wishes!
 
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Old 10-11-06, 12:04 AM
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What's a "bat-type" toggle switch? Where are you getting them? What's their voltage rating?
 
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Old 10-11-06, 10:04 AM
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And how small a box?

Is this 120V wiring in a home or other?
 
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Old 10-11-06, 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by MAC702
What's a "bat-type" toggle switch? Where are you getting them? What's their voltage rating?
Handle looks like a baseball bat. Switch mounts in a hole in a metal plate and is secured by a nut. Should have said bat handled toggle switch. Box is like for a single duplex.
 
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Old 10-12-06, 01:29 AM
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It doesn't matter what the switches look like. Your original question goes to the issue of the number of wires you can safely and properly fit into a standard single switch box.

Since we don't know the gauge of wire, the actual volume of the box, or even the number of circuits that will feed into the box, we can only use reasonable assumptions as to whether your proposed approach will meet code (i.e., be "legal" as you say).

As an example, let's assume you have just one feeder and four switch loop cables, and that you are using a standard, single, 14 cubic inch plastic box. Using 12/2 NM cable, and not counting pigtails, you would have 15 wires in one box - which is about 9 wires too many to meet code. To be frank, I doubt they would even all fit.

Again, refer to Article 314.16 of the NEC for exact information.

I think you need to find a different solution - like a four-gang switch box perhaps.

best wishes!

Rick
 
 

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