Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Sep 29, 2009 09:03pm | #1

   There is nothing in the code that controls this.

   That is OK, but it usually easier to pigtails. And then you have a full length of the original wire when you make any changes in the future.

   .
   William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
2. 
   roger g | Sep 29, 2009 09:17pm | #2

   Very common to see that here for many years. Nothing wrong with it as I understand.

   roger

3. 
   JTC1 | Sep 29, 2009 11:44pm | #3

   I think you have the term "line" and "load" confused.

   Evidenced by:

   >>- One end of pigtail connected to load. The other end was connected to a switch. <<

   This would translate to you have two loads connected to opposite end of the same wire -- there is no "line" (power supply) present, therefore whatever the switch was connected to ("load") would not work.

   But to answer your question, I used to see a fair number of stripped sections in switch boxes -- not so much anymore.

   Not positive if legal or not -- I don't do it because it is a PITA to service later and chances are that future service guy will be me.

   Note: someone will mention that a 15A line is no longer legal in a bathroom which is true for the required outlet - sounds like this is a lighting circuit which is OK as 15A.

   Didn't do any calcs, but it sounds like a good idea that you changed the box to a three gang -- IMHO, there is no such thing as "too much space" in a box.

   Jim

   EDIT: Everybody types faster than me!

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/29/2009 4:45 pm ET by JTC1

1. 
   emaxxman00 | Sep 30, 2009 07:08am | #4

   JTC1 - I probably did get the line/load terms reversed. When I said "load" I was referring to the wire that was carrying the current from the breaker panel to the box.Also, unfortunately, there are 3 rooms on that single 15 amp circuit. I plan on running a new circuit for a bath fan (so as not to add more draw on the existing 15 amp circuit). I will put the bathroom on the new circuit by itself.

1. 
   JTC1 | Sep 30, 2009 02:50pm | #8

   >>....current from the breaker panel to the box.<<

   That would be "line".

   >>...there are 3 rooms on that single 15 amp circuit....<<

   Don't feel bad, or like the Lone Ranger, when DW and I bought our first house (built 1929) there were two 15A fused circuits for the whole, 3 story, house - one fuse powered every ceiling light, other fuse powered every outlet.

   Main OCPD was a single 30A screw-in fuse housed in a switched disconnect enclosure - no 240v available in the house. In a second box, the "main" split into two 15A lines........

   That arrangement was gone before we ever moved in along with all of the old wiring -- well, some was still in the walls but not in service. 

   >> I plan on running a new circuit for a bath fan (so as not to add more draw on the existing 15 amp circuit). I will put the bathroom on the new circuit by itself.<<

   Both good ideas! Sounds like you are headed in the right direction.

   Jim Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

1. 
   emaxxman00 | Sep 30, 2009 04:03pm | #9

   "Both good ideas! Sounds like you are headed in the right direction."I have this site and FHB magazine to thank for my "right direction". There was an article awhile back that spoke about load and the number of wires in a box.

4. 
   Jencar | Sep 30, 2009 07:17am | #5

   I've seen that a couple of times, as well as doing the ground wire the same way. Older houses though, don't know what the current code says.

   I was taught to use pigtails.

5. 
   DaveRicheson | Sep 30, 2009 01:04pm | #6

   Common practice for many years. It was often used to keep the number of wires in the box. Box fill was sometimes a problem on rewires of older homes with old metal boxes.

6. 
   Jercarp | Sep 30, 2009 02:37pm | #7

   What Bill said. It's very common and I've done it myself on occasion. Only thing is that it's more of a pain if you ever want to switch out the switch.