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metal Box

Handy Box 1-7/8" Deep

Deeper handy box for surface-mount applications requiring more volume.

13

cu.in. Volume

6

Max 14 AWG

5

Max 12 AWG

4" x 2-1/8" x 1-7/8"

Dimensions

Conductor Capacity per NEC 314.16

Maximum number of conductors that can fit in this 13 cu.in. box based on wire gauge (not accounting for devices, clamps, or grounds).

Wire GaugeVolume EachMax Conductors*
18 AWG1.5 cu.in.8
16 AWG1.75 cu.in.7
14 AWG2 cu.in.6
12 AWG2.25 cu.in.5
10 AWG2.5 cu.in.5
8 AWG3 cu.in.4
6 AWG5 cu.in.2

*Theoretical maximum for conductors only. Actual capacity will be less when including devices, clamps, and grounding conductors.

Common Applications

Surface mount devices
Exposed installations

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Use our free calculator to verify your Handy Box 1-7/8" Deep meets NEC 314.16 requirements.

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Similar Box Types

4" Square x 1-1/4" Deep

4" x 4" x 1-1/4" • 18 cu.in.

4" Square x 1-1/2" Deep

4" x 4" x 1-1/2" • 21 cu.in.

4" Square x 2-1/8" Deep

4" x 4" x 2-1/8" • 30.3 cu.in.

4-11/16" Square x 1-1/4" Deep

4-11/16" x 4-11/16" x 1-1/4" • 25.5 cu.in.

About the Handy Box 1-7/8" Deep

The Handy Box 1-7/8" Deep provides 13 cubic inches of volume for electrical connections. This metal box is commonly used for surface mount devices, exposed installations. With dimensions of 4" x 2-1/8" x 1-7/8", it offers adequate space for most residential and light commercial applications.

Box Fill Calculation Example

For a typical installation using 14 AWG conductors:

  • Box volume: 13 cu.in.
  • 14 AWG conductor volume: 2.00 cu.in. each
  • Maximum conductors (theoretical): 6

Remember to account for devices (2× conductor volume each), internal clamps (1× conductor volume), and equipment grounding conductors (1× conductor volume for all grounds combined).

Practical Example: Receptacle Installation

Installing a duplex receptacle with two 14/2 NM cables in this box:

  • 4 × 14 AWG conductors = 4 × 2.00 = 8.00 cu.in.
  • 2 × grounds (count as 1) = 1 × 2.00 = 2.00 cu.in.
  • Internal clamps = 1 × 2.00 = 2.00 cu.in.
  • 1 × receptacle = 2 × 2.00 = 4.00 cu.in.
  • Total: 16.00 cu.in.

Result: 16.00 cu.in. > 13 cu.in. = NOT COMPLIANT - Use larger box

Related Resources

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