2 gang electrical box
Sarah Parker
Updated on August 17, 2026
A square electrical box, also known as a “double-gang box,” houses two devices. They’ll have a combination outlet/switch or a pair of outlets/switches inside. The round or octagonal box houses lightweight fixtures or safety devices in the ceiling. These are used for lights or smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
How many connections can be in a 2 gang box?
This is a wires-only capacity. With one device added to the box, subtract two wires in each category. Double Gang Boxes: A total capacity of 34.3 cubic inches allows for 16 #14 gauge wires, 15 #12 gauge wires, or 13 #10 gauge wires. When two devices are added to the box, subtract three wires in each category.
Can I use a 2 gang box as a junction box?
Gang Boxes
These types of junction boxes are used for internal electrical wiring and are easy to make and manage. Depending on your needs, you can use a 2-gang junction box all the way to the 4-gang box.
What is the difference between 1 gang and 2?
A 1 gang switch will control a single lighting circuit, and with a 2 gang switch you can control two lighting circuits, and so on.
How do you wire a 2 gang box?
Black cable goes into the golden screw, white cable into the silver screw and green cable into the green screw. Secure all cables with the screwdriver. Push in both outlets into the two-gang box and secure it in place with the screwdriver. Place the cover plate on and tighten the cover plate screws.
How deep is a 2 gang electrical box?
From the Manufacturer. Outlet Box; Old Work; 2 Gang; 3-7/8-Inch Length; 2-3/8-Inch Width; 3-5/8-Inch Depth; 34 Cubic-Inch Capacity; PVC Material; Blue Color; Mounting Ear, Swing Clamp Mounting; For Use With Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable; UL Approval.
What is a gang box for?
In electrical work, a gang box is a metal or plastic box used to securely hold electrical components. The term gang box has two distinct and largely unrelated meanings, although both relate to construction work. A gang box can be a large tool box that is used by several or all members of a work crew.
What is the size of a standard electrical box?
Standard Rectangular Boxes
They are generally 2 x 3 inches in size, with depths ranging from 1 1/2 inches to 3 1/2 inches. Some forms are “gangable”—with detachable sides that can be removed so the boxes can be linked together to form larger boxes for holding two, three, or more devices side-by-side.
How many outlets can be on a 15 amp circuit?
Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.
How many receptacles can be on a 20 amp circuit?
The answer to the question how many outlets on a 20 amp circuit is ten outlets. Always comply with the 80% circuit and breaker load rule, allowing a maximum load of 1.5 amps per receptacle. Remember that your circuit, wire sizes, and outlets must be compatible to avoid overheating and electrical hazards.
How can I extend my electrical wire without a junction box?
There are many ways you can splice wires together. In some cases, you may simply use a few wire caps. In other cases, you may try to solder them together. You might use a wire cap or nut if you are working with smaller wires; however, you may decide to use a butt splice if you are working with larger wires.
Can I use a regular outlet box for a junction box?
Yes. For code-compliance purposes: Each 14 gauge wire is 2 cubic inches, each 12 gauge 2.25.
What can I use instead of a junction box?
Common examples of electrical devices that require no junction boxes include:
Recessed lights (“can lights”)Bathroom ventilation fans.Wall-mounted heaters.Fluorescent tube-style light fixtures.Garbage disposers.Baseboard heaters.
What does 2 gang switch mean?
2 gang means it has 2 switches; 2 way means it speaks (as it were)to the other switch (upstairs)so that when off downstairs you can still switch on upstairs. A 2 gang, 2 way switch will have 6 terminals at the rear; two common, two L1 and two L2.
Can you use a 2 gang 2 way switch for 1 way?
Yes it can be used. You need to com and either of the other two terminals normally S1. more often than not if you ask for a one-way switch these days you’ll be given a two-way. as a two-way can be used as a one-way some manufacturers no longer make one-way switches.
What is the difference between 2 gang single pole and double pole?
Both single pole and double pole switches can be either single or double throw. A pole refers to the number of separate circuits a switch can control, a single pole switch can operate one circuit whereas a double pole switch can control two circuits.
What does 2 gang switch mean?
2 gang means it has 2 switches; 2 way means it speaks (as it were)to the other switch (upstairs)so that when off downstairs you can still switch on upstairs. A 2 gang, 2 way switch will have 6 terminals at the rear; two common, two L1 and two L2.
What does gang mean in electrical boxes?
Each side-by-side element in an electrical box is called a gang. The standard household outlet is a single-gang duplex receptacle, meaning it has two outlets total. Two-gang duplex outlets are also common. Household switch plates are typically single-gang, two-gang, three-gang or four-gang.
What is a gang box for?
In electrical work, a gang box is a metal or plastic box used to securely hold electrical components. The term gang box has two distinct and largely unrelated meanings, although both relate to construction work. A gang box can be a large tool box that is used by several or all members of a work crew.
What is a two gang?
A 2-Gang plate is the same size as a 2-Gang socket. For switches it refers to the number of switches. 1-Gang, 2-Gang and 3-Gang switches may be the same size, but have 1, 2 or 3 switch buttons.