Final answer:
The minimum cubic inch capacity for an outlet box containing a receptacle and four 12-2 NM cables is larger than all the provided answer choices. The correct calculation requires adding the space needed for cables and doubling the space for the receptacle, which is not reflected in the options.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the calculation of the minimum cubic inch capacity required for an electrical outlet box based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). When determining box volume for electrical installations, each conductor, device, and certain fittings within the box must be accounted for to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Each 12-2 nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) contributes to 2.25 cubic inches as per NEC guidelines, and a receptacle typically counts as a double yoke device, accounting for 4.5 cubic inches.
Calculating the cubic inch capacity, we have:
- Four 12-2 NM cables contribute 4 cables × 2.25 cubic inches per cable = 9 cubic inches
- One receptacle (double yoke device) contributes 2 × 2.25 cubic inches = 4.5 cubic inches
- Total = 9 + 4.5 = 13.5 cubic inches
However, since the box contains a receptacle, it requires an additional allowance for the receptacle itself, effectively doubling the space requirement for the device to 4.5 cubic inches. Thus, the total minimum capacity needed is 13.5 + 4.5 = 18 cubic inches.
None of the provided answer choices matches the correctly calculated value, so the likely correct minimum cubic inch capacity for the box with these considerations would be larger than all the given options.