Need some wiring help (simple 4 outlet box)

[Keif]

Hello,

I am not new to growing, but new to wiring and I could use a little input-

Inside my new box, I only want 1 cord coming out of it. It is a stealth opp so this is better than having a shitload of wires sticking out from a book case..

I have a "hardware area" inside the box that houses my ballast, ducting and exhaust fan. Inside this area, I would like to wire up a 4 outlet or "two gang?" box to eliminate the use of power strips.

I have been trying to figure out exactly what I need parts wise from Home Depots website but I am a bit stuck.

I know I need the 2 double outlets and a box, but I am not sure what sizes, there are many different ones. I also plan on using an old 3 prong cord and cutting it to wire to the back of the box.

Does anyone have any input on how to go about this? Maybe I am coming up empty because I do not know the correct terminology..

Any help would be great! I appreciate it, everyone!

 

[HidingInTheHaze]

1x 4"x4" deep metal handy box

1x 4"x4" metal raised cover with 4 receptacle holes in it

2x 120v 15 or 20 amp duplex receptacles (depends of your circuit amps)

2' 12/3 awg SJO cord

1x 1/2" NMC connector

1x 15 or 20 amp 120v 3 pronged male cord cap or "plug" (depends on amps of your circuit)

1x Ground screw


I recommend making a new cord and plug assembly to ensure you have the correct size wire and not using a cord you have laying around the house.

 

[Crusader Rabbit]

If you can find it, I recommend adding the Black and Decker Complete Guide To Wiring to your order. It will always come in handy and could save you a very costly mistake.

 

[Keif]

Thanks to the both of you! I really appreciate the help and will research these products a bit.

Question on the screw used to ground- Can I mount this in the cabinet and run the ground lead from the cord to this and then to the switches? Sorry for the noob questions.

 

[Crusader Rabbit]

Switches? Did you mean the receptacles?

 

[Keif]

Yes, very sorry about the typo! Thanks for the catch.

 

[HidingInTheHaze]

Thanks to the both of you! I really appreciate the help and will research these products a bit.

Question on the screw used to ground- Can I mount this in the cabinet and run the ground lead from the cord to this and then to the switches? Sorry for the noob questions.

It's good practice to ground to the box and the device, but for this instance you'd be fine to just put the green wire from the cord to the green screw on the receptacles. Just make sure both sets of receptacles get connected to the green wire from the cord and you'll be good to go.

 

[Crusader Rabbit]

I recommend that you don't attach wires to the first receptacle, and then run wires from that to the second. It is more secure and less prone to failure if you use wire nuts to attach pigtails to each wire from your cord, then attach the pigtails to the screws. Three short wires to the ground wire (green), then attach one to each receptacle (green screw) and one to the box. Two pigtails to the hot wire (black), then attach one to each receptacle (brass screw). Two pigtails to the neutral wire (white), then attach one to each receptacle (silver screw). Not a big deal though if you run the current through one to the other. They are made to do that. Try hard not to nick the wires when you strip insulation off.

 

[Keif]

Thank you I have some great wire strippers so that won't be an issue. I appreciate the very detailed response and tips. I will wire it the last way you described. I think that sounds best. I will report back after home de pot tomorrow. Cheers!