What is the purpose of providing 6 inches of free conductor at outlet points?

Providing 6 inches of free conductor at outlet points primarily facilitates splices or the connection of devices. This length of conductor allows for sufficient play when making connections, which is particularly important during installation or when modifications are needed. Having enough slack ensures that installers can easily work with the wires without the risk of straining or damaging the connections.

This practice also accommodates future maintenance, enabling technicians to re-establish connections if devices need to be replaced or if adjustments to the wiring are necessary. While having some slack does contribute to safety and ease of access, the primary intent is to ensure that there’s enough wire available for making secure and reliable connections.