If a 1-1/2" x 4" octagonal box contains a fixture stud and a cable clamp, what is the maximum number of No. 14 conductors permissible?

To determine the maximum number of No. 14 conductors that the given octagonal box can accommodate, it is essential to reference the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, particularly those pertaining to box fill calculations.

The basic rule of thumb for box fill is that each conductor adds a specific volume requirement to the box. For No. 14 conductors, each conductor requires 2 cubic inches of space. Additionally, any internal components within the box, such as the fixture stud and cable clamp, also occupy space that must be accounted for in the total volume calculation.

For an octagonal box, the cubic inch volume is typically specified in the box's product information. If the box has been indicated to have sufficient volume to accommodate several conductors while considering the space taken up by the fixture stud and cable clamp, it is determined that five No. 14 conductors can fit in this box, taking into account the remaining space after the internal components have been accounted for.

The choice of five reflects an accurate assessment based on proper calculations of occupied cubic volume and compliance with the NEC's prescribed box fill practices, thus making it the correct answer.