How far back does 210.5 - color coding - go?

[Ragin Cajun]

My code books go back only to 1993. When did the NEC start requiring phase identification by separate color coding?

Thanks,

RC

 

[480sparky]

If you're referring to 210.5(C) of the 2008/2011, then 2005.

 

[Ragin Cajun]

Interesting. I thought it was way earlier!

Thanks
RC

 

[tryinghard]

My code books go back only to 1993. When did the NEC start requiring phase identification by separate color coding?

Notice 210.5(C)(2)"separate color coding, marking tape, taging, or other approved means."

If it's other approved means or tagging I guess it don't have to be colored - intersting?

 

[480sparky]

Notice 210.5(C)(2)"separate color coding, marking tape, taging, or other approved means."

If it's other approved means or tagging I guess it don't have to be colored - intersting?

You can always mark them using circuit numbers.

 

[jusme123]

You can always mark them using circuit numbers.

IMO, there should be a standard color code for 120/208v and 277/480v systems ( black, red, blue, brown, orange, yellow) . I guess the NEC thinks it is more important for them to design circuitry and pull neutrals to switches that may never be used.

 

[480sparky]

IMO, there should be a standard color code for 120/208v and 277/480v systems ( black, red, blue, brown, orange, yellow) . I guess the NEC thinks it is more important for them to design circuitry and pull neutrals to switches that may never be used.

You're more than welcome to submit a proposal.

But the same sentiment gets proposed dozens of times every code cycle with no effect.

 

[LarryFine]

IMO, there should be a standard color code for 120/208v and 277/480v systems ( black, red, blue, brown, orange, yellow) .

I bet orange wouldn't be in that list if they ever did.

 

[iwire]

IMO, there should be a standard color code for 120/208v and 277/480v systems ( black, red, blue, brown, orange, yellow) .

IMO that is a bad idea and I am glad the CMPs seem to think so too.

 

[Jomaul]

Why would it be a bad idea to standardize color codeing? I don't see the problem with that. Please explain.

 

[iwire]

Why would it be a bad idea to standardize color codeing? I don't see the problem with that. Please explain.

For me at least two reasons

1) There is no reason that numbering, labeling or other method is not as effective.

2) No one should be making decisions about voltage based on the marking of a conductor.

What voltage is this below?

How long has green been designated as a EGC?

 

[jusme123]

For me at least two reasons

1) There is no reason that numbering, labeling or other method is not as effective.

2) No one should be making decisions about voltage based on the marking of a conductor.

What voltage is this below?

How long has green been designated as a EGC?

1- Your picture shows someone who obviously doesn't care about the code, regardless of what is written

2- High leg orange.....please explain why its in the code than

3- It standardizes the color coding for different voltage systems and make things a little safer IMO

 

[jumper]

1- Your picture shows someone who obviously doesn't care about the code, regardless of what is written

Probably.

2- High leg orange.....please explain why its in the code than

No idea, makes no real sense.

3- It standardizes the color coding for different voltage systems and make things a little safer IMO

And how would you deal with all the existing installs?

What about separately colored travelers?

 

[tryinghard]

I rearly see colors same throughout end to end. In my opinion marking stinger neutral & ground is good enough.

 

[kwired]

There is more voltage systems out there besides 120/208 and 277/480 also.

 

[iwire]

1- Your picture shows someone who obviously doesn't care about the code, regardless of what is written

Yes it does.

Why do you think another code rule would be treated any better?

2- High leg orange.....please explain why its in the code than

It is not required to be orange it can be marked by other effective means just like any ungrounded conductor.

3- It standardizes the color coding for different voltage systems and make things a little safer

Again, orange is not required to mark a high leg.

But don't try to convince me, you will have to convince the CMP. Have you read any of their comments when turning down 'color standards' in previous cycles?

 

[LarryFine]

It is not required to be orange it can be marked by other effective means just like any ungrounded conductor.

It's always seemed that this could be taken to mean other effective means of making it orange.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I think we could prevent a lot of unqualified people from working on electrical systems if all conductors were required to be black. Then you would have to have some idea of what you are doing to work on the system And it is would increase the man hours required to do a job and I get paid by the hour.

 

[kwired]

I think we could prevent a lot of unqualified people from working on electrical systems if all conductors were required to be black. Then you would have to have some idea of what you are doing to work on the system And it is would increase the man hours required to do a job and I get paid by the hour.

Other than places where required to be green, white or gray they can all be black. Any other idenitification method is up to the installer.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Other than places where required to be green, white or gray they can all be black. Any other idenitification method is up to the installer.

There would be no white or green either in my plan...all conductors would be black. Other means of identification would be permitted, but not required.