Using 12-2 MC cable for a 208v circuit.

[Stevareno]

In the past, it has been common practice to use 12-2 for a 208v single phase circuit. You're just wasting wire if you use 12-3.

Is this still legal with the 2011 NEC? If so, does the code specify that you must re-identify the white conductor as a "hot" wire?

 

[raider1]

Yes, it is acceptable. 200.7(C)(1) requires that the white wire be permanently re identified when using it as an ungrounded conductor.

Chris

 

[Strife]

And how does one permanently re identify it?

Yes, it is acceptable. 200.7(C)(1) requires that the white wire be permanently re identified when using it as an ungrounded conductor.

Chris

 

[iwire]

And how does one permanently re identify it?

I usually use a tattoo gun on the insulation or if I left that at home I use tape.

 

[infinity]

And how does one permanently re identify it?

Tape, paint or magic marker as long as the re-idenfication encircles the conductor.

 

[Strife]

I hardly see tape as a permanent thing.
Paint's a bit messy when you only have 8" of wire to work into a box, but I guess I'll have to start carry some touch up paint with me. I bet some inspectors will claim that's not permanent either as it can wash off with time. Same for magic marker.

Tape, paint or magic marker as long as the re-idenfication encircles the conductor.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Tape has always been accepted wherever I have worked. Canada has NM cable , and I assume MC cable that has a black and red. No reidentifying necessary. I always wondered why 10/2, 8/2, etc utilizes a white wire

 

[GlennG]

I hardly see tape as a permanent thing.
Paint's a bit messy when you only have 8" of wire to work into a box, but I guess I'll have to start carry some touch up paint with me. I bet some inspectors will claim that's not permanent either as it can wash off with time. Same for magic marker.

tape is about as permanent as the 208v circuit. you can take the tape off just as easy as you can make that a 120v circuit

 

[mike7330]

Black sharpie works great!

 

[jumper]

Black sharpie works great!

Remember 210.5(C)(1).

 

[Wes Smith]

I usually use a tattoo gun on the insulation or if I left that at home I use tape.

I've never seen a tattoo gun. Can you explain what it is?

 

[Joethemechanic]

Somebody should make an approved product for re-identification. Something like scotchcoat, but is lots of pretty colors. In little cans with thin brushes

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I've never seen a tattoo gun. Can you explain what it is?

It was a joke-- That was Bob's attempt at humor.

 

[iwire]

Somebody should make an approved product for re-identification.

Someone already does.

 

[iwire]

It was a joke-- That was Bob's attempt at humor.

So you don't think I should quit my electrical job for stand up? :weeping::weeping::weeping:

 

[renosteinke]

Tattoo gun ... I love it!

Especially since the jokers at the HI boards all have fainting spells when they find wires re-identified with tape. Not permanent enough, they claim.

As for the OP's question .... it may seem to be a waste of wire, but doggone it if that 'extra' wire doesn't turn out to be usefull at some point!

 

[kwired]

Tattoo gun ... I love it!

Especially since the jokers at the HI boards all have fainting spells when they find wires re-identified with tape. Not permanent enough, they claim.

As for the OP's question .... it may seem to be a waste of wire, but doggone it if that 'extra' wire doesn't turn out to be usefull at some point!

If you need an extra wire at some point that is what the green one is for:jawdrop: