210.5 Identification for Branch Circuits

[Marty Higdon]

On 210.5 (C) (1) Where the premises has branch circuits supplied by more than one nominal voltage system, each ungrounded conductor each ungrounded conductor of a branch circuit shall be identified by phase or line and system at all termination, connection, and splice points. My question is: When was this put in the code? I know it has been for some time but the question came up in discussion on just how long it has been in place? Thanks for any help on this!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

This was added in the 2005 and then reworded in the 2008 and totally reworked again in 2011

 

[fmtjfw]

Beginning in 2005NEC

 

[tom baker]

The orginal language was just phase, so 208 could be red red red. Then the 2008 NEC added line, so now its a different color for each phase/line.
But it does not have to be black/red/blue

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This rule existed prior to 2005, but it only applied to multiwire branch circuits. In the 2005 code it applied to all circuits, not just multiwire circuits, but they only had to be identified by system. My proposal for 2008 was accepted to require identification by both phase and system.

 

[Marty Higdon]

Thanks to everyone for your help on this one!

Thanks to everyone for your help on this one!

I appreciate everyone's help and expertise on this one! Awesome replys!

This rule existed prior to 2005, but it only applied to multiwire branch circuits. In the 2005 code it applied to all circuits, not just multiwire circuits, but they only had to be identified by system. My proposal for 2008 was accepted to require identification by both phase and system.

 

[Glenn Anderson]

So not to beat a dead horse, a multi voltage establishment must have each voltage and phase a different color? Agree?

Glenn

 

[tom baker]

yes and don't neglect 200.6 for the grounded conductor identification.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

So not to beat a dead horse, a multi voltage establishment must have each voltage and phase a different color? Agree?

Glenn

No, the code does not require the use of colors to identify the conductors by phase and system. While the use of the wire color is the most common method, it is not the only method permitted.

(2) Means of Identification. The means of identification shall be permitted to be by separate color coding, marking tape, tagging, or other approved means.

No matter what method you use, it must be posted at every panel.

(3) Posting of Identification Means. The method utilized for conductors originating within each branch-circuit panelboard or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment shall be documented in a manner that is readily available or shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment.

 

[Smart $]

So not to beat a dead horse, a multi voltage establishment must have each voltage and phase a different color? Agree?

Glenn

Not exactly.

For example, if you have two 3? systems, you do not have to use six different colors... but if you do use the same color in both systems, it must have some additional marking to distinguish those conductors' system.

The reason I say this is because every SDS represents a different system. Say, for example, you have more than one 208/120V SDS's. You can wire them all black, red, blue, white. Phase tape one system's conductors purple, another system's yellow, etc. using a different color phase tape for each system... but the conductor colors are still black, red, blue, white.

...And that is just one method.