2011 or 14 cycle: what is new wording regarding the color of the "common" conductor

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tadavidson

tadavidson

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2011 or 14 cycle: what is new wording regarding the color of the "common" conductor

"The neutral conductor of a branch circuit must be identified in accordance with 200.6 [210.5(A)]. "
 
White or gray, or with a stripe.
if multiple systems are present, one is white, the other gray, with signage or documentation required
 
NEC doesn't specifiy that 277 volt neutrals be gray and 120 volt neutrals be white - that is just how it is usually done.

200.6 is stating all grounded conductors need to be either gray or white or have gray or white stripes.

210.5 is telling you you need to identify conductors of different systems - color is one possible method to do this, but you are limited to two colors on grounded conductors - works great with only two different voltage systems if you choose to use color only as the identification means. NEC does mention marking, tagging or other approved means. Other approved means has no limit other then the opinion of who approves it.
 
infinity said:
The bigger change came in the 2011 NEC from the 2008. From the 2011 to the 2014 only a few words were changed.
Click to expand...

Okay, I haven't been in code since 05 cycle. What, if you don't mind, was the significant verbiage change from 08?
 
2008:

200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.
(A) Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller. An insulated grounded con-
ductor of 6 AWG or smaller shall be identified by a con-
tinuous white or gray outer finish or by three continuous
white stripes on other than green insulation along its entire
length. Wires that have their outer covering finished to
show a white or gray color but have colored tracer threads
in the braid identifying the source of manufacture shall be
considered as meeting the provisions of this section. Insu-
lated grounded conductors shall also be permitted to be
identified as follows:
(1) The grounded conductor of a mineral-insulated, metal-
sheathed cable shall be identified at the time of instal-
lation by distinctive marking at its terminations.
(2) A single-conductor, sunlight-resistant, outdoor-rated
cable used as a grounded conductor in photovoltaic
power systems as permitted by 690.31 shall be identi-
fied at the time of installation by distinctive white
marking at all terminations.
(3) Fixture wire shall comply with the requirements for
grounded conductor identification as specified in 402.8.
(4) For aerial cable, the identification shall be as above, or
by means of a ridge located on the exterior of the cable
so as to identify it.
(B) Sizes Larger Than 6 AWG. An insulated grounded
conductor larger than 6 AWG shall be identified by one of
the following means:
(1) By a continuous white or gray outer finish.
(2) By three continuous white stripes along its entire length
on other than green insulation.
(3) At the time of installation, by a distinctive white or
gray marking at its terminations. This marking shall
encircle the conductor or insulation.
Click to expand...

2011:

200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.
(A) Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller. An insulated grounded con-
ductor of 6 AWG or smaller shall be identified by one of
the following means:
(1) A continuous white outer finish.
(2) A continuous gray outer finish.
(3) Three continuous white stripes along the conductor’s
entire length on other than green insulation.
(4) Wires that have their outer covering finished to show a
white or gray color but have colored tracer threads in
the braid identifying the source of manufacture shall be
considered as meeting the provisions of this section.
(5) The grounded conductor of a mineral-insulated, metal-
sheathed cable shall be identified at the time of instal-
lation by distinctive marking at its terminations.
(6) A single-conductor, sunlight-resistant, outdoor-rated
cable used as a grounded conductor in photovoltaic
power systems, as permitted by 690.31, shall be iden-
tified at the time of installation by distinctive white
marking at all terminations.
(7) Fixture wire shall comply with the requirements for
grounded conductor identification as specified in 402.8.
(8) For aerial cable, the identification shall be as above, or
by means of a ridge located on the exterior of the cable
so as to identify it.
(B) Sizes 4 AWG or Larger. An insulated grounded con-
ductor 4 AWG or larger shall be identified by one of the
following means:
(1) A continuous white outer finish.
(2) A continuous gray outer finish
(3) Three continuous white stripes along its entire length
on other than green insulation.
(4) At the time of installation, by a distinctive white or gray
marking at its terminations. This marking shall encircle
the conductor or insulation.
Click to expand...
 
tadavidson said:
Okay, I haven't been in code since 05 cycle. What, if you don't mind, was the significant verbiage change from 08?
Click to expand...
Is it a good idea to not keep up with changes if you do electrical installations? Unless maybe the 2005 NEC is what is being enforced where you do your work.

If you follow 2005 NEC on a dwelling application where 2014 is in effect - you should receive some correction notices at inspection time - there was a fair amount of changes that effect the average dwelling installation.
 
kwired said:
Is it a good idea to not keep up with changes if you do electrical installations? Unless maybe the 2005 NEC is what is being enforced where you do your work.

If you follow 2005 NEC on a dwelling application where 2014 is in effect - you should receive some correction notices at inspection time - there was a fair amount of changes that effect the average dwelling installation.
Click to expand...

I was out of the Industry for a few years due to caring for a older needy dad. I am now back in business and am actively trying to catch up.
 
kwired said:
If you follow 2005 NEC on a dwelling application where 2014 is in effect - you should receive some correction notices at inspection time - there was a fair amount of changes that effect the average dwelling installation.
Click to expand...

And Yes I did on my first residential job back in another jurisdiction. 5 flags, some were, I think, bogus. But none the less he was the authority and was to be pleased.
 
tadavidson said:
I was out of the Industry for a few years due to caring for a older needy dad. I am now back in business and am actively trying to catch up.
Click to expand...
Makes sense.

You don't need CEU's to maintain your license where you are? That alone should at least introduce the most significant changes - but if you are not actively applying them they may not stick with you that well.
 
kwired said:
Makes sense.

You don't need CEU's to maintain your license where you are? That alone should at least introduce the most significant changes - but if you are not actively applying them they may not stick with you that well.
Click to expand...

Yes to the CEU. The areas presented were in the 4hr per year instruction were not enough to keep me to the needed level and I didn't take the time to seek to keep up as I should have. You know, I thought I was a Know it All and nothing could change that much in a year...oh, wow, It turned out to be 5.
 
kwired said:
NEC doesn't specifiy that 277 volt neutrals be gray and 120 volt neutrals be white - that is just how it is usually done.

200.6 is stating all grounded conductors need to be either gray or white or have gray or white stripes.

210.5 is telling you you need to identify conductors of different systems - color is one possible method to do this, but you are limited to two colors on grounded conductors - works great with only two different voltage systems if you choose to use color only as the identification means. NEC does mention marking, tagging or other approved means. Other approved means has no limit other then the opinion of who approves it.
Click to expand...

What about the rare scenario where you have a non-grounded neutral conductor? Should it still be marked white or gray? Or should it simply be marked by an unreserved color that is not part of the industry norm for the voltage system.
 
Carultch said:
What about the rare scenario where you have a non-grounded neutral conductor? Should it still be marked white or gray? Or should it simply be marked by an unreserved color that is not part of the industry norm for the voltage system.
Click to expand...

White or gray is reserved for grounded conductors by NEC. In the rare case you have an ungrounded neutral - it can't be white or gray because it isn't grounded.

Confusion also exists with a corner grounded delta system - the grounded phase is a grounded conductor and must be identified as one.
 
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