Color code 220 volt

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mbrown1610

Member
I am designing controls that use 220 volt single phase to supply Power. My question is what is the proper color for the wire leading from the main disconnect on the Panel to (2) ( line side )devices in the Panel everything else is 24vdc.
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

Thats not true, I can make them both orange if I were so inclinded. What section says I can't make my single phase ungrounded conductors orange?
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

The previous posts are correct regarding the NEC requirements for the color code. But, many companies do have an internal color code and they vary from one to another. The bottom line is if you are designing it for a customer, then ask them if they have an existing color code.

A pretty standard color code used is:
480VAC black
120VAC-red
120VAC neutral - white
24VDC(+) - blue
24VDC(-) - blue w/wh stripe
*Yellow wire for AC voltages that orignate elsewhere and that the local disconnect doe not turn off. (sometime yellow w/blue stripe for DC).

Just make sure every wire has a wire # and good labels are used.
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

or orange unless there is a high leg
Click to expand...
I agree with Bryan. High leg conductors if present must be orange. This doesn't prohibit the use of orange conductors if you want.
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

Wait a second....orange is one of the options, but I am not required to use it to identify the high leg.

Let's not forget the rest of the sentence in 110.15: "...or by other effective means."

So I can use orange, or whatever means that I deem effective. Pink, purple, yellow, brown..whatever.
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

Let's not forget the rest of the sentence in 110.15: "...or by other effective means."

So I can use orange, or whatever means that I deem effective. Pink, purple, yellow, brown..whatever
Click to expand...
You are correct 110.15 does mention "other effective means" but by using a color other than orange have you satisfied the intent of "other effective means" or does this apply to something else such as a sign at the panelboard?
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

You can not use white,gray,or green.Normal colors for this install would be L1=BLACK L2= RED.however nothing in nec says you can not use other colors
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

Originally posted by infinity:
You are correct 110.15 does mention "other effective means" but by using a color other than orange have you satisfied the intent of "other effective means" or does this apply to something else such as a sign at the panelboard?
Click to expand...
"Other effective means" could not get any more vague. I think it leaves it open to use whatever I want, as long as it's effective. :D

I could use fluouresent purple spray paint. I think that's very effective. :D

[ November 01, 2005, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: peter d ]
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

The colors you would use would be the colors used at the service entrance, presuming you wanted to standardize your cabinet. The facility color code should be indicated somewhere near the service entrance, panels, etc.
Chances are they are not indicated as they seldom are and it does not make a hill of beans what you color the wires.
So long as they are consist ant with identical voltages within the control cabinet design, you are the color master within your control cabinet. I would suggest staying away from green for sure except for ground and maybe white if not neutral.
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

"Other effective means" could not get any more vague. I think it leaves it open to use whatever I want, as long as it's effective.

I could use fluouresent purple spray paint. I think that's very effective.
Click to expand...
I agree that "other effective means" is very vague, but why then do we need to mention only the color orange? It would seem to me that by stating the color orange the "other effective means" would have to be something other than a color, unless of course it orange.

110.15 High-Leg Marking.
On a 4-wire, delta-connected system where the midpoint of one phase winding is grounded, only the conductor or busbar having the higher phase voltage to ground shall be durably and permanently marked by an outer finish that is orange in color or by other effective means. Such identification shall be placed at each point on the system where a connection is made if the grounded conductor is also present.
Click to expand...
The last sentence sounds more like a label than a conductor color.
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

To me the orange is for future service personel to recognizie there is a high leg present.Now if they disregard the orange ( warning) well that is their stupidity for touching beyond their realm of knowledge.If you see green,white ,gray do you suppose they are hot legs ? red blue and black are for convienence but orange is a light that says hey stupid get your tester out .
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

I would be inclined to think the "or by other effective means" was referring to the "permanently marked by an outer finish" Like you could use electrical tape, marker pen, shrink tube Etc...
Otherwise the reference to a specific color (Orange) has no meaning?
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

IMO the words...

or by other effective means.
Click to expand...
...mean whatever the inspector feels they mean. :p

I have read on these forums that some power companies use / require purple high leg marking.

The wording in 110.15 allows this as long as the AHJ / inspector is agreeable. :cool:

JMO, Bob
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

I like Wayne's approach. If you choose to not use an orange insulated conductor, other means may be approved for obtaining that orange identification. That seems reasonable and practical. But I do agree with Bob that every jurisdiction will have their own policy on this matter. However, I do think the requirement and enforcement should be consistent.
 
Re: Color code 220 volt

if the "controls" he is talking about refer to controls for a machine covered in NFPA79, he is required to use the color codes contained in that standard.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top