steve holt
Member
- Location
- Hawaii
Can I use the 208v color for the return on a 480v system? For example, can I use a red wire as a return when I have an orange hot?
If you mean for switch legs, then any colors (other than white/gray or green, of course) may be used.Can I use the 208v color for the return on a 480v system? For example, can I use a red wire as a return when I have an orange hot?
Sorry, I didn't state my question clearly. If I have an orange wire from circuit 4 on a 480v system going to the line side of a light switch, can I use a red wire on the load side of the switch, that goes to the light?A 'return' being a neutral or grounded conductor? I would say no.
The issue is the rules in 210.5(C) for the identification of conductors of branch circuits where there is more than one voltage system. If there is a single voltage system in the building or structure that would be fine, but where there are two or motor voltage systems, the switch leg must be identified the same way the ungrounded conductor is...that is it must be identified by phase and voltage. Typically that would be done by adding some type of marking to the switch leg.Sorry, I didn't state my question clearly. If I have an orange wire from circuit 4 on a 480v system going to the line side of a light switch, can I use a red wire on the load side of the switch, that goes to the light?
That is fine if there is only a single voltage system in the building, but if there is more than one voltage system, how would that be in compliance with 210.5(C)? I don't see any exceptions to say that rule does not apply to switch legs.If you mean for switch legs, then any colors (other than white/gray or green, of course) may be used.
After the traditional colors are spoken for, purple and pink are just about all that are left.
The issue is the rules in 210.5(C) for the identification of conductors of branch circuits where there is more than one voltage system. If there is a single voltage system in the building or structure that would be fine, but where there are two or motor voltage systems, the switch leg must be identified the same way the ungrounded conductor is...that is it must be identified by phase and voltage. Typically that would be done by adding some type of marking to the switch leg.
I see nothing in the code language that permits you to do that. At the switched load, you cannot look at the wiring and know what voltage you are working on. It would get a red tag from me.I use black-red-blue-white for 120/208 and brown-orange-yellow-gray for 480/277. I swap colors on switch legs, using brown-orange-yellow-white for 120/208, and black-red-blue-gray for 480/277.
I see nothing in the code language that permits you to do that. At the switched load, you cannot look at the wiring and know what voltage you are working on. It would get a red tag from me.
a) Means of Identification. The means of identification shall be permitted to be by separate color coding....
Why would the color of the insulation increase the danger? You're not allowed to work on live stuff anyway without appropriate PPE so what difference could it possibly make?And if the return is a grounded conductor or neutral, see section 200.6
It would be very dangerous to use a red wire for a neutral.
How it is a separate color where you are using the same color on two different voltage systems?Nuf said.
Why would the color of the insulation increase the danger? You're not allowed to work on live stuff anyway without appropriate PPE so what difference could it possibly make?