Color code of wires

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hhsting

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I have plan notes that says contractor shall not use MC cables with misleading color coding i.e. standardized color coding for 480/277V circuits (blue, red, black) shall not be used.

Just to let you all know system voltage we have is 208/120V three phase so I think note is saying not to use standardized color coding for 277/480V on 208/120V system

I am wondering if that note above is not in compliance with any NEC 2014 sections. Does anyone know? Also does NEC 2014 specify color coding?
 
On a single voltage system the NEC has little to say about the phase conductors and then only about a "high-leg".
Grounded conductors are basically restricted to white or grey
Grounding to green.
Other than the above color doesn't matter.
If you have two voltages then 200.6 & 210.6 come into play
 
The code has no specified a specific color code for general wiring since the late 60s or early 70s. The code does require that where there is more than one voltage system in a building that the conductors in the building be identified by phase and voltage, but the method is left to the installer.
It appears that the note is saying that even if there is only one nominal voltage system in the building that the wire colors shall be in accordance with the common industry standard.
I see nothing that is in conflict with the NEC.
And again the designer is free to require things that the NEC does not require. That appears to be the case here as the code does not require any conductor identification where there is only one voltage system, but the designer wants conductor identification.
 
hhsting said:
I have plan notes that says contractor shall not use MC cables with misleading color coding i.e. standardized color coding for 480/277V circuits (blue, red, black) shall not be used.

Just to let you all know system voltage we have is 208/120V three phase so I think note is saying not to use standardized color coding for 277/480V on 208/120V system

I am wondering if that note above is not in compliance with any NEC 2014 sections. Does anyone know? Also does NEC 2014 specify color coding?
Click to expand...
Only problem I see is “not to use standardized color coding”
There is no standardized color coding in the NEC..
 
Last edited:
Hv&Lv said:
Only problem I see is “not to use standardized color coding”
There is no standardized color coding in the NEC..
Click to expand...

Perhaps the intent of that note is not to use the standard coloring of 120/208V on a 277/480V system, or vice versa, and the words just didn't come out right when that part of the spec was written. In otherwords, not to use industry norm colors that don't apply to the voltage of the system you are labeling. It seems absurd to specifically require you not to use the industry norm colors, without at least specifying what they want you to use instead. IMO, you are asking for trouble if you deliberately defy industry norms when identifying within your installation. I'd recommend sending an RFI to ask for clarification. It very well could be an oversight.

If there is a non-standard voltage, I can also understand to specify not to use a standard color scheme for that either. But what exactly would you use instead? Violet/Pink/Navy? There's only so many colors in the rainbow to choose, and most of them are spoken for in standard color schemes.
 
Petty cut and dried for your job as plans reviewer.
In answer to your question: The note does not violate the Code as the originator does not specify any colors that would be in violation and, other than noted, the NEC does not specify colors.

Questions answered.
 
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