color coding

[jung]

i'm having trouble understanding why the C phase has to be tapped orange on the primary side of the switch gear ( for 120/240v three phase). can anyone please make it clear for me????? cause the NEC doesn't say anything about it.

 

[chris kennedy]

i'm having trouble understanding why the C phase has to be tapped orange on the primary side of the switch gear ( for 120/240v three phase). can anyone please make it clear for me????? cause the NEC doesn't say anything about it.

Welcome to the Forum.

The NEC does address this.

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.

And the HB commentary.

The high leg is common on a 240/120-volt 3-phase, 4-wire delta system. It is typically designated as ?B phase.? The high-leg marking, which is required to be the color orange or other similar effective means, is intended to prevent problems due to the lack of complete standardization where metered and nonmetered equipment are installed in the same installation. Electricians should always test each phase relative to ground with suitable equipment to determine exactly where the high leg is located in the system.

 

[480sparky]

A POCO requirement.

 

[rt66electric]

same way around here.

same way around here.

Outside on the meter- C phase is highleg marked orange. On the inside the same wire is placed B phase and still marked orange.. POCO outside-- AHJ inside. Don't ask why: just do it ( don't think- it confuses the hired help)

 

[SEO]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[brian john]

Primary Side = LINE Side ??????????

 

[Duke E]

Outside on the meter- C phase is highleg marked orange. On the inside the same wire is placed B phase and still marked orange.. POCO outside-- AHJ inside. Don't ask why: just do it ( don't think- it confuses the hired help)

It is my understanding that the highleg must be installed on C phase within the meter due to the mechanics of the meter itself. I would love to know if this is a myth.

 

[tom baker]

Its not a myth at all. Thats how the meter is designed.
Don't worry about it. If the POCO wanted the cash register painted purple, then purple it is.
Roll your conductors and keep the phase rotation the same but the high leg is on the B phase on our side.
Its not the "primary" but rather the service entrance conductors or the service entrance...

 

[charlie]

Yep, what Tom said.

 

[boboelectric]

Wild leg,high leg,red leg,Tape it Orange!

 

[tommygary]

As far as color coding, is there a preferred method. Should you candy cane or tape entire conductor?

 

[LarryFine]

As far as color coding, is there a preferred method. Should you candy cane or tape entire conductor?

There's no rule on it. I guess it depends on whether you thing the entire exposed length needs to be marked, or just the ends near the terminations. I like the latter; it looks better.

 

[gonec]

NEC Markings on B Phase and NESC Marks on C Phase

NEC Markings on B Phase and NESC Marks on C Phase

In the NEC and for all wiring within buildings it should be marked on the "B" phase and be Orange in color. Check out the following 2005 NEC references:
110.15 High-Leg Marking
230.56 Service Conductor with the Higher Voltage to Ground
408.3 E Support and Arrangement of Busbars and Conductors

Also note that at the meter the electric utility has jusrisdiction and follows the National Electrical Safety Code?(NESC?). The utility requires this marking to be on the C Phase at the meter. Once your wiring enters the main disconnect you need to mark according to the NEC.