Color Re-Coding

[tom baker]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Yes its true and I should of stated the NEC does not generally require a color code for conductors, to be exactly correct.
The conductor colors as required are:
white/gray-grounded conductor
green-equipment grounding
orange-mid point grounded delta
light blue-IS wiring
brown/orange-health care isolated ground

The last two are specific applications and not well known. But the question comes up so often that my reply is boilerplate.

 

[electricman2]

Re: Color Re-Coding

I don't believe Roger said that. :roll:

 

[electricman2]

Re: Color Re-Coding

quote by Iwire

You beat me.

Beat me too.

 

[roger]

Re: Color Re-Coding

John, what don't you believe I said? Please explain.

Roger

 

[websparky]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Hi Roger,

Allen, that's not true at all. Orange, brown, and yellow are specifically required in the NEC for a three phase system.

Please help me out! I can't seem to find that in the code. Where is it??

 

[roger]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Hello Dave, it's in 517.160(A)(5).

I guess some here doesn't think it counts since it's in a chapter beyond what they deal with.

Roger

 

[hillbilly]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Touche Roger.

 

[websparky]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Roger,

Thanks!!

Interesting...... if I'm reading this correctly, the orange conductor is the grounded conductor when it is used in this manner?

For 3-phase systems, the third conductor shall be identified as yellow. Where isolated circuit conductors supply 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles, the orange conductor(s) shall be connected to the terminal(s) on the receptacles that are identified in accordance with 200.10(B) for connection to the grounded circuit conductor.

How then do we "color" all 4 conductors?
Also, how does this not conflict with 200.6?

 

[iwire]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Originally posted by websparky:
Interesting...... if I'm reading this correctly, the orange conductor is the grounded conductor when it is used in this manner?

Dave none of the conductors are grounded.

That article just tells us the orange conductor will terminate on the receptacle where the grounded conductor would normally terminate.

How then do we "color" all 4 conductors?

Now I am going out on a limb, I do not believe there would ever be a forth conductor in these systems.

Roger, what's the real deal?

No conflict with 200.6 because of 90.3

Bob

 

[roger]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Bob, you are correct. The conductors are phase to phase ie 60 v to 60 v. This system is a true example of an isolated transformer. (secondary winding has no reference to earth or any common point)

Roger

 

[iwire]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Thanks Roger, what I was really wondering about is if there is ever 4 conductors?

As in 3 hots and a ungrounded common.

And would that common be a neutral?

 

[roger]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Bob,

what I was really wondering about is if there is ever 4 conductors?

As in 3 hots and a ungrounded common.

no, there would never be 4 conductors as there is never a common in these systems.

And would that common be a neutral?

With that question in mind, all I could say would be, "Thank Goodness" we don't have a common!!!

Roger

 

[caj1962]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Roger
As`far as mentoring or teaching someone "beyond what is normal" in the first 4 chapters, yes I do. But I also tell them that these are special occupancies or special instalations and the rules in chapters 5,6,and 7 only apply to the application,system or occupency specified. 517.160 color code only applies to an isolated power system in a health care facility. That was why I made the statement, use the code as it is inteneded.

 

[electricman2]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Roger
Quote by Roger

Orange, brown, and yellow are specifically required in the NEC for a three phase system.

This is what I was referring to. Where is this requirement?

 

[roger]

Re: Color Re-Coding

John, 517.160(A)(5).

Roger

 

[electricman2]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Thanks Roger, I have placed my foot in mouth.

 

[ledolectric]

Re: Color Re-Coding

OK,..I have a 4-wire system,coming from the secondary of a utility xfrmr..it's 277/480Y and is coming into the 400A CT cabinet...these are replacement wires due to a fire in the original xfrmr.There were 4-750mcm.Aluminum,THW's and I've replaced them with 4-500mcm.Copper,THHN's...The original markings on these wires were Black,Red,and Blue,and of course,White for the neutral...the inspector for the utility co.said they were marked wrong and that I need to change the colors to Brown,Orange,and Yellow,..White or Gray for the neutral...is this correct..? and where can I see it in "the Book"..??

 

[iwire]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Sounds kinda familiar

 

[roger]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Bob,

Sounds kinda familiar

doesn't it though.

Roger

 

[ledolectric]

Re: Color Re-Coding

Howya doing Bob,
I was advised to bring this question here,from the ECN page...Thats me, BTW, Ledolectric over here on this page..maybe I should use one name??