Conductor Identification

[Jeffrey G]

According to 200.6 (e) and 250.119 (b) in a multiconductor cable grounded conductors and equipment grounding conductors shall be identified as white, gray, or green (respectively) by means of marking exposed insulation with tape or adhesive labels. Does this mean "only" where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure only qualified persons service the installation? If so, what if in an institutional setting there will not be qualified persons maintaining this equipment. Does this mean tape or adhesive labels shall NOT be used?

 

[bphgravity]

Yes. If the installation will not meet the all the requirements of the exception in 200.6(E) or 250.119(B), the grounded and grounding conductors will have to be finished the correct color as required by the section and not be a different color reidentified.

 

[LarryFine]

Jeff, we are lucky in the sense that the NEC recognizes how multi-conductors are manufactured, and the rules are flexible enough to cover their use.

That's why we're allowed, for example, to re-identify white wires in cable, but never in conduit, where there's no "excuse" for using a white as a hot.

Whenever I have to re-color a white wire, I prefer using a Sharpie or equivalent, rather than tape, which could be removed, fall off, or keep in heat.