NFPA 79 Equipment Ground Conductor Size for Multi-Conductor Control Cables

[SD Dylan]

I have a situation where I am supplying power to a remote I/O enclosure using a multi-conductor control cable, example, and I'd like to utilize the green/yellow conductor as the EGC.

NFPA 79 (2015) 8.2.2.3 states "Equipment grounding conductors and bonding jumpers of the wire type shall not be smaller than shown in Table 8.2.2.3, but shall not be required to be larger than the circuit conductors supplying the equipment."

The smallest size on table 8.2.2.3 is 16AWG. Is the 18AWG green/yellow conductor that is part of the cable allowed to but used as an EGC? The second part "...but shall not be required to be larger than the circuit conductors supplying the equipment." tells me it's ok.

What is your interpretation?

Thanks!

 

[tom baker]

Keep in mind this is an NEC forum...what kind of cable is this?
Is the EGC a green wire and not a bare shield?

 

[petersonra]

If I recall correctly number 16 is the smallest conductor you're allowed to use unless it's part of a cable assembly. I agree you're not required to use an equipment grounding conductor larger than the circuit conductors.