Taping Or Coloring White Wire

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newtronical1

newtronical1

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Alabama
Hello All, I have a question for the forum. I know that the NEC states that you can not phase tape (color) any wire smaller than a #6. I may stand tp be corrected as I am humbled to admity that the latest edition that I own is from 1995. Any way, I am currently enrolled in a 2-year Industrial Maintenance Degree program in the state i live in and the instructor was teaching the class that it is legal to tape a white wire black if it is coming to a switch in the form of a 12-3 romex.

I stated that that was illegal as you can not color code a wire smaller than a #6. He stated that it was legal as it was applied in a residental setting.

is it legal to tape or color code a #12, #14 wire coming to a switch and use that wire as a switch leg? Is there an exception to this rule?

Thanks for your time and I will be getting the 2008 NEC as soon as it becomes available.

God Bless!
 
newtronical1 said:
is it legal to tape or color code a #12, #14 wire coming to a switch and use that wire as a switch leg? Is there an exception to this rule?
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Newtron, In a switch leg application article 200.7(C)2 allows the wire to be reidentified.
(2) Where a cable assembly contains an insulated conductor for single-pole, 3-way or 4-way switch loops and the conductor with white or gray insulation or a marking of three continuous white stripes is used for the supply to the switch but not as a return conductor from the switch to the switched outlet. In these applications, the conductor with white or gray insulation or with three continuous white stripes shall be permanently reidentified to indicate its use by painting or other effective means at its terminations and at each location where the conductor is visible and accessible.
Rick
 
200.7(C)(1) is the article for referenece:

If part of a cable assembly and where the insulation is
permanently reidentified to indicate its use as an ungrounded
conductor, by painting or other effective
means at its termination, and at each location where the
conductor is visible and accessible. Identification shall
encircle the insulation and shall be a color other than
white, gray, or green
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Cut a "V" notch in a Sharpie and re-id away.
 
360Youth said:
I'll have to try that one. I usually just turn a regular writing sharpie flat and make long stripes all the way around.
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It's all about speed baby...two swipes and you're done :D front and back ;)
 
360Youth said:
If you are half as fast on the job as you are on your replies I think even iwire would be impressed. :wink:
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Fast?
I just got done with 13.5 hours of work....I'm actually kind of wiped out.

If you want fast, fuel me up with 3 - 6 cans of Jolt (Blue) and crank up my iPod. :D
 
A quicker way is to drill a 1/4" hole in the plastic part of your Sharpie just below the nib. Slide the wire in, and you can mark the entire length all the way around in no time 'tall.
 
480sparky said:
A quicker way is to drill a 1/4" hole in the plastic part of your Sharpie just below the nib. Slide the wire in, and you can mark the entire length all the way around in no time 'tall.
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Now that seems like a lot of work to save a little time. I'm sure you've got a patent there somewher, though.


celtic said:
Fast?
I just got done with 13.5 hours of work....I'm actually kind of wiped out.

If you want fast, fuel me up with 3 - 6 cans of Jolt (Blue) and crank up my iPod. :D
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Yeah, but after 5 1/2 hours of jersy traffic, it's just another 8 hour day. :D
 
360Youth said:
Now that seems like a lot of work to save a little time. I'm sure you've got a patent there somewher, though.
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It takes about 10 seconds to chuck up a 1/8" bit, pull your Sharpie out, drill it, and you're done!

Gimme a couple minutes. I'll post some pix for those who can't see it.
 
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480sparky said:
It takes about 10 seconds to chuck up a 1/8" bit, pull your Sharpie out, drill it, and you're done!

Gimme a couple minutes. I'll post some pix for those who can't see it.
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Will an 1/8" fit a #6?
 
Here's two pix. It takes about 10 seconds to drill the hole in the Sharpie, right below the nib. The cover will keep it from drying out. Then push the white wire you want to reidentify and in a couple strokes, the entire insulation is remarked.

Sharpie1.jpg


Sharpie2.jpg
 
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