Identifying Equipment Ground Conductors and the NEC
|
How to Identify Equipment Grounding Conductors as Required by the National Electrical Code |
How to Identify Equipment Grounding Conductors
Electrical Question: Can I use green electrical tape at each end of a black #6 as a second ground to a cold water pipe for a 200 amp residential service? Or does the NEC say I could do that for a wire only larger than #6?
This electrical question came from: Steve, a Electrician from Georgetown IN
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Steve.
Identifying Equipment Grounding Conductors
The NEC rules for Equipment Grounding Conductors (EGC) are as follows:
250.119 Identification of Equipment Grounding Conductors.
Equipment grounding conductors shall be permitted to be bare, covered, or insulated. Individually covered or insulated equipment grounding conductors shall have a continuous outer finish that is either green or green with one or more yellow stripes except as permitted in this section. Conductors with insulation or individual covering that is green, green with one or more yellow stripes, or otherwise identified as permitted by this section shall not be used for ungrounded or grounded circuit conductors.
(A) Conductors Larger Than 6 AWG. Equipment grounding conductors larger than 6 AWG shall comply with 250.119(A)(1) and (A)(2).
(1) An insulated or covered conductor larger than 6 AWG shall be permitted, at the time of installation, to be permanently identified as an equipment grounding conductor at each end and at every point where the conductor is accessible.
Exception: Conductors larger than 6 AWG shall not be required to be marked in conduit bodies that contain no splices or unused hubs.
(2) Identification shall encircle the conductor and shall be accomplished by one of the following:
a. Stripping the insulation or covering from the entire exposed length
b. Coloring the exposed insulation or covering green
c. Marking the exposed insulation or covering with green tape or green adhesive labels
To summarize the NEC for Equipment Grounding
For conductors larger then #6 you can identify an EGC that is not green by painting or covering the exposed insulation green, removing the exposed insulation, or marking the insulation with green tape or labels. Note that the restriction of using white or gray for anything other than a grounded conductor still applies so you cannot re-identify a white or gray conductor for use as an EGC.
ELECTRICAL CODE RESOURCES
Electrical code
Electrical Code Articles
Electrical Code Directory covering Electrical Grounding.
Electrical Grounding
Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements
Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.
|
||||||||
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about 250.119 Equipment Grounding Conductors, National Electrical Code and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Identifying Electrical Circuits for Light Fixtures | Air Conditioning Electrical Circuit Requirements |
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments
2 Responses to “Identifying Equipment Ground Conductors and the NEC”You must be logged in to post a comment.
Was the use of a black #6 conductor with green phase tape (equipment grounding conductor) ever permissable in past years? RE: article 250-119
Corey,
I would assume that it may not have been an acceptable practice, however some years ago I don’t recall solid green insulation, so phasing tape had to be used for open conductors. I do recall the practice where the insulated ground conductors had the insulation removed at the point where they entered the enclosure or cabinet.
Dave