NEC Electrical Code for Re-Identifying Ungrounded Conductor

How should I Identify Electrical Conductor Wiring? NEC Article 200.7 (C) Re-Identifying Ungrounded Neutral Conductors.

How to Identify Electrical Circuit Wires
Electrical Repair Question: How should I Identify Electrical Conductor Wiring?

My electrical inspector told me I needed to “Re-identify all white conductors in cables used for ungrounded conductors”.

• I opened up the disconnect box he was talking about and found two white wires and two black wires and do not know which white wires to mark with black tape.

This home electrical question came from: Tammi, a Homeowner from Cary, North Carolina.

Additional Comments: great idea, hope it solves my issue.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repairs question Tammi.

How to Identify Electrical Circuit Wires

NEC 200.7 (C) Re-Identifying Ungrounded Neutral Conductors
Re-Identifying Ungrounded Neutral Conductors for Electrical Wiring

Tammi, You have not identified the equipment that the inspection is referring to therefore I am unsure about the circuit that the inspection is referring to, as well concerning re-identifying the white conductors in the cables that are used, however pay close attention to the Cables that are used, and the Neutral wire conductors because this is what the inspector is concerned with. If the equipment and circuit is 240 volt and the circuit has been fed with a 2-wire cable with ground then the white wires that will be used as hots will need to be identified with black electrical tape. If the equipment and circuit is 120 volt then the Neutral wires should be identified with white electrical tape if needed.  Keep in mind that your electrical inspector should be available by calling your local building department and you may ask for clarification about anything having to do with your project. If your inspector does not provide the help that you need then ask to speak to their supervisor or the manager of the building department.

• This NEC Article 200.7 (c) code reference may be helpful:
  • NEC 200.7(C) Wiring Methods wiring –  Where permanently re-identified at each location,
  • Where it is visible and accessible.
  • The conductor with white colored insulation in type NM cable may be used as an ungrounded conductor.

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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This 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 Tester This 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 Cutter My 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.

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