Code Change Summary: Editorial changes regarding the identification of grounded conductors.

In the 2023 NEC^®, edits were made to simplify the requirements for acceptable methods of grounded conductor identification. The changes were minimal and still retain the same requirements that existed in the previous code cycle, but the revised text should be a bit clearer.

For proper identification of a grounded conductor, it is important to remember the following:

• There are different identification requirements for grounded conductors depending on the size. In the field, the most common method used to identify grounded conductors of size 6 AWG or smaller is to install a conductor with a continuous white or gray outer finish applied by the manufacturer in accordance with Section 200.6(A)(1) and (2).
• For size 4 AWG or larger, once again, it is quite common to install a conductor with a continuous white or gray outer finish applied by the manufacturer. In addition, Section 200.6(B)(4) allows a grounded conductor of 4 AWG or larger to be identified by a white or gray marking at its terminations at the time of installation. This marking must encircle the conductor insulation which is why most electricians use white or gray electrical tape to accomplish this.
• Section 200.6(A)(3) through (8) provides additional identification methods that are not quite as common but apply to specific installations such as for PV systems, MI cable, fixture wire, and aerial cables.
• Section 200.6(E) provides identification requirements for multiconductor cables such as type NM, MC, SE, Zip cord and the like.
• Section 200.7 states that the color white or gray shall ONLY be used for identifying the Grounded conductor, so technically, these colors have no business being installed in an ungrounded system, including ungrounded PV systems.
• Installing black, red, blue, green, or any other conductor insulation color besides white or gray for individual grounded conductors of size 6 AWG or smaller and using white or gray tape at the termination points is a code violation for most installations. It can be a time consuming and expensive fix when the inspector asks for all grounded conductors between parking lot lighting to be re-pulled with white or gray for sizes 6 AWG or smaller.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.