200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.

Section 200.6 provides the methods permitted for grounded conductor identification.
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Section 200.6 provides the methods permitted for grounded conductor identification.

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:

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.

2020 Code Language:

200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.

(A) Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller. An insulated grounded conductor of 6 AWG or smaller shall be identified by one of the following means:

(1) The insulated conductor shall have a continuous white outer finish.

(2) The insulated conductor shall have a continuous gray outer finish.

(3) The insulated conductor shall have three continuous white or gray stripes along the conductor's entire length on other than green insulation.

(4) Insulated conductors that have their outer covering finished to show a white or gray color but have colored tracer threads in the braid identifying the source of manufacture are acceptable means of identification.

(5) A single-conductor, sunlight-resistant, outdoor-rated cable used as a solidly grounded conductor in photovoltaic power systems, as permitted by 690.41, shall be identified at the time of installation by markings at terminations in accordance with 200.6(A)(1) through (A)(4).

(6) The grounded conductor of a mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (Type MI) shall be identified at the time of installation by distinctive marking at its terminations.

(7) Fixture wire shall comply with the requirements for grounded conductor identification as specified in 402.8.

2023 Code Language:

200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.

(A) Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller. The insulation of grounded conductors of 6 AWG or smaller shall be identified by one of the following means:

(1) A continuous white outer finish.

(2) A continuous gray outer finish.

(3) Three continuous white or gray stripes along the conductor's entire length on other than green insulation.

(4) Conductors with white or gray insulation and colored tracer threads in the braid identifying the source of manufacture.

(5) A single-conductor, sunlight-resistant, outdoor-rated cable used as a solidly grounded conductor in photovoltaic power systems, as permitted by 690.31(C)(1), shall be identified at the time of installation by markings at terminations in accordance with 200.6(A)(1) through (A)(4).

(6) The grounded conductor of a mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (Type MI) shall be identified at the time of installation by a distinctive white or gray marking at its terminations. The marking shall encircle the conductor insulation.

(7) Fixture wire shall comply with the requirements for grounded conductor identification in accordance with 402.8.

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200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of grounded conductors?

A: All grounded conductors shall be bare.
B: All grounded conductors are also neutral conductors.
C: Installing an individual black grounded conductor of size 6 AWG or smaller and using white or gray tape at the termination points is a code violation for most installations.
D: All grounded conductors shall have identification tape along the entire length of the insulation.
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