Phase Tape Use...

[Robert Bodling]

A few years ago I remember there being something in the code book about the
minimum size of wire (I believe it used to say that you could only phase
tape wires larger than #8) that was allowed to be phase teped to identify
the circuit color that it was, but I haven't seen any information in the
code book where it says anything about that. Has any one seen anything in
the code book referencing this information lately?

[John Ray]

I don't have my book handy so I can't quote, but what you remember refers to
identifying grounding conductors. Anything smaller than #4 must have green
insulation. 4 and larger can be identified w/ tape. Look in article 250.

John

Post by Robert Bodling
A few years ago I remember there being something in the code book about the
minimum size of wire (I believe it used to say that you could only phase
tape wires larger than #8) that was allowed to be phase teped to identify
the circuit color that it was, but I haven't seen any information in the
code book where it says anything about that. Has any one seen anything in
the code book referencing this information lately?

[e***@electrician.com]

There are numerous conductor identification requirements in the NEC for
grounding conductors, grounded conductors, and ungrounded conductors.
I am assuming that you are referring to ungrounded conductors since you
ask about phase taping. Phase taping is not required but is
permitted for the following. (Your reference to the size No. 8 probably
refers to identifying grounded and equipment grounding conductors where
this size is a factor.)
210.4 Multiwire Branch Circuits.
(C) Ungrounded Conductors. Where the premises wiring
system has branch circuits supplied from more than one nominal
voltage system, each ungrounded conductor of a branch
circuit, where accessible, shall be identified by system. The
means of identification shall be permitted to be by separate
color coding, marking tape, tagging, or other approved means
and shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard
or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment.

215.12 Identification for Feeders.
(C) Ungrounded Conductors. Where the premises wiring
system has feeders supplied from more than one nominal
voltage system, each ungrounded conductor of a feeder,
where accessible, shall be identified by system. The means
of identification shall be permitted to be by separate color
coding, marking tape, tagging, or other approved means
and shall be permanently posted at each feeder panelboard
or similar feeder distribution equipment.

[Robert Bodling]

Thanks, but does it not say the minimum conductor size that can me tagged or
taped?

Post by e***@electrician.com
There are numerous conductor identification requirements in the NEC for
grounding conductors, grounded conductors, and ungrounded conductors.
I am assuming that you are referring to ungrounded conductors since you
ask about phase taping. Phase taping is not required but is
permitted for the following. (Your reference to the size No. 8 probably
refers to identifying grounded and equipment grounding conductors where
this size is a factor.)
210.4 Multiwire Branch Circuits.
(C) Ungrounded Conductors. Where the premises wiring
system has branch circuits supplied from more than one nominal
voltage system, each ungrounded conductor of a branch
circuit, where accessible, shall be identified by system. The
means of identification shall be permitted to be by separate
color coding, marking tape, tagging, or other approved means
and shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard
or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment.
215.12 Identification for Feeders.
(C) Ungrounded Conductors. Where the premises wiring
system has feeders supplied from more than one nominal
voltage system, each ungrounded conductor of a feeder,
where accessible, shall be identified by system. The means
of identification shall be permitted to be by separate color
coding, marking tape, tagging, or other approved means
and shall be permanently posted at each feeder panelboard
or similar feeder distribution equipment.

[e***@electrician.com]

I don't see anything about size for the ungrounded conductors. In
200.6 for grounded and 250.119 for grounding conductors there is the
normal dividing line where No. 6 and smaller generally are reuired to
be identified by color, and No. 4 and larger can be taped or tagged.
Apparently that type of permission was not added in the 2005 NEC for
the ungrounded conductors in 210.4 and 215.12.. Also, these
requirements are new to the 2005 NEC for ungrounded conductors. Any
engineer worth his salt will specify that brown, orange, and yellow be
used to identify 480/277 volt 3 phase ungrounded conductors and black,
red, and blue be used for 208/120 volts, and that the smaller wire
sizes be ordered in these colors while the larger sizes be phase taped.
Many electricians will do this anyway and insist that it be a trade
practice. Also, white is often used for the low voltage neutral and
gray for the 480/277 volt neutral.

[Long Ranger]

Post by Robert Bodling
A few years ago I remember there being something in the code book about the
minimum size of wire (I believe it used to say that you could only phase
tape wires larger than #8) that was allowed to be phase teped to identify
the circuit color that it was, but I haven't seen any information in the
code book where it says anything about that. Has any one seen anything in
the code book referencing this information lately?
It has to be larger than a number 4. The only noted colors are for neutrals
and grounds, the rest is up to you, but tradition says black red blue
correspond to A B C legs for 208, volt systems. Black Orange (stinger) red
for 240 volt. Brown orange yellow for 480. Neutrals come in grey or white,
and grounds are green or green with a yellow stripe, or bare, by the NEC.
I'm too lazy to go look up where, but it's in there.