Ecmweb 7531 6 25 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7531 6 25 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7531 6 25 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7531 6 25 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7531 6 25 15wwhlarge

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: It’s as Plain as Black and White

June 25, 2015
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: It’s as plain as black and white

Find the Answer

Using a white wire as an ungrounded power conductor is generally not permitted by Sec. 200.7(A).There are, however, a couple of provisions in Sec. 200.7(C) that allow the use of white insulation for something other than a grounded conductor.

For circuits of 50V or more, Sec. 200.7(C)(1) permits a white wire to be used as an ungrounded conductor only if it is part of a cable assembly and the white insulation is permanently reidentified to indicate its use as an ungrounded conductor. This reidentification could be in the form of marking tape, painting, or some other effective means at each termination and everywhere the conductor is visible and accessible. But in this installation, none of these white wires has been reidentified.

White wires pulled into a raceway could not be used as ungrounded conductors even if they were reidentified with black or red or blue tape or paint. Reidentification is only permitted for white wires, gray wires, or a wire with three white stripes where part of a cable assembly. Section 200.7(C)(2) allows white, gray, or a wire with three white stripes where part of a flexible cord is to be used for an ungrounded conductor. Reidentification is not required for these instances.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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