Ecmweb 7317 4 23 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7317 4 23 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7317 4 23 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7317 4 23 15wwhlarge
Ecmweb 7317 4 23 15wwhlarge

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Wire Size

April 23, 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:  Wire size

Find the Answer

It may be difficult to spot the violation at first glance, but if you take a close look at the larger black wire with the green tape on it, you may notice the size of the wire printed on the insulation indicates that it is No. 6 AWG conductor. Using green tape as a means of identifying an equipment grounding conductor of No. 6 and smaller is a violation of Sec. 250.119.

Equipment grounding conductors are permitted to be bare, covered, or insulated. Individually covered or insulated equipment grounding conductors must have a continuous outer finish of green or green with one or more yellow stripes. However, using green tape to identify an equipment ground wire sized No. 4 and larger at the time of installation is permitted in accordance with Sec. 250.119(A). The wire must be identified at the end and each point where the wire is accessible. The identification must also encircle the conductor and could include removing all of the insulation from the exposed conductor, or coloring the insulation green, or marking the insulation with green tape or labels at the terminations.

Ultimately, this insulated No. 6 AWG equipment ground wire should have been a green wire or green with yellow stripes.

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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