Niko;
But my questions is for smaller than #4 ungrounded conductors, can they be re identified?
I see no reason why
UNGROUNDED CONDUCTORS sized smaller than #4, may not be identified at the Terminations.
Viewing the Articles and Sections involved with Conductor Identification:
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A: Identification of GROUNDED (AKA "Neutral") Conductors:
Article 200
Section 200.6
Conductor Identification = White or Gray...
Sizes Where Identification Methods change:
- #4 and Larger may be identified at accessible Termination points (Colored Tape wraps at ends);
- #6 and smaller to be continuously Color Coded (White or Gray Insulation).
.................................................
B: Identification of EQUIPMENT GROUNDING (AKA "Grounding") Conductors:
Article 250
Section 250.119
Insulated Conductor Identification = Green (or Green with one or more Yellow Stripes)...
Sizes Where Identification Methods change:
- #4 and Larger may be identified at accessible Termination points (Colored Tape wraps at ends)...
Section = 250.119(A); - #6 and smaller to be continuously Color Coded (Insulation Color to be Green)...
Section = 250.120(C).
................................................
C: Identification of UNGROUNDED - HIGH VOLTAGE PHASE (AKA "High-Leg") Conductors:
Article 110
Section 110.15
Insulated Conductor Identification = Orange...
Sizes Where Identification Methods change:
N/A.
Qualifying Notes:
On 3 Phase 4 Wire Delta Systems, the Conductor or Bus Bar Kit(s) with the High Voltage to Ground Phase shall Identified with Orange Color Coding.
At locations on the System where a Grounded ("Neutral") Conductor is present, the High Voltage Phase shall be Identified by Orange Tagging.
No indications of Continuous Color Coding per sizes.
Identification Compliance is stated for tagging methods to be made at Connection Points - specifically where the System Grounded Conductor also exists.
.....................................................
D: Identification of UNGROUNDED (AKA "Hot") Conductors - for more than ONE (1) Premises Wiring Systems:
Article 210
Section 210.5(C)
Insulated Conductor Identification = Anything other than Green, White or Gray (not indicated verbatim in Section 210.5(C), but indirectly referenced in Articles 200, 215, 230, 250, 310, and 400)...
Sizes Where Identification Methods change:
N/A
Qualifying Notes:
No indications of Continuous Color Coding per sizes.
Identification Compliance is stated for tagging methods to be made at Accessible Points - specifically for Branch Circuitry where more than One (1) Nominal Voltage System exists on the same Premises.
< end code compliance references >
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According to the defined Sections, Ungrounded Conductors may be Identified at Termination Points, and Points of Accessibility (i.e.: Panelboards, Switchboards, Motor Controls, Pullboxes, etc.).
Identification is not required at Conduit Bodies (i.e.: LBs)
My opinion / view of the intentions behind the Size Specific Identification Methods for Grounded and Equipment Grounding Conductors, is the nominal applications where they would commonly be used per given sizes.
For example, Conductors sized #4 and larger would normally be relevant to Feeder Installations; whereas Conductors sized #6 and smaller would normally be relevant to Branch Circuitry.
In the case of Branch Circuitry, EGCs may be sized similar to the Ungrounded Conductors - more apparent with 15 Amp, 20 Amp and 30 Amp Branch Circuits.
Where Branch Circuit Conductor sizes have been increased for Voltage Drop compensation, the EGC size would also be increased, matching the size of the Active Branch Circuit Conductors.
Similar conditions would be experienced with Grounded Branch Circuit Conductors, in regards to the 15 Amp, 20 Amp and 30 Amp "Commonly Used" Branch Circuits.
The possibility for numerous Junction Boxes and Outlets being involved with Branch Circuits, appears to be the logic continuous Color Coding for "Smaller Conductors" - tagging the ends may not be feasible, and likely will not provide an effective permanent method.
Where Feeders are installed, they tend to be limited in access points, i.e.: Single Point-To-Point runs between...
- Source (Service or Distribution Section)
and - Application (Panelboard or Transformer)
Junction / Pull Points may or may not exist in Feeder runs.
Where these Access Points exist, the tagging method would be more effective, as the likelihood of
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL gaining Access at these Points, _SHOULD_ be able to Identify the installation as a "Feeder".
They "-Normally-" would not be Accessing the Box, with intentions of connecting a small Load to an existing Wiring System...
This statement is highly debatable, however I am unsure of the best way to describe this possibility!
So, in conclusion;
The NEC does not directly place Restrictive Definitions on the Identification of Ungrounded Conductors per Specific sizes, per the Sections listed above. Only Identification at Terminations and Accessible Points is described.
By "Restrictive Definitions", I mean:
MANDATORY RULES: - Terms characterized as "Shall" and "Shall Not" (Specifically Required or Prohibited)
And / Or;
PERMISSIVE RULES: - Terms characterized as "Shall Be Permitted" and "Shall Not Be Required" (NOT Specifically Required or Prohibited).
Hope this reply offers some assistance.
Scott
