Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: The electron man, Location: Nyc
Asked on: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 9:22 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 8:31 am EST
Question: In 200.6 and 200.7 talks about phase tapingFor the grounded conductor 6# and small has to be white or gray or have 3 white stripes on the whole length of the cable4 # and larger you can phase tape at the point of terminationThe ungrounded conductors you can only phase tape 4# and largerBut what about the grounding conductorCan I take a black 4# and larger and phase tape it green ?
The NEC does address the use of phase tape (or other permanent marking) for equipment grounding conductors (EGCs).Here's the relevant information: NEC 250.119 Identification of Equipment Grounding Conductors. (A) General. An equipment grounding conductor shall be identified and distinguished from other conductors. (B) Allowed to Be Bare. Bare, covered, or insulated equipment grounding conductors shall be permitted. Individually covered or insulated equipment grounding conductors shall have a continuous outer finish that is either of the following: (1) Green (2) Green with one or more yellow stripes 250.119(A) and 250.119(B) establish the typical requirements for identifying EGCs, the general rule is that EGCs must be either bare, green, or green with yellow stripes. 250.119(A) goes on to say this (C) Allowed to Be Other Colors. Equipment grounding conductors shall be permitted to be identified at the time of installation by one of the following means: (1) Stripping the Insulation. Stripping the insulation or covering from an insulated equipment grounding conductor throughout its entire length. (2) Coloring the Insulation. Coloring the insulation or covering of an insulated equipment grounding conductor at its terminations. The color used for identification shall be green or green with yellow stripes. (3) Marking with Tape, Sleeving, or Other Effective Means. Marking the conductor at its terminations with green tape, sleeving, or other effective means.(a) Marking shall encircle the conductor and shall be located within 150 mm (6 in.) of the point of connection to the enclosure.(b) Where equipment grounding conductors are installed in conduit, the marking shall be visible after installation.
So, can you re-identify a black #4 AWG conductor as a grounding conductor using green tape?
Yes, 250.119(C)(3) specifically allows you to mark a conductor with green tape at its terminations to identify it as an equipment grounding conductor. The tape must encircle the conductor and be within 6 inches of the connection point.
Important Considerations
Permanent Identification
The marking method must be permanent. Use high-quality green electrical tape that is resistant to fading and degradation.
Accessibility
If the conductors are in conduit, ensure the marking is visible after installation.
Entire Length vs. Terminations Only
You are not required to tape the entire length of the conductor. You only need to mark it at the terminations.
In summary, yes, you can use green tape to identify a black #4 AWG or larger conductor as an equipment grounding conductor at the point of termination, as long as you comply with the requirements in 250.119(C)(3). Flag for review