Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: Little Bill, Location: Tennessee NEC:2017
Asked on: Monday, April 18, 2011 at 8:54 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:21 am EDT
Question: A co-worker ran 2 circuits to 2 duplex receps. in a 2-gang box. This was for a new piece of equipment that was ordered. It was supposed to be 120V like the ones we already have. When the equipment came in, it was 240V. We still need 1 of the 120V duplex receps but need 240V for the other. I told him to get a 240V recep. and a 2-pole breaker, re-identify the white wire that was the neutral and he wouldn't have to pull more wires and add another box for the 240V. He ran 12AWG so the wires are good for 20A 240V. He didn't think you could do that but I told him he could. The code, as far as I know only speaks of re-identifying the grounded conductor and not the ungrounded other than not using green, white, or other colors used in grounded or grounding conductors. Was what I told him correct?
Yes, what you told your coworker was correct.According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), a white wire can be used as a hot conductor in a 240V circuit if it is properly re-identified. This is done by painting the entire white wire or taping it with black or red electrical tape at both ends.The NEC requires that the grounded conductor (neutral) be identified with white or gray insulation. However, it does not specify any color requirements for ungrounded conductors (hot wires). Therefore, it is permissible to use a white wire as a hot conductor in a 240V circuit, provided that it is properly re-identified.In this case, your coworker can re-identify one of the white wires as a hot conductor by painting it or taping it with black electrical tape. He can then use this wire to connect to the new 240V receptacle. He will also need to install a 2-pole circuit breaker to protect the 240V circuit. Flag for review