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Friday, March 25, 2022
Question:
Need an interpretation, please.
Does the NEC require branch circuits to be color-coded using specific colors? We are being told that the 208Y/120-volt system conductors must be black, red, blue, and white; and the 480Y/277-volt branch circuit conductors have to be brown, orange, yellow, gray. Where is this in the Code?
Thanks for your guidance.
Joe McDonald
A
Answer:
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the question. The color code you mention in the question is not an NEC requirement, but more of a best practice when attaining compliance with Sections 210.5(C) and 215.12(C). Colored branch circuits and feeder conductors are often used for conductor identification where more than one nominal voltage system exists in a building or structure and identification is required to distinguish between them. Also, check with the local jurisdiction, they may have a mandatory color code requirement that specifies those exact colors mentioned in the question. Note that construction specifiers often select those colors for the branch circuit and feeder wiring in the project specifications.
Hope this is helpful.