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Monday, March 1, 2021

Question:

Hello CQD,

Recently I had an inspector tell me that all the equipment grounding conductor connections in outlet boxes had to be made with a green wire connector. I've been using red wire connectors and never had a problem or anyone question this. I'd appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks.

Mike Reston

A

Answer:

NEC Section requires covered or insulated equipment grounding conductors to have a green or green with yellow stripes outer finish, but there is NO NEC requirement for the color of the insulation of a wire connector used to connect equipment grounding conductors. Section 250.8 also includes a list of acceptable methods for connecting grounding conductors, which includes listed pressure connectors. UL has a category for Grounding and Bonding Equipment (UL Product Category KDER). Grounding connectors are a special type of connector tested to the UL 467 Standard for Grounding and Bonding Equipment. A green wire connector can be used for connecting equipment grounding conductor, but is not an NEC requirement.

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