ARTICLE 200 Use and Identification of Grounded Conductors

 

200.2 General.

Grounded conductors shall comply with 200.2(A) and (B).

 

(A) Insulation.

The grounded conductor, if insulated, shall have insulation that is (1) suitable, other than color, for any ungrounded conductor of the same circuit for systems of 1000 volts or less, or impedance grounded neutral systems of over 1000 volts, or (2) rated not less than 600 volts for solidly grounded neutral systems of over 1000 volts as described in 250.184(A)

 

(B) Continuity.

The continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on a connection to a metallic enclosure, raceway, or cable armor.

 

200.4 Neutral Conductors.

Neutral conductors shall be installed in accordance with (A) and (B). [ROP 5–29]

 

(A) Installation.

Neutral conductors shall not be used for more than one branch circuit, for more than one multiwire branch circuit, or for more than one set of ungrounded

feeder conductors unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code [ROP 5–29]

 

(B) Multiple Circuits.

Where more than one neutral conductor associated with different circuits is in an enclosure, the ungrounded and grounded circuit conductors of each

circuit shall be grouped by cable ties or similar means in at least one location within the enclosure. [ROP 5–29]

 

Exception: The requirement for grouping shall not apply if the circuit conductors enter from a cable or a raceway unique to the circuit that makes the grouping obvious. [ROP 5–29]

 

200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.

(3) Three continuous white or gray stripes along the conductor’s entire length on other than green insulation. [ROP 5–31]

(5) The grounded conductor of a mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (Type MI) shall be identified at the time of installation by distinctive marking at its terminations. [ROP 5–32]

 

(B) Sizes 4 AWG or Larger. An insulated grounded conductor 4 AWG or larger shall be identified by the following means:

 

(3) Three continuous white or gray stripes along the conductor’s entire length on other than green insulation. [ROP 5–33]

 

(C) Circuits of 50 Volts or More.

The use of insulation that is white or gray or that has three continuous white or gray stripes for other than a grounded conductor for circuits

of 50 volts or more shall be permitted only as in (1) and (2). [ROP 5–38]

 

(1) If part of a cable assembly that has the insulation permanently reidentified to indicate its use as an ungrounded conductor by marking tape, painting, or other

effective means at its termination and at each location where the conductor is visible and accessible. Identification shall encircle the insulation and shall be a color

other than white, gray, or green. If used for single-pole, 3-way or 4-way switch loops, the reidentified conductor with white or gray insulation or three continuous

white or gray stripes shall be used only for the supply to the switch, but not as a return conductor from the switch to the outlet. [ROP 5–40]

 

(2) A flexible cord, having one conductor identified by a white or gray outer finish or three continuous white or gray stripes or by any other means permitted by

400.22, that is used for connecting an appliance or  equipment permitted by 400.7. This shall apply to flexible cords connected to outlets whether or not the outlet

is supplied by a circuit that has a grounded conductor. [ROP 5–41]