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When did rules about reidentifying wire colors come into effect?

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Innovate1

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Just wondering when these went into effect or changed. I am looking to run a 50A circuit for RV and will need to use #8 THHN or XHHW and the current rules as I understand them are reidentification is only allowed for larger than #4. I ran some #6 when I built in 2004 and reidentified and it wasn't flagged. Were the rules more lax then or did the inspector miss it? I understand the rules for cables are different and not asking about that.
 
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Norcal

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Innovate1 said:
Just wondering when these went into effect or changed. I am looking to run a 50A circuit for RV and will need to use #8 THHN or XHHW and the current rules as I understand them are reidentification is only allowed for larger than #4. I ran some #6 when I built in 2004 and reidentified and it wasn't flagged. Were the rules more lax then or did the inspector miss it? I understand the rules for cables are different and not asking about that.
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Just because a inspector passes it or lets something go does not mean it is code compliant, but there were changes in the 1999 edition, so it really matters what edition was adopted when the permit was issued.
 
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Innovate1

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Code versions here lag way behind so I think that's the likely explanation. The inspector was pretty thorough though not too nit picky except I reall one thing I thought was odd. He made me put about a #4 wire from the meter base to the breaker panel in parallel with the 2/0 neutral wire and explained it was in case the main wire came loose. Made no sense to me as the #4 wire was WAY undersized for the current it might carry in that case but rather than argue it was easy enough to do so I did it.
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Modesto, CA
Innovate1 said:
Just wondering when these went into effect or changed. I am looking to run a 50A circuit for RV and will need to use #8 THHN or XHHW and the current rules as I understand them are reidentification is only allowed for larger than #4. I ran some #6 when I built in 2004 and reidentified and it wasn't flagged. Were the rules more lax then or did the inspector miss it? I understand the rules for cables are different and not asking about that.
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The code is actually larger than #6 not #4.

Just because it wasnt flagged doesnt mean it was too code. Inspectors miss all kinds of stuff.
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Innovate1 said:
Code versions here lag way behind so I think that's the likely explanation. The inspector was pretty thorough though not too nit picky except I reall one thing I thought was odd. He made me put about a #4 wire from the meter base to the breaker panel in parallel with the 2/0 neutral wire and explained it was in case the main wire came loose. Made no sense to me as the #4 wire was WAY undersized for the current it might carry in that case but rather than argue it was easy enough to do so I did it.
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That makes no sense whatsoever. If the lugs are properly torqued then the wire will NEVER come lose.

And now you have a parallel pathway for neutral current which you dont want.

Shouldve asked him for the code reference (there isnt one)
 
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mike93lx

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Shiftless said:
Right.
For easy stuff, it’s better to comply than to argue with an inspector.
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It doesn't have to be an argument. You can have a conversation with them and go over specifics. They don't get to make rules or impart their preferences on work. I'd never do something arbitrary just because an inspector wants it
 
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Innovate1

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mike93lx said:
It doesn't have to be an argument. You can have a conversation with them and go over specifics. They don't get to make rules or impact their preferences on work. I'd never do something arbitrary just because an inspector wants it
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I pushed back some but he seemed set on it. Got to pick your battles and this one wasn't worth the effort.
 
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sparky 1971

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I deal with two types of inspectors. The do it all inspectors that don't know #6 and smaller isn't supposed to be re identified, the others know, but don't care. The latter all are former electricians and know what a PITA it is for service men to carry all those spools around. The couldn't care less if four 75' black #8's are pulled in a pipe and three of them have white, red, and blue tape on the ends.

I always try to use individual colors, but there has been a time or twenty when a color wasn't going to be long enough but I had plenty of another color and phase tape.

Lately, with the prices through the roof, I've been having anything #8 and larger, 75' or less cut at the supply house. It's the same price per foot as buying 500' spools.
 
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MBfreak

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The idiots in Europe could not abstain from fing up.
In residential wiring there was a well respected single phase norm from around 1960. When 110 VAC and DC distribution was removed for residential.
Phase BLACK , switched phase BROWN , Neutral BLUE and PE Yellow green.
Same in 3 phase, with numbers added on the phase wires, BLACK 1, 2or 3.

2005 they switched to phase BROWN, switched phase BLACK.
And these morons live from tax money!

Ola
 
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