How do you identify a conductor and an insulator?
Conductors conduct electrical current very easily because of their free electrons. Insulators oppose electrical current and make poor conductors. Some common conductors are copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. Some common insulators are glass, air, plastic, rubber, and wood.
How do you identify a conductor?
Single conductor cables are usually identified by the color of the connectors (cam-locks). These colors correspond to standard wiring practices. Typically for 120/208V systems: Black, Red and Blue for phase conductors; White for neutral; and Green for ground.
What are 4 markings that must be on conductors?
1) A continuous white outer finish along its entire length. 2) A continuous gray outer finish along its entire length. 3) Three continuous white stripes along its length. 4) White or gray tape or markings at the terminations.
What is an identified conductor?
The term “identified conductor” has been used to indicate a conductor that is part of a cable assembly that is “identified” by the use of a ridge(s) or other physical characteristic. This conductor is to be used as the grounded conductor. You will also find that type of identification on most two wire zip cord.
How must grounded conductors be identified?
When can grounded conductors be taped at the terminations? 200.6(B). 4 AWG or larger, a grounded conductor can be identified by a distinctive white or gray marking at the terminations. The marking must encircle the conductor.
What is thermoplastic insulation?
THERMOPLASTIC: A material which will soften, flow, or distort when subjected to sufficient heat and pressure. These compounds are heated and extruded over conductor. Likewise, the insulation on the finished product can be re-melted or soften if exposed to heat.
What is a switch leg?
The switched leg of a switch simply refers to the wire that is supplied electricity when the switch is turned on. When the switch is on, the switched leg then provides power to the fixture or device to be powered.
What is the difference between a neutral and identified conductor?
I believe we dropped the term “identified conductor” from the NEC some years ago. But it meant the circuit conductor that was intentionally grounded. A neutral is the specific “identified conductor” that carries the difference of current between two or more hot conductors.
What are insulators and conductors?
Conductors are materials that permit electrons to flow freely from particle to particle. Conductors allow for charge transfer through the free movement of electrons. In contrast to conductors, insulators are materials that impede the free flow of electrons from atom to atom and molecule to molecule.