Quick Hits

⚡ Quick Hit — Episode 4

Article 200.8(B)–(C), 200.9–200.11

Article 200 is complete!

The final episode covers reidentification of white and gray conductors, terminal identification, screw-shell connections, appliance requirements, and polarity.

📘 200.8(B) & (C) — Reidentifying White or Gray Conductors

Under the applicable conditions, a white or gray conductor can be reidentified for use as an ungrounded conductor.

For cable assemblies, the conductor must be permanently reidentified at the required locations using a color other than white, gray, or green.

There are also specific requirements for switch loops and flexible cords.

The important lesson is that you cannot simply assume a white conductor is being used as a grounded conductor—or assume that changing its function eliminates the identification requirements.

📘 200.9 — Terminal Identification

On polarized devices, the terminal intended for the grounded conductor is identified by white or silver.

Other terminals must have a clearly different identification.

📘 200.10 — Terminal Identification

Article 200.10 provides additional terminal-identification requirements.

For receptacles and polarized plugs, the grounded-conductor terminal can be identified by:

• White or silver metal/coating

• The word WHITE

• The letter W

• Applicable identification at the conductor-entry location when the terminal itself isn't visible

💡 Screw-Shell Devices

For Edison-base lampholders, the grounded conductor connects to the screw shell.

The center contact is the ungrounded side.

This arrangement helps keep the exposed screw shell from becoming energized when the lamp is removed.

📘 200.11 — Polarity

Article 200.11 provides the final piece: grounded conductors must not be connected in a way that reverses the designated polarity of the circuit.

🧠 Final Quick Check

Question: On an Edison-base lampholder, where does the grounded conductor connect?

A) Center contact
B) Screw shell

Answer: B — Screw shell.

The grounded conductor connects to the screw shell, while the ungrounded conductor connects to the center contact.

🎉 Article 200 Complete

You've now worked through Article 200 from beginning to end:

• Grounded-conductor scope and general requirements

• Connection to the grounded system

• Neutral-conductor installation

• Grounded-conductor identification

• Identification of larger conductors

• Different voltage systems

• Multiconductor cables

• Reidentification

• Terminal identification

• Screw-shell devices

• Polarity

Article 200: COMPLETE.

⚡ Keep building your NEC knowledge one Quick Hit at a time.

Next up: Article 206 — Non-Power-Limited Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits.

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