An insulated grounded conductor of _____ AWG or smaller shall be identified by a continuous white or gray outer finish, or by three continuous white or gray stripes along its entire length on other than green insulation.

• A. 4
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 10

Answer: (B)

Neutral conductors must be clearly identified to prevent confusion with live conductors. If the insulation color isn’t white or gray, the grounded conductor can be marked by three continuous white or gray stripes along its length, or it may have a white or gray outer finish. This identification requirement applies to insulated grounded conductors that are six AWG or smaller. The stripes option is used when the base insulation color is something other than white/gray, providing a clear visual cue that this is the neutral conductor. Green insulation is reserved for equipment grounding conductors, so this striped or white/gray identification applies to non-green insulation. Therefore, the threshold for applying this marking is six AWG or smaller.