Grounded conductors _____ AWG or larger can be identified by distinctive white or gray markings at their terminations.

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 6
• D. 8

Answer: (B)

Grounded conductors (the neutrals in a system) must be identified so they’re not mistaken for equipment grounding conductors or for ungrounded conductors. The NEC allows a practical identification method for larger conductors: when the conductor is 4 AWG or larger, you can identify it as a grounded conductor by using distinctive white or gray markings at the terminations rather than relying on white or gray insulation along the entire length. This makes the neutral clearly identifiable at connections and terminations without the impractical task of wrapping large cables in white/gray insulation.

For smaller conductors, the usual expectation is to rely on white or gray insulation along the conductor to indicate that it is grounded. So the rule about marking at terminations applies specifically to those larger conductors, which is why the correct option corresponds to 4 AWG or larger.