[RE-wrenches] double insulated wire

[jay peltz]

HI Ray,

I agree and think that at least high voltage DC should have its own color code.
Labels go away, but wire colors are forever.

thanks,

jay

peltz power


On Jul 2, 2013, at 11:15 AM, Ray Walters wrote:

> Hi Dick;
> 
> What you're suggesting is actually something I thought would work too: having totally odd colors that immediately said DC.
> IT really would be the best, because if you go in with a meter set to read AC, and show no voltage, then get your voltage sniffer out, and it doesn't beep, you think you're double safe, when actually you could get hit with 500 v dc.
> 
> I try and mark every J-box that has DC conductors in it with the DC voltage.  The life I save probably will be my own, as I'm getting more forgetful with age......
> 
> I think one of the problems is that this is actually not a NEW issue;  we are reviving the 100+ year old AC vs DC battle that Edison Westinghouse, and Tesla, et al. fought before.  Factories have AC and DC on site, and it just amazes me that marking polarity isn't required by code.  We have to mark the bonded conductor, or the high leg in certain 3 phase systems, so identifying DC polarity seems just as important.
> I actually really like your purple with a white stripe idea.  At one time I tried to color code for DC voltage too, (Red for 12 v, purple for 24, Orange for 48 v) and even used yellow tape for my PV inputs as they had a higher V than the battery.  Now I just try to label everything copiously, and have polarity align with my meter.
> My biggest problem is still old 12 v house wiring on Romex (white and black)  or which side of those Monkey face outlets should be + or - ......  These days, I just try to switch the circuit over to AC   (go Tesla!)
> 
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer
> 303 505-8760