How may equipment grounding conductors of sizes 6 AWG and smaller be identified?

Equipment grounding conductors that are sizes 6 AWG and smaller are typically identified by specific color coding in order to ensure clear identification and compliance with safety standards. The correct identification for these conductors is the color white or gray, in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and related standards.

White or gray wires are not just used for grounded conductors; they hold significance in electrical systems to differentiate them from ungrounded conductors, such as those that might be colored brown, red, blue, or black. Using white or gray helps prevent confusion and reduces the risk of accidents during installation, maintenance, or repair work, as these colors signal to technicians that the wire is intended for grounding purposes.

On the other hand, other color combinations like green and yellow are typically reserved for grounding conductors in general situations or larger systems, while colors such as brown, red, blue, or black denote phase conductors or ungrounded conductors, which serve different functions in an electrical installation. This distinction is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems.