3280.815—Polarization.
(a)
The identified (white) conductor shall be employed for grounding circuit conductors only and shall be connected to the identified (white) terminal or lead on receptacle outlets and fixtures. It shall be the unswitched wire in switched circuits, except that a cable containing an identified conductor (white) shall be permitted for single-pole three-way or four-way switch loops where the connections are made so that the unidentified conductor is the return conductor from the switch to the outlet. Painting of the terminal end of the wire shall not be required.
(b)
If the identified (white) conductor of a cable is used for other than grounded conductors or for other than switch loops as explained above (for a 240 volt circuit for example), the conductor shall be finished in a color other than white at each outlet where the conductors are visible and accessible.
[40 FR 58752, Dec. 18, 1975. Redesignated at 44 FR 20679, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 58 FR 55021, Oct. 25, 1993]