What color should the service conductor with the higher phase voltage to ground be marked in a grounded three-phase delta service?

In a grounded three-phase delta service, the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends marking the service conductors with distinct colors to indicate their voltage levels and functions. The conductor with the higher phase voltage to ground is typically marked with a specific color to differentiate it from others.

In this case, orange is specifically designated for the phase conductor that has the higher phase voltage to ground. This standardization assists electrical workers in easily identifying which conductors carry higher voltages, thereby enhancing safety and ensuring correct connections during installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting.

Using orange for this purpose helps prevent confusion with other phase conductors, which can be marked with different colors outlined in the code, such as red for a lower phase voltage or yellow for another phase. This clear color coding aligns with best practices in electrical installations, ensuring that professionals can work efficiently while adhering to safety protocols.