Final answer:
The practice of marking the white wire in a 12/2 with ground MC cable with orange tape for use in a 240-v pump motor is false, as it goes against typical electrical code standards that designate white for the neutral wire in electrical systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about the white conductor in a 12/2 with ground MC cable being marked with orange tape to be used for a 240-v pump motor is false. In electrical wiring, wire color coding is crucial for safety and to prevent wiring errors. The National Electric Code (NEC) specifies that certain wire colors are used for specific purposes. The white wire in a cable is typically the neutral wire and should not be used as a live or hot wire. Neutral wires are meant to carry the current only under faulty conditions to the ground and are generally connected to the neutral bus bar in a panel. The hot wires in 240-volt circuits are typically black, red, or another color but never white or green. Tape may be used to re-identify a white wire as a hot wire in certain conditions, such as in a switch leg, but it is important to follow all local codes and standards when doing so, and it is typically not recommended or allowed for 240-v applications, making this practice incorrect for a 240-v pump motor connection.
It is essential to note that wire insulation colors can vary with the region, and it's critical to check locally to determine which color codes are in use. Proper grounding and insulation are vital for safety, as improperly connected or damaged insulation can lead to severe electrical shocks or fire hazards. In a three-wire system, for example, the neutral wire and the appliance case are meant to be grounded, which helps protect against electrical faults by providing a low-resistance path directly to the ground and enforcing a safe operating environment.