The wire that carries the current from the power source to the outlet or receptacle is the hot wire. In some jurisdictions all wire colors are specified in legal documents.
Wiring colour codes for ac and dc power distribution circuits have changed on numerous occasions and vary depending on region.
Colour for electrical wires. This post will discuss what are wiring color codes regional wiring color. For those who want to learn a simple guide can help to understand their meaning. Be aware that all electrical wires regardless of their function could carry an electrical current at some point so treat all wires with equal caution.
There are some safety measurements that are to be followed while dealing with electrical wiring and the color codes of wires will help in implementing those safety measurements as a single code is followed in that particular jurisdiction. Electricians and contractors understand these codes. Wiring for ac and dc power distribution branch circuits are color coded for identification of individual wires.
Electrical wiring is an electrical installation of cabling and associated devices such as switches distribution boards sockets and light fittings in a structure. This short video runs through the different electrical wiring colors and old electrical wiring colours in a domestic single phase installation according to the uk and european regulations. The gauge or size of the wire may change depending on the current requirement of the circuit but the color is a consistent feature.
The national electrical code nec says that white or gray must be used for neutral conductors and that bare copper or green wires must be used as ground wires. It does not normally cover the transmission of electrical power to them. With the help of color codes of electrical wires they can be easily and safely identified.
Allowable wire and cable types and sizes are specified according to the circuit operating voltage and electric current capability with further restrictions on the. Knowing the electrical color code that dictates which wire does what is imperative not only in the correct configuration of an electrical system but its also paramount for your safety. Wiring is subject to safety standards for design and installation.
Electrical wiring colours coding standard for three phase electrical applications are standardised to aid the identification of individual wire phases. Electrical wiring in the united kingdom is commonly understood to be an electrical installation for operation by end users within domestic commercial industrial and other buildings and also in special installations and locations such as marinas or caravan parks. But looking deeper the color of the wires inside of the sheathing reveals that different colored wires serve different purposes.
In that case local custom dictates the. Standard colors used for home wiring. For three phase electricity supply circuits will use five wires.
In other jurisdictions only a few conductor colors are so codified. Wiring color codes used for electrical wiring has a specific meaning with different colors for different types and purposes of circuits. Beyond that are general industry accepted rules about wire color that indicate their purpose.
What follows here is the standard coloring for wires throughout a home.