Electric Wire Colour Codes And Their Meaning

The color of the wires inside of the sheath serves different purposes. You need to understand what the color codes mean if you are working with electric wire. Otherwise this could lead to wrong connections and consequently this is more dangerous.

Did you know that wiring safety codes vary in different countries? While some stick to international standards, regulations may be established by a certain city, state or national legislation. Sometimes exceptions do exist.

In Australia and New Zealand, standards in electrical installations are specified in The Standard (AS/NZS 3000:2007). Wiring rules are indicated in this document.

The standard wire colours for flexible cable like extension cords, power cords and lamp cords are:

• Brown or red for phases
• Blue or black for neutral
• Green with a yellow stripe for protective or earth ground

The standard wire colours for fixed cable like wiring cables in, on or behind the wall are: 

• Phases:  any colours other than green, green with a yellow stripe, yellow, blue or black. Red or brown is recommended for single phase. Red, blue, or white is recommended for multiphase
• Neutral: either black or blue
• Protective/earth ground: green, green with a yellow stripe, or bare

Trivia Info Resource: www.sprintelectrical.com.au