Do you know why an electric circuit has different colors of wires? Well, each electrical wire color has its own meaning and function. If you are not an electrician, you can’t easily understand several colors.
To solve this problem, we have made this simple guide for you. Today, you will see an electrical wire chart, cable colors according to phase, voltages, and country variations.
Electrical Wire Colors Chart
| Cable Type | Cable Color | Voltage |
| Neutral | White, Grey | 0 V |
| Hot/Live | Black, Red | 110 to 120 V AC |
| Ground or Earth | Green, Green-Yellow, Bare | 0 V |
| Commercial Traveler/Multiphase | Blue, Yellow | 120 V |
| Traveler or Switch Wire | Brown, Violet, Orange, Pink | 120 to 0V |
What Do Electrical Wire Colors Mean?
Now we will discuss about electrical wire colors meaning one by one in detail.
Black Wire Means: Phase Wire Color
Black cable is the live and phase 1 wire in the AC circuit. Basically, it carries current from the power source to a device. You can say that it is the main power carrier in your circuit.
Therefore, you should never touch it when the power is on. In DC circuits, black color usually marks the negative wire.
Red Wire Means or Live Wire Color
Well, a red wire also works as a live and secondary hot wire for you. You can often see it in switch legs or second phase of 220 volts circuit. You use it for complex structured appliances.
For example: air conditioner, multi wire circuit and smoke detectors. Just remember, red wire mostly carries current so handle it with care.
Blue Cable Means (Neutral Wire Colour)
Blue or neutral wire color carries the electricity away from devices. But, its function can be changed with systems. In a three phase setup, it can act as a third-phase wire (L3).
Green Wire Means/Earth Wire Color
A green cable is your safety cable. Actually, it works like an earth or ground wire in every electrical system. Mainly, its job is to carry extra current or energy toward the ground. Especially, in case of any fault.
In this way, it keeps your devices safe from shocks. Moreover, you should never use a green wire as a live or neutral wire. Because it can be dangerous for you.
White Wire Means
You often see a white wire in almost all home circuits. It serves as the neutral wire that sends electricity back to the main panel. Actually, this wire completes the flow of power in a circuit. Always keep in mind, it is not a live wire but still it carries some voltages in specific systems.
Brown Wire Means
In the UK and EU system, it is the main live or hot wire. This wire takes current from the power source to your machine. You will see it connected with switches, sockets and lights. As you know, it carries current. So, it can be harmful for you if not attached with neutral or earth wire properly.
Yellow Wire Means
Some circuits use yellow cables as a live wire. Its main purpose is to move current between switches and lights. You can also say it, a secondary hot wire. As it moves electricity, be careful to handle it.
Basic Wire Color Code by Country
Electrical Wire Colors UK & European Wire Color Code
If we observe UK and Europe, they both follow the IEC wire color code. Therefore, you can use brown as a live wire and blue as a neutral wire.
When it comes to ground wire then you see three colors green, yellow and green with yellow stripes. In a three phase system, you should use brown for line 1 (L1). However, black wire is preferred for line 2 (L2) and gray for line 3 (L3).
Electrical Wire Colors USA
USA uses NEC wire color code. That’s why, black and red wires work as hot wire for your circuit. But as a neutral wire, you get white colored wires.
You may often find green or bare copper wires connected with earth to make safe connections. When it comes to a high leg delta system, orange wire is connected to handle higher voltages. Additionally, in case of switch legs or multiple phases you will get black, red and blue as hot wires.
Chinese Electrical Wiring Color Code
In China, electrical cables follow slightly different patterns for both single-phase and three-phase systems.
- Single-Phase AC: You might use yellow wire for the phase or live line. And light blue or black wire is for the neutral. Still, the ground wire is the same as in UK or Europe (green wire with a yellow stripe).
- Three-Phase AC: In three phase AC systems, yellow shows phase 1 (L1) and green shows phase 2 (L2). Red work as phase 3 (L3). The color of the ground wire is still consistent (yellow stripped green wire).
Wire Color Code According to Phase
If you want to understand the color code of each phase according to the voltages, you read this table.
2 Phase Wire Color Code & 3 Phase Wire Color Code
| Voltage | L1 | L2 | L3 | Neutral | Ground |
| 120/208 V
240/277 V |
Black | Red | Blue | White | Green/Green-Yellow |
| 480 V | Brown | Orange | Yellow | Gray | Green/Green-Yellow |
| Standard AC | Brown | Black | Grey | Light Blue | Green with Yellow Stripe |
Positive and Negative Colors for Wires
In your DC circuits, cables or wires are marked with positive and negative colors. Usually, the red is a positive wire. On the other side, you will find black color as a negative. But if you want to fix solar or battery setup blue or white is used to show negative color. Keep in mind that red is still a positive color.
Electrical Wiring Color Code Standards or Safety Rules
Your wire color depends on your specific region but all of them follow the same standards and safety rules.
- In the case of DC circuits, you will get red as positive wire all over the world.
- Ground wire is always present in green or green with yellow stripes colored wires.
- Your common AC systems must have black, red and blue colors as hot wires.
- Older wiring may not follow current standards. So, you should be careful.
- Some specific appliances have different color variations. Therefore, you should read their instruction book.
- You must wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when you handle any color of wire.
What are Old Wiring Colors?
You will see modifications in old wiring colors also. But the general colors were; red for live, black for neutral, green/yellow green for earth wire. In England, the old three phase color code was; L1 red, L2 yellow, L3 blue and black for neutral.
Our Advice For Cable Protection Management
Our manufacturing factory JACKWIN is located in China. We recommend you to use our following high quality products for all your cable and wire protection needs.
- Durable cable cover plates
- Wire protection ramps
- Cable protection tiles
- Fire hose ramps & bridges for wires
- Detectable warning mesh to mark underground cables
FAQs
How to Tell Which Wire is Positive and Negative when Both are Black?
In such a condition, you have to use a multimeter to check the voltage.
What Color Wires Go Together?
Generally, hot wires match hot like black, red and blue. And neutral wires go with neutral ones (white or light blue).
Which is House Electrical Wire Colors?
In your home, the common wire colors can be: black or red for hot/live, white for neutral wire. Plus, green and green/yellow or bare copper for ground.
Should Wire Colors Ever Be Mixed Under Any Circumstance?
No, you should never mix any wire color in any condition. Actually, it can cause serious shock or damage to your machine. The wire can also catch fire which is extremely harmful.
Final Words
Do you need more information about cable or wire protection? Contact us today for free consultation and check how we are providing reliable solutions to 70+ countries. You can also order samples for a very low price. Our R&D team of engineers is ready 24/7 to design and manufacture customized products according to your requirements.
Please See More Helpful Resources:
Guide to Underground Utility Cable Cover Plates
Review on Electrical Wiring (Types, Sizes and Installation)
Leading Warning Tapes Manufacturer and Supplier in China
