International Wiring Color Codes
| Region | Neutral (N) | Line 1 (L1) | Line 2 (L2) | Line 3 (L3) |
| USA (LV)* | White | Black | Red | Blue |
| USA (HV)* | Grey | Brown | Orange | Yellow |
| Europe & UK | Blue | Brown | Black | Grey |
| UK (Old) | Black | Red | Yellow | Blue |
How do you wire a 3 phase circuit?
Wiring for the three phases is typically identified by colors which vary by country. The phases must be connected in the right order to achieve the intended direction of rotation of three-phase motors. For example, pumps and fans do not work in reverse.
How many wires are in a 3 phase?
Three-phase electric power (abbreviated 3φ) is a common type of alternating current used in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. It is a type of polyphase system employing three wires (or four including an optional neutral return wire) and is the most common method used by electrical grids worldwide to transfer power.
How do you measure 3 phase voltages?
How do you measure 3 phase voltage with a multimeter? To test the incoming voltage, place one of the multimeter’s probes on L1 and the other on L2. Allow the multimeter to display the voltage and then repeat the tests while probing L1 and L3, then L2 and L3. If the transformer is working properly, the voltage readings should be the same after ...
What are the electrical codes for wire colors?
- Black - use for line voltage or "hot" wire
- Red - a second line voltage or "hot" wire
- White - neutral
- Bare - protective ground
What is the color code for 3-phase wiring?
The color code for AC power wiring is similar to the code used in the United States: Phase 1 - Red. Phase 2 - Black. Phase 3 - Blue.
What are the 3-phase colours?
For three-phase cables the phase colours are brown, black and grey, instead of red, yellow and blue, respectively, and the neutral colour is now blue instead of black.
Which colour wire is used for phase?
US AC power circuit wiring color codesFunctionlabelColor, commonProtective groundPGbare, green, or green-yellowNeutralNwhiteLine, single phaseLblack or red (2nd hot)Line, 3-phaseL1black2 more rows
What is the color code for 240v 3-phase?
blueFor wires that will be 120, 208 or 240 volts, the following wiring color standards are used. Phase 1 wiring should be black. Phase 2 wiring should be red. Phase 3 wiring should be blue.
Which colour is neutral in 3 phase supply?
Black colorIn case of a three phase power supply, the combination of Red, Yellow and Blue are used for the active line power conductors, Black color for neutral conductor and Green or Green – Yellow for protective ground.
How do you wire 3 phase?
3:135:173 Phase Line Wiring Installation Single Phase Line In HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipVery simple way three first line in using 220 contact and octal attend conductor of all sub circuitMoreVery simple way three first line in using 220 contact and octal attend conductor of all sub circuit breaker and oolitic components in consume.
How do I identify a phase wire?
In a single-phase system, you will find that the two hot wires are colored black and red in most cases, though sometimes they are only black. In a three-phase system, the three hot wires are black, blue, and red. As with any electrical system, however, you cannot count on the fact that the wires were colored correctly.
Which wire is the phase wire?
Typically, there is one power wire—the phase wire—and one neutral wire, with current flowing between the power wire (through the load) and the neutral wire. Three-phase power is a three-wire ac power circuit with each phase ac signal 120 electrical degrees apart.
Which Colour wire is not used for phase wire?
In India wires are RGB mode i.e. Red- Green- Black. Each of these RGB wire have different functions. Red – Red wire signifies the phase in electric circuit. It is he live wire which cannot be connected to another red wire or black wire.
How do you wire a 3 phase 240 volt?
1:359:01Delta 3-Phase 4-Wire System (120/240V) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd from c to a 240 right our three phase delta voltages. When we center tap that winding we'reMoreAnd from c to a 240 right our three phase delta voltages. When we center tap that winding we're taking a 240 volt winding and we're cutting it in half meaning from b to n i get 240 volts.
What color wires go to L1 L2 L3?
The USA has their own wiring colors for electrical circuits, black, red, and blue are used for 208 VAC three-phase; brown, orange and yellow are used for 480 VAC....International Wiring Color Codes.Ground (G)GreenNeutral (N)BlackLine 1 (L1)RedLine 2 (L2)YellowLine 3 (L3)Blue5 more columns
What are the 3 phase high voltage colors?
In commercial 120/208-volt medium voltage and 277/480-volt high voltage electrical systems, there are three phases – A, B, and C. Each phase is one of three colors – black, red, or blue for low and medium voltage and Brown, Orange, Yellow for high Voltage.
Types of Wire Color Codes
There are quite a few different wire color code standards in place, so it is important to understand which one to follow in which situation. The st...
Labeling Electrical Wires & Conduits
The wire color codes used are only going to apply to the actual wires that are carrying the electricity. In many cases, a bundle of these colored w...
Effective Training Options
Those who work directly with electrical wiring on a daily basis will need to be initially trained on what each of the wiring color codes means. Onc...
Applying Color Standards to Existing Wiring
If there are wires in a facility that were put in place prior to the standards that are now used, it is important to take steps to address this saf...
A brief history of wiring color codes
It took until 1928 for wire color coding to make its debut. The National Electrical Code® (NEC) was the first to reference it, and today continues to set the standards for the electrical industry. Following a uniform color code makes it easier to assess electrical wiring, and ensure safety among licensed professionals and homeowners alike.
The NEC wire color coding standards
Though there are international wire color codes, the U.S. follows the National Electrical Code ® (NEC). The code is identified as NFPA 70 ® because the NEC is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. Though not a federal law (states can choose to adopt it), it is approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
3-Phase Wire Color Codes
Whether adding a home appliance or industrial machinery, you’ll need to know these electrical wiring color codes. In the U.S., these color-coded wires carry power from a circuit breaker to a device.
How Brady can help
Just like no two electrical projects are the same, you’ll find Brady support comes in different shapes and sizes. We offer industrial label printers, cable labels, wire markers, heat shrink sleeves, electrical safety signs and software — effective and easy ways to communicate vital information, and stay safe.
What is the color code for a three phase motor?
Conductors of a three-phase system are usually identified by a color code, to allow for balanced loading and to assure the correct phase rotation for induction motors. Colors used may adhere to International Standard IEC 60446, older standards or to no standard at all and may vary even within a single installation. For example, in the U.S. and Canada, different color codes are used for grounded (earthed) and ungrounded systems.
What color is used for grounded conductors?
National Electric Code has color requirements for grounded conductors, ground and grounded-delta 3-phase systems which result in one ungrounded leg having a higher voltage potential to ground than the other two ungrounded legs. Orange is only appropriate when the system has a grounded delta service, regardless of voltage.
When is orange appropriate?
Orange is only appropriate when the system has a grounded delta service, regardless of voltage. ^6 The U.S. National Electric Code does not specify coloring of phase conductors, other than orange for grounded delta.
What color should a phase 1 volt switch be?
Phase 1 - Phase 1 wiring should be black. Phase 2 - Phase 2 wiring should be red. Phase 3 - Phase 3 wiring should be blue. Neutral - Neutral wiring should be white. Ground - Ground wiring can be green or green with a yellow stripe. In some uncommon situations, one phase will have a higher voltage than the others.
What color is phase 1?
Due to the serious potential for deadly electrocution or other issues, getting these color codes right is essential. Phase 1 - Phase 1 wiring should be brown . Phase 2 - Phase 2 wiring should be orange.
What color wire is used for DC power?
The coloring is as follows: Positive - The wire for the positive current is red. Negative - The wire for the negative current is black. Ground - The ground wire (if present) will be white or grey.
Why is it important to label wires?
When this is the case, it is important to take the time to properly label the wires and electrical conduits to warn people of potential dangers.
What happens if you don't wire properly?
If something is not wired properly, it can result in injuries, deaths, fires, and many other problems. This is why there are well-established wire color codes to ensure those working with an around this type of equipment can ensure everything is wired safely and effectively.
What is PPE in construction?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is paramount to proper safety techniques in manufacturing, construction, or industrial facilities. This PPE guide illustrates PPE symbols and requirements. Make sure all employees are familiar with required PPE in their areas.
Why are warning signs placed around electrical wires?
Placing warning signs anywhere that someone might interact with electrical wires, especially high-voltage wires, is another good idea for improving overall safety. These signs can serve as a good reminder to those in the area that there are dangerous wires present.
What color wires are used in UK AC circuits?
US, AC: The US National Electrical Code only mandates white (or grey) for the neutral power conductor and bare copper, green, or green with yellow stripe for the protective ground. In principle any other colors except these may be used for the power conductors.
What color wire should I use for a hot wire?
However, common practice (per local electrical inspectors) is for the first hot (live or active) wire to be black and the second hot to be red. The recommendations in Table below are by Wiles. He makes no recommendation for ungrounded power system colors.
What color conductors are used for 208 VAC?
Black, red, and blue are used for 208 VAC three-phase; brown, orange and yellow are used for 480 VAC. Conductors larger than #6 AWG are only available in black and are color taped at the ends.
What color is the ground for DC power?
US DC power: The US National Electrical Code (for both AC and DC) mandates that the grounded neutral conductor of a power system be white or grey. The protective ground must be bare, green or green-yellow striped. Hot (active) wires may be any other colors except these.
What color is the neutral power conductor?
US, AC: The US National Electrical Code only mandates white (or grey) for the neutral power conductor and bare copper, green, or green with yellow stripe for the protective ground. In principle any other colors except these may be used for the power conductors.
What color is the protective ground?
The protective ground is green or green with yellow stripe. The neutral is white, the hot (live or active) single phase wires are black , and red in the case of a second active. Three-phase lines are red, black, and blue.
What is the IEC DC wiring color code?
The following IEC DC wiring color codes are used for Two-Wire Grounded, Two-Wire ungrounded and Three Wire grounded DC power systems.
What color wires are used for a PG?
The mandatory colors for power wiring in National Electric Codes (NEC) are Green, Bare or Green/Yellow (Yellow Strip or band on Green) for Protective Ground “PG” and White (alternatively Grey) for Neutral Wire. Any other colors expected the above mentioned can be used for Live (Line or Hot) wires.
Which countries use the IEC color code for DC?
Other Countries like China, Russia, KSA and UAE now follow the IEC Cable color codes for DC. But don’t trust the cable insulation colors in these areas as electricians use old as well as new color codes for both AC and DC.
Does Russia use gray or purple?
Russia was following the same wiring color codes as China before but they adapted the IEC with little bit changes i.e. in a three phase system, they may use purple or gray color instead of gray in IEC. As things are little bit changed in Russia, so one must follow the tester before going in the mess.