IEC and NEC Electrical Wiring Color Codes

IEC and NEC Electrical Wiring Color Codes

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Color Codes (AC Circuits):

- Phase (Live) Wires:

  - Brown: Phase 1

  - Black: Phase 2

  - Grey: Phase 3

- Neutral Wire:

  - Blue: Neutral

- Earth (Ground) Wire:

  - Green/Yellow Stripes: Earth

NEC (National Electrical Code) Color Codes (AC Circuits):

- Phase (Live) Wires:

  - Black: Phase 1

  - Red: Phase 2

  - Blue: Phase 3

- Neutral Wire:

  - White: Neutral

- Ground Wire:

  - Green: Ground

DC Circuits (Common Practices):

- Positive Wire:

  - Red: Positive

- Negative Wire:

  - Black: Negative

So Which ones do you prefer? New or OLD IS GOLD?

The UK's Electrical Wiring Colours Codes are: 

Brown: The live wire

Blue: The neutral wire

Green and yellow: The earth wire

The OLD Wiring colors in the UK were red for the live wire, black for the neutral wire, and green and yellow (or bare) for the earth wire.

The EARTH WIRE connects the metal casing of an electrical appliance to the ground.

This prevents the live wire's current from directly reaching the casing. 

The NEUTRAL WIRE carries electricity away from the appliance. 

In the past, the earth wire was GREEN, and the LIVE WIRE was RED. The neutral wire was black. In the 1970s, the earth wire was changed to green and Yellow. 

White wires with black or red tape are used as hot wires. 

Blue and yellow wires are sometimes used as hot wires in an electrical conduit. 

You might see yellow wires as switch legs to ceiling fans or outlets controlled by light switches. 

You may also see blue wires used in three- or four-way switches.

Summary

Understanding these color codes is essential for ensuring safety and compliance in electrical installations. IEC codes are widely used in Europe and many other regions, while NEC codes are specific to the United States. Always refer to local regulations and standards for accurate applications.