Electrical Wire Colour Guide

Just like on the football field, where the center referee uses different card colors to signify different on-field punishments, electric wires also have different colors that aid their identification. Standardizing AC and DC power distribution circuit color codes didn’t just happen overnight. For example, the standardization of wire colors in the US happened sometime around the 1940s. Also worth noting is that some of these color codes are not universal – that is, while some are the same, some contradict each other.

What we are saying here, in essence, is that each region has its color codes; hence it is very important that you know and understand these electrical wire color codes before attempting to perform any kind of do-it-yourself (DIY) electrical system repairs.

However, before we dive straight into the different kinds of electric wire color codes, please note that there is a high chance that any electrical wire could carry a current at some point; hence it is advisable to treat every color of wire with equal caution.

Comparing Canadian Wire Color Codes for Ac Power with Other European Countries

Suppose you live in Canada or are planning to move here soon, and you are wondering about the Canadian wire color codes and what differentiates them from other top European countries. In that case, you are at the right place as this section will satisfy all your curiosities.

The color code for AC power wiring In Canada is very much the same as the one in the United States. However, this color standardization in Canada was set by Canadian Electric Code (CEC). It goes like this;

1. Protective ground (PG) → Green or green-yellow
2. Line, single phase (L) → Black or red
3. Phase 1 → Red
4. Phase 2 → Black
5. Phase 3 → Blue
6. Neutral (N) → White
7. Ground → Green with Yellow Stripe.

However, in the UK and most European countries, there is a slight difference in the color code of some of the power wiring. For example, while Phase 1 in Canada uses the Colour Red, the UK and some European countries denote Phase 1 with brown color. The same can be said about Neutral (N); while Canada uses White, the UK and most European countries use the color Blue.

For better understanding, let us briefly list IEC (which comprises most European countries) AC power circuit wiring color codes.

1. Protective earth (PE) → Green-yellow
2. Line, single phase (L) → Brown
3. Phase 1 (L1) → Brown
4. Phase 2 (L2) → Black
5. Phase 3 (L3) → Grey
6. Neutral (N) → Blue.

Noticeably, although some of the Color codes from the two regions are identical, there are still a few differences.

What Exactly do Some of These Wire Color Means?

• Blue and Yellow Electric Wire: Usually, blue and yellow electric wires are capable of carrying electrical currents, but they are not always used in typical outlet wiring. Instead, these wires are used as the live wires pulled through a conduit. The blue wire, for example, is mostly used for three or four-way switches, while the yellow counterpart, on the other hand, is a switch leg, e.g., an electric fan, structural lightning, and any outlets paired with the light switch.
• Black electric wire: Found in most residential constructions, black wires are famed for carrying electrical power to switches and other power outlets with varying circuits. The main function of this type of wire is to act as a connection between an electrical load and the switch. That is, black wire links a switch to an electrical load. However, you rarely see black wires being used as neutral or ground wires simply because their main function is to supply live currents and not halt or break them.
• Green Electrical Wires: Green Electrical Wires are very common as they are used in virtually every house or construction site. What a green wire does is very simple and super important. They are mainly used as protective measures against electrical shock. Green Electrical Wires are easily identifiable; they are those wires that go straight into the ground through an outlet box. Typically, the electrical current that enters a building follows through the ground bus bar; therefore, if there should be any accidental contact between wires which can lead to an accident, green wires will instead direct all these currents into the ground. During thunderstorms as well, as electrical charges come from above, the green wire will transfer all these currents into the ground instead of entering the building and spoiling your electrical devices.

• White and Gray Electrical Wires: Unlike every other wire color that carry live current, white and Gray wire rarely do. White and Gray Electrical Wires are neutral wires; their role is to connect with the neutral bus that helps in the distribution of electric current throughout the circuit. The simple explanation is Gray and white wire help the current return to the power source.

However, there is still a small chance that a neutral wire could also be carrying current, and therefore you mustn’t handle them carelessly as the live current can shock you!

Importance of Electric Wire Colour Codes

Now that you understand the color codes of each wire, you are probably wondering why these are even necessary; well, to start with,

wire colors help identify different wires. It tells you which wires go into the circuit box and which one does not. It also tells you which wires are dangerous and can cause severe shock and the ones that can cause little or no harm. Therefore, you being able to remember each wire color and its property will go a long way in saving you from any potential electric shocks and other preventable hazards.

And lastly, to avoid stories that touch, we will strongly advise you to leave every electric work to qualified electricians only.

CNA Electric

At CNA Electric, we are a family-owned business serving the whole of Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island for over 15 years. We have well-trained staff and modernized equipment to handle residential electrical installations and other electrical works.

Therefore, if you live in Nanaimo and Central Vancouver and need our help with your electrical needs, don’t hesitate to contact us to request a free quote!