There is an Australian standard for identifying conductors, and this is achieved through the use of electrical wire color codes. Initially standardized in 1894, these color codes are in place to ensure people know the many types of wire found in cables, and more importantly for safety. For electrical safety, the electrical wiring color codes for ac and dc wires, as well as single phase and three phase systems, are critical. Calibre Connect can handle any electrical task and knows how to work with cabling and wiring properly!
Wire Colour Code Guide
Electricians should use correctly colored sleeving on the various wires to make it easier to identify the correct wiring. The old-style black neutral wire has been replaced with blue. Similarly, red live wiring has been replaced with brown.
| Colour | Wire | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Neutral | The neutral wire, which is blue in color, is responsible for transferring energy away from appliances. This is to help prevent electrical overloading and the wire is located towards the end of an electrical circuit. After electricity has flown through the live and earth wires it enters the neutral. Electrical shock is less likely to occur when the neutral wire is used. The wire is extremely hot, and electricians will handle it with caution. |
| Brown | Live | The brown live wire, which supplies power to appliances, must be linked to the earth and neutral wires. This is to ensure that electricity may flow out and be diverted in the event of a power outage. To avoid electric shock, electricians working on the wire make sure there is no electrical current flowing through it. |
| Green Or Yellow | Earth | Green and yellow stripes make up the earth wire, which is provided for safety. To allow the cable and electrical appliances to be linked to the ground, the wire connects to a metal casing. This implies that if there is a power spike, it will be routed to safety rather than harming the appliance or a person. |
What are the single-phase and three-phase wiring color codes?
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between single-phase and three-phase wiring. Two wires make up a single-phase connection, while three or four wires make up a three-phase connection. The single-phase connection makes network balancing of electrical loads relatively simple. Because of the higher power generation, the three-phase connection is better suited for use in workplaces with a range of electrical machinery and equipment. By counting the wires attached to the electrical service panel, you may determine whether the connection is two or three phases.
Dual black or red live wiring and blue neutral wiring are used in a single-phase connection. The cables have a 230V voltage difference between them. The three-phase system will be used to connect three or four wires to an electrical service panel. Three live wires in black, red, brown, or grey, as well as a separate blue wire, will be used. Between the two live wires, there will usually be a 400V difference. When it comes to the electrical system, it’s critical to distinguish between the natural blue and the green/yellow earth connections.
Are the color codes for wiring the same throughout Australia?
For the color of the wires, each country will have its own electrical code. The live wire is brown, the neutral is blue, and the earth is green and yellow in Australia. Because wire color codes have changed throughout time, this may not be the case for every electrical system. This means that earlier systems may have different colors, and personnel working on the wires must be familiar with the color codes from that era.
Should I Perform My Own Electrical Work?
Electrical work is best left to the professionals. This is especially true with a large range of color combinations, putting you in the dangerous situation of handling live wires unexpectedly.
Your home’s electrical wiring could fit under any array of Australian electrical wiring colour combinations. The age of a home might not even be a helpful indicator if past work has involved home rewiring, or unlicensed electrical repairs.
That is why you should always use a professional electrician to do important work like home rewiring. They are familiar with all the regulations and can safely address concerns with a switchboard, power outlet, light socket or electrical circuit.
Trust us, the last thing you want is to mix up the wires when replacing a light switch, and electrocuting yourself.
Leave it to the experts at Calibre Connect. We’ll provide a safe service to keep your home switched on.
