Home wiring color code. The color code is very similar to the usas color code. The color is used on the wires insulation and it is sometimes mandatory and sometimes optional. In other jurisdictions only a few conductor colors are so codified. The wire that carries the current from the power source to the outlet or receptacle is the hot wire.
When code allows you to design a circuit to be either 15 or 20 amp eg bedrooms living room family room you might want to consider the area to be covered 600 sq. What follows here is the standard coloring for wires throughout a home. In that case local custom dictates the. The national electrical code nec says that white or gray must be used for neutral conductors and that bare copper or green wires must be used as ground wires.
Wiring color code standards are set in place by the canadian electric code or cec in canada. The gauge or size of the wire may change depending on the current requirement of the circuit but the color is a consistent feature. Phase 1 red phase 2 black phase 3 blue neutral white ground green with yellow stripe. For a 15 amp circuit 800 sq.
For 20 amp the wire size capacity of your outlet and switch boxes the stiffness of heavier wire in the process of making connections and installing devices the heaviest likely. Wiring for ac and dc power distribution branch circuits are color coded for identification of individual wires. But looking deeper the color of the wires inside of the sheathing reveals that different colored wires serve different purposes. Allowable wire and cable types and sizes are specified according to the circuit operating voltage and electric current capability with further restrictions on the.
It allows electrical workers to identify wires and work with them without risk. The home wire color code was created for safety and convenience. Home electrical wiring uses a common color scheme which is useful when installing or maintaining a reliable electrical design in a household. Standard colors used for home wiring.
In some jurisdictions all wire colors are specified in legal documents.