House wiring color code. Home electrical wiring uses a common color scheme which is useful when installing or maintaining a reliable electrical design in a household. Allowable wire and cable types and sizes are specified according to the circuit operating voltage and electric current capability with further restrictions on the. This was to ensure consistency avoid confusion and allow trade of electrical goods as well as compatibility of electricians qualifications between the mainland and the uk. Historic homes may be granted special permission for various restoration work on knob and tube wiring systems.
Beyond that are general industry accepted rules about wire color that indicate their purpose. It may also be legal to add extensions to knob and tube systems provided the proper materials and techniques are used. 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. The home wire color code was created for safety and convenience.
Although you probably shouldnt be cutting any of the wires in your house unless youre an experienced electrician that is you might have wondered about the home wire color code. Depending on where a wire ultimately gets installed you cannot always rely on the markings printed on the insulation coating nor will you always be able to read them legibly. But looking deeper the color of the wires inside of the sheathing reveals that different colored wires serve different purposes. Wiring is subject to safety standards for design and installation.
According to the national electrical code nec and most local codes that follow the nec existing knob and tube wiring can remain in use in a house. The quickest way to identify house electrical wiring is by its color. House wiring electrical wire colors. In 2006 the 17 th edition amendment 2 of the bs7671 wiring regulations sought to harmonise the house wiring colours then in use in the uk with those already in use on the european mainland.