Color Codes In Electrical House Wiring

By Author: Ashish Poly
Total Articles: 4
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Wiring safety codes are laid down by the city, state or national legislation, to protect people and property from electric shocks and fire hazards. These codes are produced by the Technical Standards-Setting Organization or by the National Standard Electrical Code. They adopt a model code, with or without local amendments, and set the codes for the safety of the people. The establishment of these codes was laid down in the 1880's, when commercial electrical power was introduced. To make the codes easily recognizable for the common man, color codes were introduced. These codes are required to help the common man, while working on electrical house wiring.

A color scheme for insulation on power conductors was introduced for safety purposes, and easy identification of the right wire. A formal color coding is mandatory for standardized electrical code, while the rest are optional. Codes are modified as and when they are revised, which results in different colors for older installations. Due to insulation exposure to heat, light and aging, the shades and colors of the codes may sometimes vary. The local rules are different ...
... in every area, due to which exceptions exist in the colors of wires and cables.

International standards were adopted because of its distinctive appearance, which reduced the likelihood of danger. To identify the safety of a wire, simple color codes are used. Through these codes, people can now easily recognize the wire that is safe. Awareness of simple codes like a yellow wire wrapped around a green wire is the the earthing wire. This wire is also known as the grounding wire, one that leaves the current in the ground causing zero harm to a person while handling it. There are people who cannot recognize the color red and green because of color blindness; hence, the color yellow was finalized as the color for earthing wires. When people work on house electrical wiring, they can work without any tension, when they see a yellow wire wrapped around the green wire.

However, India and Pakistan share the same standard for color codes of wires and fixed cables. Red, blue and yellow are the colors used in different phases of wires. Black is the neutral color used in wiring, and green is used for earthing wires. People in India should have basic knowledge of wiring and different color codes used in house wiring solutions. This will help them to keep themselves and their families safe, and avoid the extreme danger that an electrical shock or accident can cause. Organizations should hold camps that spread awareness on different color codes used in wiring, for the safety of the common man.

Ashish Poly has a vast knowledge about effective electrical house wiring solutions. He generates awareness through his writings on safety in electrical and wiring work.