Originally made in 1894, the Australian Electrical Wiring Colours Coding Standard is the universal system for colouring wires. In fact, since 2000, the standard has actually become a regulated code that must be abided by. It’s even endorsed by the Australian Standards Association (ASA).
It’s important that you understand what each of the wiring colour codes means so that you can work with wiring safely, whether it’s within your own home or as part of a commercial business that handles wiring. Here’s a simple guide that explains what each of the various wire colours means.
Single phase wiring colours
Red
A red colour-coded wire means that the wire is live. More specifically, red is used to indicate conductors that are either single-fibre, four-fibre or a twisted pair.
Orange
An orange colour-coded, similarly to red, is also indicative of a live conductor. The difference with an orange coded wire is that it will carry a voltage when connected to a socket but not when it’s grounded.
Yellow
A yellow colour-coded wire means that the wire is grounded, typically above the ground. Yellow coding is commonly overlapped with green coded wires. Yellow wires may be used to carry power the same as blue wires.
Green
A green colour-coded wire means that the wire is either grounded or earthed. It typically consists of a single coat of paint and is marked in parallel with another neutral wire.
Blue
A blue colour-coded wire refers to one of two types. Either the wire is Earth Return (known as ER) or it is Earth Line (known as EL). Blue wires are used to carry power but not used within electrical device outlet wiring.
Brown
A brown colour-coded wire is a protective earthing wire. It’s most commonly used for underground installations. Brown-field grounding is used to mark neutral wiring.
Black
A black colour-coded wire is a neutral wire. These are wires that are responsible for transporting the circuit back to the original source of power. This enables current circulation across the entire system.
White
A white colour-coded wire usually refers to one of two wire types. These are signal wires and general wires. Sometimes, white wires may also be used to indicate a neutral wire.
Three phase wiring colours
Red
Within three-phase wiring, red wires are used to signal line 1 wires, also referred to as L1. This wire is live.
Green
Within three-phase wiring, green wires are used to signal earth wires, also referred to as E. This earths the system.
Black
Within three-phase wiring, black wires are used to signal neutral wires, also referred to as N.
White
Within three-phase wiring, white wires are used to signal line 2 wires, also referred to as L2. This wire is live.
Previous colour coding used in older homes
In older homes, wiring was colour coded according to the “lifespan” of the conductor. For example:
- Red: The conductor is intended to continue its journey beyond the predetermined length, with the opportunity to connect to a signal wire.
- Yellow: The conductor is intended to only reach a predetermined length of wire before connecting to an earth wire.
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