Table of Contents
Introduction
Electrical wire colors vary significantly between countries and standards. Using the wrong color can lead to safety hazards, code violations, and failed inspections. This guide covers the most common wire color standards used worldwide.
Important: Always verify local regulations before starting any electrical work. This guide is for reference only and should not replace professional training or local code requirements.
IEC International Standard (IEC 60446)
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) sets the global standard that most countries follow, with some variations.
| Function | Color | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Live / Line / Phase | Brown | L |
| Neutral | Blue | N |
| Protective Earth | Green/Yellow | PE |
Three-Phase (IEC)
| Phase | Color |
|---|---|
| L1 | Brown |
| L2 | Black |
| L3 | Grey |
| Neutral | Blue |
| Earth | Green/Yellow |
USA - NEC/NFPA Standard
The United States follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), published by NFPA. American wiring colors differ significantly from IEC standards.
| Function | Color |
|---|---|
| Hot (Live) | Black or Red |
| Neutral | White |
| Ground | Green or Bare Copper |
Three-Phase (USA 120/208V)
| Phase A | Black |
| Phase B | Red |
| Phase C | Blue |
| Neutral | White |
| Ground | Green |
United Kingdom - BS 7671
The UK adopted IEC colors in 2004 (Amendment 2 of BS 7671). However, you may still encounter old wiring in existing buildings.
Current Standard (2004+)
| Live | Brown |
| Neutral | Blue |
| Earth | Green/Yellow |
Old UK Standard (Pre-2004)
| Live | Red |
| Neutral | Black |
| Earth | Green |
Europe (IEC-based Countries)
Most European countries follow IEC 60446. This includes Germany (DIN/VDE), France (NF C 15-100), Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and more.
The colors are identical to the IEC standard: Brown (Live), Blue (Neutral), Green/Yellow (Earth).
Australia & New Zealand (AS/NZS 3000)
Australia and New Zealand follow the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000), which aligns closely with IEC standards since 2018.
| Active (Live) | Brown (new) or Red (old) |
| Neutral | Blue (new) or Black (old) |
| Earth | Green/Yellow |
Canada - CEC
Canada follows the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), which is similar to the US NEC but with some differences.
| Hot (Live) | Black or Red |
| Neutral | White |
| Ground | Green |
Quick Comparison Table
| Country/Standard | Live | Neutral | Earth |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC (International) | Brown | Blue | Green/Yellow |
| USA (NEC) | Black/Red | White | Green/Bare |
| UK (BS 7671) | Brown | Blue | Green/Yellow |
| Australia (AS/NZS) | Brown | Blue | Green/Yellow |
| Canada (CEC) | Black/Red | White | Green |
| Germany (VDE) | Brown | Blue | Green/Yellow |
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Wire color codes are critical for electrical safety. Always verify which standard applies to your location and ensure compliance with local regulations. When in doubt, consult a licensed electrician.
For quick reference on any job site, download Ohmlify - it works 100% offline and covers 12+ country standards.