Understanding Single Phase Wire Color Code [Explained]

Seeing the 3 phase vs single phase wire comparison can make some folks curious to know more about the color of wires. This gets confusing when digging into the phase 1 wire color stuff.

To make it simple, the single phase wire color code can be red, black, blue, or other colors based on the country type. Some follow the UK and EU wire color code (IEC standard) while others go for the US, Canada, and so on (NEC standard).

In this guide, I’ll explain the matter in an in-depth way, so you understand the wire color code for a single phase. Scroll Down for Further Details!

The Color Code of Single Phase Wire

The color code of phase 1 wire is diverse based on the country and power type. To understand the matter clearly, let me show you what is the color code for single phase wiring in detail below:

Canada & US Single Phase Color Code (NEC)

For 120 to 240 volts single phase color code –

Single Phase Wire	Wire Color
Hot Live	Black
Neutral	White or silver
Ground	Green or green with yellow stripes

For 277 to 480 volts single phase color code –

Single Phase Wire	Wire Color
Hot Live	Red
Neutral	Grey
Ground	Green or green with yellow stripes

EU & UK Single Phase Color Code (IEC & BS)

For the UK and other European Union countries according to IEC 60446–

For the UK before 2004 year according to BS 7671–

Australia Single Phase Color Code

For equipment wiring like power cords on equipment –

For installation of “Building” wiring –

New Zealand Single Phase Color Code

Malaysian Single-Phase Color Code

China Single Phase Color Code

Russia Single Phase Color Code

Japan Single Phase Color Code

India & Pakistan Single-Phase Color Cable

South Africa Single Phase Color Cable

Singapore Single-Phase Color Cable

Philippine Single Phase Color Code

Brazil Single Phase Color Code

Argentine Single Phase Color Code

Wire Function: 1. Hot Live (action) wire – Carries 120v to 240v power to the appliance. 2. Neutral wire – Ensure the power has a return path. 3. Ground or earth wire – Provide an extra path for power to flow into the earth.

Frequently Asked Question

1. How many wires can be in a single-phase cable?

The single-phase cable contains 3 wires which are phase (hot live), neutral, and protective (ground) conductor.

2. Does it matter what color wires you use?

Yes, it matters for ordinary folks to understand the line clearly. For example, the neutral wire always will be black, white, blue, or gray while the ground is green, green with yellow stripes or bare copper conductor. This just help to identify the wire type.

3. Why should I follow the correct color code for wiring?

Following the right color code of wiring based on the phase, it’ll confirm the safety and convenience when dealing with the wires. Plus, you’ll be able to remember the wire function by looking at the color.

Wrapping Up

Woah, there are a lot of countries that use a different standard of single phase wire color code. I hope you understand the basics through this piece of information given above and find it handy to determine the wire type. Catch You in New Guide Soon!