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Wiring colours.Every country and territory, single and three phase.

Line, neutral and protective earth colours for single-phase and three-phase circuits in 236 countries and territories, with older schemes where a country has changed. Every entry is graded by how well it is backed by published sources. Select a country for notes, legacy colours and the sources we checked.

Wiring colour codes by country

Showing 236 of 236 countries and territories

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
IEC 60364 / IEC 60445 (national adoption)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Practice is inconsistent. IEC colours appear on newer, internationally funded work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
National adoption of HD 60364 / IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Standards are aligned with European HD 60364, so IEC 60445 colours apply to new work. Older installations may use non-standard colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Two Algerian university courses give the same rule: green-and-yellow is reserved for the protective (PE/PEN) conductor, the neutral is light blue, and a phase may be any other colour. One of them, citing NF C 15-100, names red, black or brown as the usual phase colours. Confidence by fact: neutral and earth corroborated; single-phase line colours corroborated as allowed colours; the brown/black/grey L1-L3 sequence is the IEC convention and was not stated in an Algerian source; no Sonelgaz or government text was found.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Université Constantine (fac.umc.edu.dz), course 'Schémas et normes des installations électriques' (opens in a new tab)Algerian teaching material citing NF C 15-100: phase red, black or brown; neutral blue; earth green-yellow
  2. Centre universitaire de Mila, 'Réseau électrique industriel' course notes, ch. 3 (Guentri Hocine, 2020) (opens in a new tab)Green-and-yellow reserved for PE/PEN; neutral light blue (or numeral 1 in cables of more than 5 cores); phase any colour except green-and-yellow and light blue; cites IEC 60364-5-52
  3. ENGIE particuliers, 'Couleur des fils électriques' (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: blue reserved for neutral, green-and-yellow for earth, phase any other colour; three-phase conventionally brown (L1), black (L2), grey (L3)

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, bare copper or green/yellow

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

American Samoa's utility rules require service grounding to the US NEC and government inspection of all wiring, so NEC practice applies: white or grey neutral, green, green/yellow or bare earth. The rules do not state that the whole NEC is adopted. Phase colours are customary (black/red/blue on 120/208 V). Confidence: neutral and earth corroborated, phases customary.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. American Samoa Administrative Code Title 12, Power Authority / Electric Service, 12.0214, 12.0225, 12.0227 (opens in a new tab)Service ground wires installed per the National Electrical Code; all wiring inspected by ASG before energisation; supply 120/240 V single-phase, 120/208, 120/240 or 440 V three-phase, 60 Hz
  2. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  3. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Spanish/French-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Portuguese-derived rules (RTIEBT); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Practice is influenced by Portuguese wiring rules (RTIEBT), which use IEC harmonised colours. Little published national guidance could be verified.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
110/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (mixed with NEC)
Supply
230/400 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Eastern Caribbean practice mixes British and North American traditions. Red/black, red/yellow/blue, US-style black/white/green and IEC brown/blue can all be found. Always verify by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
AEA 90364 (Reglamentación para la ejecución de instalaciones eléctricas en inmuebles)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Argentina uses the AEA colour code: phases R brown, S black, T red, light-blue (celeste) neutral and green/yellow protective earth. Single-phase circuits may use any of the phase colours, with brown preferred. Note L3 is red, not the IEC grey.

Verified

Sources

  1. Usina Popular y Municipal de Tandil, IPCO-01-02 Reglamento técnico de acometidas rev. 10 (opens in a new tab)Per AEA colour code: neutral celeste; R marrón, S negro, T rojo; single-phase brown preferred; PE green/yellow
  2. EDESA (Salta), EC.1.1.13.11 tipos de instalación de tableros (opens in a new tab)Neutral celeste or blue; R brown, S black, T red; earth green/yellow; per AEA rules
  3. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Electroconciencia hojita Nº9 (opens in a new tab)AEA code: phase brown/black/red, neutral blue or light blue, earth green/yellow

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow are fixed. New cable follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is still common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NEN 1010-derived rules
Supply
127/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Dutch NEN 1010 practice (IEC colours) is mixed with US-style colours on 127 V and 120 V systems.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

AS/NZS 3000 allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  2. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  3. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
OVE E 8101 (HD 60364); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow are fixed. New cable follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is still common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC-based practice
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red, yellow or blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or green

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or green

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
EWA (Electricity Distribution Directorate) Regulation for Electricity Installations
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The EWA regulation specifies red, yellow or blue phases and a black neutral for fixed wiring. Earth may be green or green/yellow. Flexible cords use brown phase, blue neutral and green/yellow earth. The edition year was not shown in the copy checked, so confirm the current EWA edition.

Verified

Sources

  1. Bahrain EWA, EDD Regulation for Electricity Installations (cl. 700-5, 701-9, 303) (opens in a new tab)Phase red/yellow/blue, neutral black, earth green or green-yellow; flexible brown/blue/green-yellow; 400/230 V, 50 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The building code specifies red/yellow/blue phases, black neutral and green/yellow earth, at a nominal 230/400 V. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey with blue neutral) also turn up on new projects and imported cable. Checked against the 2011/2012 code text. BNBC 2020 was not opened.

Verified

Sources

  1. BNBC Part 8 Ch.1 (2011/2012 text), s.1.3.3 and 1.3.9.3.15 (opens in a new tab)Single-phase: red live, black neutral, green+yellow ECC. Three-phase: L1 red, L2 yellow, L3 blue, black neutral, green+yellow ECC. Nominal 230 V single-phase / 400 V three-phase.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 115/200 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Customer wiring to the US NEC (per BL&P service rules) plus GEED wiring regulations
Supply
115/230 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Customer wiring is based on the US NEC, so white or grey neutral and green, green/yellow or bare earth are the fixed points; phase colours are customary. The supply is unusual for an NEC country: 115/230 V at 50 Hz. Barbados Light & Power requires the high leg on the relevant 3-phase 4-wire services to be marked with a red marker at the point of delivery and the meter, not orange.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Barbados Light & Power, Covering installation of electric services and meters (opens in a new tab)Customer requirements based on the most recent NEC; 50 Hz; 115/230 V single-phase, 115/200 V and 230/400 V three-phase; high leg marked with a RED marker at point of delivery and meter
  2. EC&M, Stumped by the Code? Requirements for the identification of branch-circuit conductors (opens in a new tab)NEC: insulated EGCs green or green with yellow stripes; the NEC does not require a specific colour code for ungrounded conductors; black/red/blue etc. are conventions
  3. ExpertCE, NEC wire color codes (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6 white or grey grounded conductor; 250.119 bare, green or green/yellow EGC; 210.5(C) distinguishability only; black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow are industry practice
  4. Electrical Engineering Portal, 5 means of identifying grounded conductors (NEC 2014 200.6) (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6(A)/(B): continuous white or grey finish, or three white/grey stripes on other than green insulation
  5. IAEI Magazine, Article 110 requirements for electrical installations (opens in a new tab)NEC 110.15: high leg durably marked by an orange outer finish or by other effective means

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
TKP 339 (Belarus electrical installation code, in place of PUE); IEC 60445-based cable colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

TKP 339 fixes light blue for neutral and yellow-green for PE, and marks busbars L1 yellow, L2 green, L3 red. It does not set cable phase colours; brown/black/grey is the usual sequence in new cable but was not confirmed from a Belarusian source.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. TKP 339-2011, Belarus electrical installation code (copy hosted by novopolotsk.by) (opens in a new tab)Cl. 4.1.13-4.1.15: PE yellow-green, N light blue, PEN light blue with yellow-green ends; busbars L1 yellow, L2 green, L3 red. Does not give cable phase colours

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
AREI/RGIE; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows IEC 60445. Many older Belgian homes run 3x230 V (no neutral), so all three cores may be phases.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
110/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey or white
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Bermuda Building Code 2014 (adopts and modifies NEC 2011)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows the US NEC as adopted locally. The NEC fixes only two colours: white or grey for the neutral (grounded conductor) and green, green/yellow or bare for the equipment ground. Phase colours are not mandated; black/red/blue (120/208 V) and brown/orange/yellow (277/480 V) are convention. A delta high leg must be marked orange or by another effective means.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Government of Bermuda, Department of Planning, Building codes (opens in a new tab)The Bermuda Building Code 2014 modifies and adopts the National Electrical Code 2011
  2. EC&M, Stumped by the Code? Requirements for the identification of branch-circuit conductors (opens in a new tab)NEC: insulated EGCs green or green with yellow stripes; the NEC does not require a specific colour code for ungrounded conductors; black/red/blue etc. are conventions
  3. ExpertCE, NEC wire color codes (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6 white or grey grounded conductor; 250.119 bare, green or green/yellow EGC; 210.5(C) distinguishability only; black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow are industry practice
  4. Electrical Engineering Portal, 5 means of identifying grounded conductors (NEC 2014 200.6) (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6(A)/(B): continuous white or grey finish, or three white/grey stripes on other than green insulation
  5. IAEI Magazine, Article 110 requirements for electrical installations (opens in a new tab)NEC 110.15: high leg durably marked by an orange outer finish or by other effective means

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green or green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green or green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Indian-influenced practice
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules. Bhutan's 2016 house wiring regulations require colour coding 'as per the standard practice' but do not list the colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Electricity Regulatory Authority of Bhutan, Internal House Wiring Regulations 2016, cl. 15 and 66(15) (opens in a new tab)Busbar connection and wiring to follow colour coding per standard practice prescribed by the relevant agency (colours not listed); LV defined as 230 V single-phase, 400 V three-phase
  2. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NB 777
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

NB 777 is based on IEC 60364, and IEC colours are often quoted, but utility service specifications (e.g. CRE in Santa Cruz) call for black phases, white neutral and green earth. Colours vary; always test.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. CRE R.L. (Santa Cruz utility), Trifásico service installation sheet 2023 (opens in a new tab)Service entrance cable: phases black, neutral white, earth green. Conflicts with the IEC scheme recorded here
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
National adoption of HD 60364 / IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Standards are aligned with European HD 60364, so IEC 60445 colours apply to new work. Older installations may use non-standard colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White, yellow or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Pre-harmonisation practice (still common)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper
L1
Red
L2
White
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper

Red/white/blue phases with black neutral are long established. Older flat twin-and-earth cable often has a bare earth.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
Electricity (Supply) Regulations 1988: IEC standards / IEE Wiring Regulations (SANS 10142-1 practice also common)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Botswana's supply regulations point to IEC standards and the British IEE Wiring Regulations, not the South African code, and give no colour table. Both South African-style colours (red phase, black neutral) and harmonised brown/blue are found, so identify conductors by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Botswana Electricity (Supply) Regulations, S.I. No. 52 of 1988 (opens in a new tab)Second Schedule: installations to comply with IEC standards and the IEE Regulations (no SABS/SANS reference, no colour table); reg. 36(2): 3-phase 4-wire, 400 V between phases, 230 V phase-neutral, 50 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black, red or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow or green

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
White, brown or grey
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow or green

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
ABNT NBR 5410:2004 (revision in progress 2025-2026)
Supply
127/220 V or 220/380 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

NBR 5410 reserves light blue for the neutral (6.1.5.3.1) and green/yellow or plain green for the protective conductor (6.1.5.3.2). Phases may be any other colour; black, red, white, brown and grey are all common. A revised NBR 5410 was still in public consultation in 2026.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Engenharia 360, condutores fase, neutro e terra (opens in a new tab)Quotes NBR 5410 6.1.5.3.1 (light blue neutral) and 6.1.5.3.2 (green/yellow or green PE); phases any other colour
  2. Nambei (cable maker), Tabela do eletricista (opens in a new tab)Per NBR 5410: light blue neutral, green/yellow or green protective conductor, phase any colour except those
  3. O Setor Elétrico, revisão da NBR 5410 (opens in a new tab)Reports that a revision of NBR 5410 is under way

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
110/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2012 (harmonised colours adopted)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Before the change Brunei used the old British colours: red line and black neutral, red/yellow/blue phases. Expect both in existing buildings.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Electrical Installation Requirement 2011 (based on IET Wiring Regulations; BS 7671 as fallback)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

An ASEAN engineering federation white paper reports that Brunei's mandatory Electrical Installation Requirement is based on the IET Wiring Regulations and that the harmonised (IEC) cable colours have been implemented since 2012. Not confirmed from a Brunei government source, so check local rules. Older installations will have red/black and red/yellow/blue.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. AFEO, White Paper on Electrical Installation Standards in Building (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)Brunei: mandatory standard based on IET Wiring Regulations; harmonised cable colour code implemented since 2012
  2. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BDS HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown or red
N
Blue or black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown or red
L2
Black or yellow
L3
Grey or blue
N
Blue or black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Electric Power Technical Standards of the Kingdom of Cambodia (IEC standards apply where silent)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

An ASEAN engineering federation white paper reports that Cambodia accepts both the harmonised IEC colours and the older British colours under its Electric Power Technical Standards, with IEC standards applying where those are silent. So expect brown/black/grey with blue neutral, or red/yellow/blue with black neutral; earth is green/yellow. Only one source, so check on site.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. AFEO, White Paper on Electrical Installation Standards in Building (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)Cambodia: both colour systems accepted, based on Electric Power Technical Standards; IEC standards apply for unaddressed matters
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Black
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Canadian Electrical Code Part I, CSA C22.1 (as adopted by provinces, e.g. Ontario Electrical Safety Code)
Supply
120/240 V; 120/208 V & 347/600 V three-phase, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The CEC requires the neutral (identified conductor) to be white or natural grey (or three white stripes) and insulated bonding conductors to be green or green with yellow stripes. Where circuits are colour-coded, three-phase AC conductors must be red (phase A), black (phase B) and blue (phase C). The A-phase is red, unlike usual US practice. Utilities may mark phase B white or yellow on their own high-voltage plant, so do not assume a white conductor at a service head is a neutral.

Verified

Sources

  1. ESA (Electrical Safety Authority, Ontario) Bulletin 4-5-15, Identification and coloring of insulated conductors and cables (May 2025) (opens in a new tab)Where circuits are colour-coded, 3-phase AC: phase A red, B black, C blue, neutral white; bonding conductors green or green/yellow; utility HV practice may use white/yellow for phase B
  2. ESA Bulletin 4-5-13 (May 2019) (opens in a new tab)Neutral continuous white or natural grey covering (or three white stripes); bonding conductor green or green with yellow stripes; utilities often use white for a phase on 3-phase services

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
RTIEBT (Regras Técnicas das Instalações Elétricas de Baixa Tensão), Portaria n.º 34/2020 under Decreto-Lei n.º 15/2020; identification per IEC 60446
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Cape Verde made the RTIEBT mandatory by Portaria n.º 34/2020 (Boletim Oficial I Série n.º 92, 4 August 2020). The Portaria does not list any colours itself. Sections 134.1.3 and 514.3.1 require conductors, including neutral and protective conductors, to be identified as set out in IEC 60446, so all the colours in this entry come from IEC 60446 by that reference. Under IEC 60446 the neutral is light blue and the protective conductor green-and-yellow; for phases IEC 60446 gives brown, black and grey as the preferred colours, not a mandatory sequence. The only colour rule written out in the Portaria is 514.3.2: an insulated PEN conductor is green-and-yellow along its length, with light-blue marks at the ends. Annex IV lists 230/400 V among the nominal supply voltages. Confidence by fact: legal requirement to follow IEC 60446 verified; neutral and protective colours verified through that reference; phase colours are IEC 60446's preferred colours, taken from the standard and not spelled out in the law; PEN rule verified; 230/400 V verified as a listed nominal voltage.

Verified

Sources

  1. Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde, I Série n.º 92 (4 Aug 2020), Portaria n.º 34/2020 approving the RTIEBT (opens in a new tab)RTIEBT mandatory; 134.1.3 and 514.3.1: conductors (neutral and protective) identified per IEC 60446; 514.3.2: insulated PEN green-yellow along its length with light-blue end marks; Annex IV lists 230/400 V

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NEN 1010-derived rules
Supply
127/220 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Dutch NEN 1010 practice (IEC colours) is mixed with US-style colours on 127 V and 120 V systems.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Cayman Islands Building Code (adopts 2014 NEC with local amendments)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows the US NEC as adopted locally. The NEC fixes only two colours: white or grey for the neutral (grounded conductor) and green, green/yellow or bare for the equipment ground. Phase colours are not mandated; black/red/blue (120/208 V) and brown/orange/yellow (277/480 V) are convention. A delta high leg must be marked orange or by another effective means.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Cayman Islands Department of Planning, Building Codes in use in the Cayman Islands (opens in a new tab)2014 National Electrical Code in use; amendments in Building Code (Amendments) Regulations 2016
  2. EC&M, Stumped by the Code? Requirements for the identification of branch-circuit conductors (opens in a new tab)NEC: insulated EGCs green or green with yellow stripes; the NEC does not require a specific colour code for ungrounded conductors; black/red/blue etc. are conventions
  3. ExpertCE, NEC wire color codes (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6 white or grey grounded conductor; 250.119 bare, green or green/yellow EGC; 210.5(C) distinguishability only; black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow are industry practice
  4. Electrical Engineering Portal, 5 means of identifying grounded conductors (NEC 2014 200.6) (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6(A)/(B): continuous white or grey finish, or three white/grey stripes on other than green insulation
  5. IAEI Magazine, Article 110 requirements for electrical installations (opens in a new tab)NEC 110.15: high leg durably marked by an orange outer finish or by other effective means

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Blue, black or red
N
White
PE
Green or green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Blue
L2
Black
L3
Red
N
White
PE
Green or green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
SEC Pliego Técnico Normativo RIC N°04 (Res. Ex. 33.877, 30/12/2020, under DS 8/2019); replaces NCh Elec. 4/2003
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Chile did not move to IEC colours. The SEC RIC N°04 rules (2020) keep the NCh Elec. 4/2003 code: phase 1 blue, phase 2 black, phase 3 red, white neutral (and service earth), and green or green/yellow protective conductor. Green and green/yellow are reserved for protective conductors.

Verified

Sources

  1. SEC, Pliego Técnico Normativo RIC N°04 Conductores, materiales y sistemas de canalización (copy of the official text) (opens in a new tab)5.32: fase 1 azul, fase 2 negro, fase 3 rojo, neutro y tierra de servicio blanco, protección verde o verde/amarillo; 5.33 green reserved for protection
  2. Modulor, RIC N°04 (opens in a new tab)Independently reproduces 5.32/5.33 with the same colours

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red, yellow or green
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Older informal practice

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or black
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Older or informal installations sometimes used black for neutral. Treat colours with caution in pre-2000s buildings.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
GB 50194-2014 / GB 50169-2016 / GB 50303-2015; GB/T 7947 (IEC 60445 equivalent)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Phases L1/L2/L3 (A/B/C) are yellow/green/red, neutral light blue and protective earth green/yellow. GB 50194-2014 (construction-site power supply) states this full scheme, and GB 50169-2016 (earthing installations) gives green/yellow earth and light-blue neutral, referring to GB 7947. Neither opened text is the general building wiring standard (GB 50303 text could not be opened), so the yellow/green/red scheme is confirmed for site distribution boards and earthing work and assumed for buildings. Single-phase line colour is not fixed by these texts; in practice it takes the colour of the phase it is fed from, often red. GB/T 7947 itself follows IEC 60445, so brown/black/grey cable may also be met.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. GB 50194-2014 Code for safety of power supply and consumption for construction site, cl. 6.3.9 (copy on Shanghai Housing and Urban-Rural Construction Commission site) (opens in a new tab)Conductors in distribution boxes: L1 yellow, L2 green, L3 red; N light blue; PE green/yellow; colours not to be mixed
  2. GB 50169-2016 Code for construction and acceptance of grounding connection, cl. 4.2.7 and 4.13.1 (copy on Shanghai University site) (opens in a new tab)Exposed earth conductors marked green-and-yellow stripes; neutral preferably marked light blue; portable equipment earthed with green/yellow conductor; colours per GB 7947. No phase colours
  3. Industrial Monitor Direct, China three-phase wire color codes per GB 50054-2011 (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Yellow
L2
Blue
L3
Red
N
White
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
RETIE (Resolución MME 40117 de 2024, Tabla 3.5.a adopted from Res. 90708 de 2013) / NTC 2050
Supply
120/208 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

RETIE makes its colour table mandatory for insulated power conductors. At 120/208 V the phases are yellow, blue and red with a white neutral, and at 277/480 V brown, orange and yellow with a grey neutral. The neutral is white, the protective earth green (or green/yellow), and white or green must never be used for a phase. A single-phase circuit taken from a three-phase system keeps the colour of its phase. Above 380 V, boards must also carry a voltage label.

Verified

Sources

  1. Cancillería normograma, Resolución MME 40117 de 2024 (RETIE), Libro 3 Título 5 (opens in a new tab)Colour code mandatory per Tablas 3.5.a (AC, adopted from Res. 90708/2013) and 3.5.b (DC); the table itself is published as an image, so its colours are not quoted here
  2. Cancillería normograma, Resolución MME 90708 de 2013 (RETIE), Art. 6.5 (opens in a new tab)Neutral white, protective earth green; no white or green for phases; derived single-phase keeps phase colour; voltage label above 380 V
  3. Enel Colombia, AE 205 Características de los cables para acometidas (opens in a new tab)120 V black/white; 120/240 V black/red + white; 208/120 Y yellow, blue, red + white neutral
  4. Cancillería, Resolución 90708 de 2013 parte 1 (15.3.3 e) (opens in a new tab)Insulated grounding conductors green, green with yellow stripes, or marked green

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
Energy Regulations 2006 (AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Cook Islands Energy Regulations 2006 (PacLII), reg. 21, 30 (opens in a new tab)Installations to comply with AS/NZS 3000:2000; 415/240 V; 50 Hz
  2. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  3. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  4. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  5. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Código Eléctrico de Costa Rica, Decreto 36979-MEIC (adopts NFPA 70 in Spanish; NEC 2014 for plans sealed after 7 Feb 2019)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Costa Rica has adopted the NEC (NFPA 70) by decree, so the NEC colour rules apply: white or grey neutral, and green, green/yellow or bare equipment ground. Phase colours are not mandated; black/red/blue is customary.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CFIA, Decreto 36979-MEIC Código Eléctrico de Costa Rica y sus reformas a febrero 2022 (opens in a new tab)Adopts NFPA 70 (latest Spanish version announced by MEIC); NEC 2014 applies to plans sealed after 7 Feb 2019
  2. EC&M, Stumped by the Code? Requirements for the identification of branch-circuit conductors (opens in a new tab)NEC: insulated EGCs green or green with yellow stripes; the NEC does not require a specific colour code for ungrounded conductors; black/red/blue etc. are conventions
  3. ExpertCE, NEC wire color codes (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6 white or grey grounded conductor; 250.119 bare, green or green/yellow EGC; 210.5(C) distinguishability only; black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow are industry practice
  4. Electrical Engineering Portal, 5 means of identifying grounded conductors (NEC 2014 200.6) (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6(A)/(B): continuous white or grey finish, or three white/grey stripes on other than green insulation
  5. IAEI Magazine, Article 110 requirements for electrical installations (opens in a new tab)NEC 110.15: high leg durably marked by an orange outer finish or by other effective means

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
HRN HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
110/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NEN 1010-derived rules
Supply
127/220 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Dutch NEN 1010 practice (IEC colours) is mixed with US-style colours on 127 V and 120 V systems.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: mid-2000s (exact Cypriot date not confirmed)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a caution notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Electricity Laws (Cap. 170); installations to BS 7671:2008 (2015); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

The Electromechanical Services Department inspects installations against BS 7671, so UK harmonised colours apply. Older installations use British colours.

Verified

Sources

  1. Cyprus Electromechanical Services Department, Information Bulletin 2/2026 (hosted by ETEK) (opens in a new tab)Installations under the Electricity Laws (Cap. 170) are checked against BS 7671:2008 (2015)
  2. IET Wiring Matters, Cable colours: harmonised colours and alphanumeric marking (opens in a new tab)BS 7671 new colours: L brown, N blue, PE green-and-yellow; L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey; old single-phase red/black; caution notice at the board where old and new colours meet
  3. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  4. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
ČSN 33 2000 (HD 60364); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Building specifications follow the French NF C 15-100. A 2025 BCEAO building tender for Korhogo specifies red or black phase conductors, a light-blue neutral and green-and-yellow earth, with phases tagged PH1-PH3. Single-phase line widened to brown, black or red to match this. This is a single project specification, not a national rule, so the entry stays unverified. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. BCEAO, Descriptif Lot 1.11 Électricité courants forts, agence de Korhogo (2025) (opens in a new tab)Project spec citing norme C 15-100: phase red or black, neutral light blue, earth green-yellow; white and green-yellow not allowed for other conductors; three-phase 380 V + N + PE supply

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Danish Electrical Safety rules (HD 60364); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (mixed with NEC)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Eastern Caribbean practice mixes British and North American traditions. Red/black, red/yellow/blue, US-style black/white/green and IEC brown/blue can all be found. Always verify by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC (Norma Ecuatoriana de la Construcción), NEC-based
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Egyptian Code for Electrical Installations (IEC-based)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

The official guide to the Egyptian code confirms only a green/yellow earth. New work is generally done in IEC colours, but older buildings use mixed colours, including red/yellow/blue phases.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. National Housing and Building Research Center (Egypt), Guide to applying the Egyptian Code for electrical installations in buildings, Vol. 2 (2006) (opens in a new tab)Only that earthing conductors are green/yellow; phase and neutral colours are not specified in the sections available

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
SIGET technical norm for connections; NEC referenced as applicable code
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

SIGET's connection standard says the neutral should be white or grey and the earth green, and lists the US NEC as part of the applicable framework. No phase colours are specified; black/red/blue is customary. Low-voltage supply is 120 V and 120/240 V at 60 Hz.

Verified

Sources

  1. SIGET, Norma Técnica de Conexiones y Reconexiones Eléctricas en Redes de Distribución de Baja y Media Tensión (opens in a new tab)Art. 107: neutral preferably white or grey, earth green; Art. 3(k) NEC applicable; LV 120, 120/240, 240 V; 60 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
IEC 60364 / IEC 60445 (national adoption)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National rules are based on IEC 60364, so the IEC 60445 harmonised colours are the expected scheme for new work. Older or informal installations may not follow it.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
EVS-HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White, yellow or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Pre-harmonisation practice (still common)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper
L1
Red
L2
White
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper

Red/white/blue phases with black neutral are long established. Older flat twin-and-earth cable often has a bare earth.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
SANS 10142-1 (adopted/referenced)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Southern African practice under SANS 10142-1: red/black (or harmonised brown/blue) single-phase, with red/white/blue phases traditional for three-phase. Harmonised IEC colours are increasingly found on new cable.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Sparks Electrical News, Latest edition 3 of the wiring code SANS 10142-1 published (2020) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
IEC 60364 / IEC 60445 (national adoption)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National rules are based on IEC 60364, so the IEC 60445 harmonised colours are the expected scheme for new work. Older or informal installations may not follow it.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 2004-2006 (new colours permitted 31 Mar 2004; mandatory for new work from 31 Mar 2006)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Earth was plain green before 1977 and in older flex. Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a warning notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows UK practice and BS 7671.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Danish-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
Electricity Regulations 2019 (AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Fiji Electricity Regulations 2019 (PacLII), reg. 2, 5, 6, 45, 57 (opens in a new tab)Wiring Rules = AS/NZS 3000:2018; colour identification per Wiring Rules; 240 V / 415 V 3-phase 4-wire; 50 Hz
  2. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  3. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  4. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  5. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
SFS 6000; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, red or black
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
NF C 15-100; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows IEC 60445. Domestic single-phase line is often red, black or brown in practice, since French practice mainly reserves blue (neutral) and green/yellow (earth). The red/black alternatives were not confirmed from NF C 15-100.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

NF C 15-100 reserves blue for the neutral and green/yellow for earth. Any other colour may be used for phases; brown, black, red and grey are usual, and brown/black/grey is customary for three-phase. Expect variation in older installations.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. ENGIE particuliers, Couleur des fils électriques (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: blue reserved for neutral, green/yellow reserved for earth, phase any other colour
  2. TotalEnergies, Quelle couleur pour chaque fil électrique (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: earth must be green/yellow; neutral blue; phases any colour except blue and green/yellow; three-phase usually brown, black, grey
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red, brown or black
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
220/380 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

NF C 15-100 requires a blue neutral and green/yellow earth. Phase is usually red, brown or black. The three-phase colours shown are common practice, not confirmed. Local adoption of NF C 15-100 has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Legrand France FAQ, What are the different wires for (NF C 15-100) (opens in a new tab)Phase red, brown or black; neutral blue; earth green-yellow
  2. IZI by EDF, Couleurs des fils électriques (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: phase red, brown or black; neutral blue; earth green and yellow

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow are fixed. New cable follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is still common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 1965 and 2003-2006 (grey core introduced January 2003; binding via DIN VDE 0100-510 from 2006)

L
Black
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

1965-c.2006: phases black (sometimes brown), neutral light blue, earth green/yellow. Before 1965: earth red, neutral grey, phases black. Red may be the earth or a switched wire in very old installations, so always test.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
DIN VDE 0100 / DIN EN 60445 (VDE 0197)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Uses the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme. No German standard fixes which phase colour is L1, L2 or L3, and one colour for all phases is allowed, so brown/black/grey is the common convention rather than a rule. Pre-1965 installations used red for the protective conductor, which is dangerous to misread.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. elektro.net (de 5.2015), Praxisprobleme: Aderfarben der Außenleiter (W. Hörmann) (opens in a new tab)Per DIN VDE 0100-510 / VDE 0293-308: phases brown, black or grey; one colour for all phases allowed; no normative L1/L2/L3 colour assignment; PE green-yellow, N light blue
  2. SBZ Monteur, cable colours per DIN VDE 0293-308 (opens in a new tab)New colours since January 2003: L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey, N blue, PE green-yellow
  3. sanier.de, Farben von Kabeln und Leitungen (opens in a new tab)Pre-1965 colours red, black, grey: neutral grey, PE red (red could also be a switched wire); grey core introduced January 2003, binding from 2006 via DIN VDE 0100-510
  4. IET Wiring Matters, The history of colour identification of conductors (March 2021) (opens in a new tab)UK colour history: red/yellow/blue phases with black neutral; green/yellow made the only protective colour in the 15th Edition (1981); harmonised colours brought in by Amendment 2 (2004) to BS 7671; red PE in old German/Austrian work
  5. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  6. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Electrical Wiring Regulations 2011 (L.I. 2008); British-derived practice
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring has been regulated by the Energy Commission under L.I. 2008 since 2012. The colour table in the regulations could not be checked. Traditional British colours are widespread, and harmonised brown/blue cable is also sold, so test before you work.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Energy Commission Ghana, Electrical wiring (Electrical Wiring Regulations 2011, L.I. 2008) (opens in a new tab)L.I. 2008 passed 24 Feb 2012 and governs premises wiring; page gives no colour table

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 2004-2006 (new colours permitted 31 Mar 2004; mandatory for new work from 31 Mar 2006)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Very old work may have a plain green earth; green/yellow became the only permitted protective colour in the UK with the 15th Edition (1981). Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a caution notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows UK practice and BS 7671. Supply voltage (shown here as 240/415 V) could not be confirmed from the Gibraltar Electricity Authority.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
ELOT HD 384; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Danish-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (mixed with NEC)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Eastern Caribbean practice mixes British and North American traditions. Red/black, red/yellow/blue, US-style black/white/green and IEC brown/blue can all be found. Always verify by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

NF C 15-100 reserves blue for the neutral and green/yellow for earth. Any other colour may be used for phases; brown, black, red and grey are usual, and brown/black/grey is customary for three-phase. Expect variation in older installations.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. ENGIE particuliers, Couleur des fils électriques (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: blue reserved for neutral, green/yellow reserved for earth, phase any other colour
  2. TotalEnergies, Quelle couleur pour chaque fil électrique (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: earth must be green/yellow; neutral blue; phases any colour except blue and green/yellow; three-phase usually brown, black, grey
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, bare copper or green/yellow

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

US-style practice. The code fixes only the neutral (white/grey) and earth (green/bare) colours; phase colours are customary rather than mandatory.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Guam Code Annotated 21 GCA ch. 67, § 67103 (Justia) (opens in a new tab)Current edition of the NFPA National Electrical Code is the standard for electrical installations
  2. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  3. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  4. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 2004-2006 (new colours permitted 31 Mar 2004; mandatory for new work from 31 Mar 2006)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Very old work may have a plain green earth; green/yellow became the only permitted protective colour in the UK with the 15th Edition (1981). Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a caution notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows UK practice and BS 7671. The Guernsey regulator's draft decision requires compliance with the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), but it cites the 2001 edition and is a draft, so current adoption and the date of the colour change on Guernsey are not confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. GCRA, E02/G Electrical inspections under ss.19-20 Electricity (Guernsey) Law 2001, draft decision (opens in a new tab)Decision 1 requires installations to comply with the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671); draft cites the 16th Edition (2001). No colours
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  5. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Portuguese-derived rules (RTIEBT); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Practice is influenced by Portuguese wiring rules (RTIEBT), which use IEC harmonised colours. Little published national guidance could be verified.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

North American-style supply and colours are common. British-style colours also appear in older buildings.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
110/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical. A public procurement specification on the national transparency portal applies NEC rules: white neutral, green equipment ground.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Technical specification for electrical installations published on Honduras IAIP transparency portal (issuer not named; cites NEC and ENEE) (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductor green (Art. 250-119); neutral white (Art. 200-6); no phase colours
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 1 July 2009 (new code for new fixed installations)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow or white
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old scheme: red (or yellow/white/blue) single-phase line, black neutral; three-phase red, yellow (or white), blue.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

New fixed installations have used the harmonised colours since 1 July 2009. Additions and alterations to older installations also use them, so expect old and new colours side by side. Earth stays green/yellow. Voltage was not re-checked against EMSD.

Verified

Sources

  1. EMSD: New cable colour code (opens in a new tab)Old and new colours for single-phase and three-phase (L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey, N blue, PE green/yellow; old red, yellow or white, blue, black N). New colours required in new fixed installations from 1 July 2009. Existing wiring need not be replaced.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
MSZ HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
HD 60364-based rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or green

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or green

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
IS 732; IS 11353:1985 (withdrawn) replaced by IS 11353:2023 (identical to IEC 60445:2021)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Phases red/yellow/blue (R-Y-B), black neutral and green/yellow earth. This is set out both in the CPWD General Specifications for Electrical Works (the central government works specification) and in the old BIS colour guide IS 11353:1985. Plain green earth is found in older work. IS 11353:1985 has been withdrawn, and its replacement IS 11353:2023 is identical to IEC 60445 (brown/black/grey phases, blue neutral). No source found makes the IEC colours mandatory for Indian building wiring, so expect R-Y-B and black on most sites but check the project specification. Confidence: phase/neutral/earth colours corroborated (CPWD + BIS 1985); move to IEC colours not confirmed.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CPWD General Specifications for Electrical Works Part-I (Internal) 2013, cl. 3.5(v) Colour coding (copy hosted by dgll.nic.in) (opens in a new tab)Phase red/yellow/blue for three-phase wiring; live red for single-phase; neutral black; earth yellow/green
  2. BIS: IS 11353:1985 Guide for uniform system of marking and identification of conductors (Table 1) (opens in a new tab)AC three-phase: phase 1 red, phase 2 yellow, phase 3 blue, neutral black. Single-phase: red phase, black neutral. Protective conductor green and yellow.
  3. BIS standard record: IS 11353:1985 (opens in a new tab)IS 11353:1985 is withdrawn.
  4. BIS standard record: IS 11353:2023 (opens in a new tab)IS 11353:2023 (first revision) is identical to IEC 60445:2021 and supersedes the 1985 edition.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Brown
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Older PUIL editions (before PUIL 2011)

L
Red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Black
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Older practice marked phases R/S/T red/yellow/black, with a blue neutral.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUIL 2011 (SNI, IEC 60364-based)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

PUIL 2011 fixes blue for neutral and green/yellow for earth, and uses black, brown and grey for line conductors. Indonesian practice orders them L1 black, L2 brown, L3 grey, which differs from the usual IEC order. Older R/S/T red/yellow/black work is still common.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. ESDM: PUIL 2011 (SNI 0225:2011), 134.1.3, 134.1.10.2, 5210.2, 5210.3 (opens in a new tab)Green-yellow is reserved for earthing and protective conductors, and blue for the neutral. The explanatory note gives line conductor colours as black, brown, grey (citing SNI 6629.1:2011).
  2. Wilson Cables: Indonesian cable colour standard (opens in a new tab)L1 black (was red), L2 brown (was yellow), L3 grey (was black), N blue, earth green-yellow, per PUIL.
  3. Listrik Indonesia: standar warna kabel (opens in a new tab)Same mapping: L1 black (formerly red), L2 brown (formerly yellow), L3 grey (formerly black), blue neutral, green-yellow earth.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Iranian National Building Regulations (Topic 13, IEC-based)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National Building Regulations Part 13 (2003 edition) specify a light blue neutral and green/yellow protective conductor. Its phase-colour wording could not be read reliably, so the IEC phase colours shown are not confirmed. Older or informal installations vary.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Iran National Building Regulations, Part 13 (Mabhas 13, 1382/2003), Appendix 1 cl. 3-4-1 (university-hosted copy) (opens in a new tab)Light blue neutral, green-yellow PE; phase colours unclear in the available copy (mentions brown/black and black/yellow/red); 220 V phase-neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Iraqi Electrical Installation Code (م.ب.ع 1/402, 2015), Ministry of Construction, Housing and Municipalities
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The Iraqi Electrical Installation Code (2015), clause 2/2-5 and Table 1/2-5, lists the customary core colours. Fixed wiring uses red, yellow and blue phases with a black neutral and green-and-yellow earth, and two-core cable is red and black. Single-phase flexible cords are brown phase, blue neutral and green-and-yellow earth. The code gives consumer supply as 220 V single-phase and 380 V three-phase at 50 Hz, and notes that IEC 60038 recommends 230/400 V. Confidence by fact: colours verified (the code calls them the customary colours, not a mandatory sequence); the L1-L2-L3 order follows the listed order red, yellow, blue; voltage and frequency verified. Imported cable in IEC colours is also found, so test before you work.

Verified

Sources

  1. Iraqi Electrical Installation Code م.ب.ع 1/402 (2015), Ministry of Construction, Housing and Municipalities (ibc.moch.gov.iq) (opens in a new tab)Cl. 2/2-5, Table 1/2-5: single-core red/yellow/blue/black, green-yellow earth; 2-core red + black neutral; 4-core red/yellow/blue + black neutral; single-phase flexible brown phase, blue neutral, green-yellow earth. Cl. 1/1-2: 220 V / 380 V consumer supply; cl. 3/1-2: 50 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: mid-2000s (exact Irish date not confirmed; ET 101:2008 already required the harmonised colours)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral, so a black core may be a neutral and a blue core a phase. Very old work may have a plain green earth. ETCI requires a warning notice on installations that do not follow the current colour code.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
I.S. 10101 National Rules for Electrical Installations (successor to ETCI ET 101:2008); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Moved from British-style colours to the harmonised scheme. Black and blue swapped roles, so measure before trusting colours in older work.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Voltimum Ireland, ETCI warning on cable colours (22 March 2011) (opens in a new tab)ETCI requires warning notices on older installations not complying with the ET 101:2008 colour code; old three-phase work may have black neutral and blue phase
  2. Forward Electrical (Irish electrical contractor), Electrical wiring colours in Ireland explained (opens in a new tab)Current Irish colours brown L, blue N, green/yellow PE; three-phase brown/black/grey; old red live, black neutral, green earth (transition dates given there look copied from the UK and are not relied on)
  3. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  4. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 2004-2006 (new colours permitted 31 Mar 2004; mandatory for new work from 31 Mar 2006)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Very old work may have a plain green earth; green/yellow became the only permitted protective colour in the UK with the 15th Edition (1981). Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a caution notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows UK practice and BS 7671 (not confirmed from an Isle of Man source).

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Brown
L3
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Electricity Regulations (Cable installation at low voltage), 5760-2000
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Phase conductors are brown. In three-phase cables all phases are brown, each with a durable marking along its length so it can be told apart. Neutral is blue and earth is green/yellow. A PEN conductor is blue, marked green/yellow at its ends. Existing cables with other colours may stay if sleeved. Where new and old cables meet, a sign must warn that blue may be a neutral or a phase.

Verified

Sources

  1. Israel Electricity Regulations (Cable installation at low voltage), 5760-2000, reg. 7 and 55 (OSH Institute copy) (opens in a new tab)Single-phase phase brown; three-phase phases brown with durable identification marking; neutral blue; PE yellow/green; PEN blue with green/yellow end marking; warning sign that blue may be neutral or phase; in force 31 Dec 2001
  2. B144 magazine, Electrical wire colours (Hebrew) (opens in a new tab)Secondary: brown phase, blue neutral, green-yellow earth; three-phase all brown-based (plain brown, brown-orange, brown-black markings)

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
CEI 64-8; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows IEC 60445. Italian practice commonly uses brown, black or grey for single-phase line (not confirmed from CEI 64-8 text).

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Jamaica Electrical Code (BSJ / Government Electrical Inspectorate); NEC-based practice
Supply
110/220 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Bureau of Standards Jamaica, National Building Code Technical Committee (opens in a new tab)A Jamaica Electrical Code exists; contents and colours not stated
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
White or black
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Technical Standards for Electrical Equipment; Internal Wiring Regulations JEAC 8001; MLIT Public Building Standard Specification (Electrical) Table 2.1.1
Supply
100/200 V, 50 Hz (east) / 60 Hz (west)
IEC 60445
No

Japanese practice: the earthed conductor is white, and single-phase lines are black (and red on 100/200 V three-wire). On three-phase three-wire supplies the order is red, white (earthed middle phase) or black, then blue. Three-phase four-wire uses red/black/blue with a white neutral. Earth is green or green/yellow. This does not follow IEC 60445. The colours come from the government public-works specification and match common practice.

Verified

Sources

  1. MLIT: 公共建築工事標準仕様書（電気設備工事編）令和7年版, 2.1.3 / Table 2.1.1 (opens in a new tab)Three-phase 3-wire: phase 1 red, phase 2 white if earthed (black if not), phase 3 blue. Three-phase 4-wire: red/black/blue with white neutral. Single-phase 3-wire: red/black with white neutral. Earth conductors green, green/yellow or green with a colour band.
  2. TEPCO internal wiring guidance (refers to JEAC 8001 s.1315) (opens in a new tab)The earthed (grounded) conductor is colour-identified under JEAC 8001 s.1315 and is white (or grey).

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 2004-2006 (new colours permitted 31 Mar 2004; mandatory for new work from 31 Mar 2006)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Very old work may have a plain green earth; green/yellow became the only permitted protective colour in the UK with the 15th Edition (1981). Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a caution notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Jersey building rules point to BS 7671, so UK colours and UK change dates apply. The government guidance found still cites the 2001 edition, so check the edition currently required.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. States of Jersey, Technical Guidance Document Part 12 (Electrical safety) (opens in a new tab)Part 12 of the Building Bye-laws is met through BS 7671 (cites the 2001 edition)
  2. IET Wiring Matters, Cable colours: harmonised colours and alphanumeric marking (opens in a new tab)BS 7671 new colours: L brown, N blue, PE green-and-yellow; L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey; old single-phase red/black; caution notice at the board where old and new colours meet
  3. NBS, Do not get your wires crossed: the colour coding of low voltage fixed wiring cable cores (opens in a new tab)Old UK red live/black neutral; BS 7671 Amendment 2 issued 31 March 2004; old or new colours (not both) allowed until 1 April 2006

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: UK change 2004-2006; local adoption date varies

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Older British-style installations use red phase and black neutral (single-phase) and red/yellow/blue phases with black neutral (three-phase). Very old work may have a plain green earth.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Jordanian code (IEC/BS-based)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows British wiring practice, which moved to the IEC harmonised colours. Mixed old/new colours are common in existing buildings. Not confirmed against a national regulation.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. IET, Cable colours: harmonised colours and alphanumeric marking (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Phases A/B/C are yellow/green/red. This is still the rule for busbars and switchgear under the 2015 Kazakh PUE, not just a legacy scheme. Older cable used a light-blue neutral, and single-phase line cores were often white or black.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

The 2015 Kazakh PUE still requires yellow/green/red for phases A/B/C on busbars, with a blue neutral and green/yellow protective conductors. Cable cores commonly follow the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but no national rule confirming this was found. Check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.
  2. Kazakhstan PUE (Minister of Energy order 230 of 20 March 2015), ch.1 para 15 (opens in a new tab)Busbars: phase A yellow, B green, C red, working neutral blue, and protective use yellow-green stripes.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
IEE/BS 7671-derived practice; draft KS 662:2026 (KEBS) proposes IEC 60445 colours
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Existing work and locally made wiring cable use the British colours: red, yellow and blue phases with a black neutral. A draft Kenya Standard, KS 662:2026, went out for public review in 2026 and proposes the IEC colours (brown, black and grey phases, blue neutral). Expect both schemes once it is adopted.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. KEBS, DKS 662-5:2026 Requirements for electrical installations Part 5 (public review draft, comments closed 15 May 2026) (opens in a new tab)Draft only: Table 51 proposes brown L / blue N, L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey, green-and-yellow PE, plus a notice where wiring to two versions of KS 662 meets. Not in force; does not confirm current practice
  2. HubTech Kenya, East African Cables 1.5 mm single-core product page (opens in a new tab)Retail evidence only: Kenyan-made single-core wiring cable sold in red, black, blue and green/yellow to BS 6004 / KS 453-2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000-based practice
Supply
240 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Local adoption is confirmed by only one regional source.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  2. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  3. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  4. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
National adoption of HD 60364 / IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Standards are aligned with European HD 60364, so IEC 60445 colours apply to new work. Older installations may use non-standard colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
MEW R-1 Regulations for Electrical Installations (6th ed., 2013); MEW/S-1 (2014)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Fixed wiring uses a red phase and black neutral for single-phase, and red/yellow/blue phases with a black neutral for three-phase. Earth is green/yellow. Flexible cords use brown (or black) phase, blue neutral and green/yellow earth.

Verified

Sources

  1. Kuwait MEW R-1 Regulations for Electrical Installations, 6th ed. 2013 (cl. 700-5, 705-9, 303) (opens in a new tab)Single-core: phase red, neutral black, earth green/yellow; 4-core red/yellow/blue/black; flexible brown/blue/green-yellow; 415 V 3-phase 4-wire, 50 Hz
  2. Kuwait MEW/S-1 General Specification for Electrical Installations, 4th ed. 2014 (D.5.5, A.3) (opens in a new tab)Phases red/yellow/blue, neutral black, earth green/yellow; 415/240 V, 50 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow are fixed. New cable follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is still common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Lao Electric Power Technical Standards
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

The mandatory standard is the Lao Electric Power Technical Standards. An ASEAN engineering federation white paper says a cable colour code 'as per British Standards' is being implemented, which most likely means the current harmonised BS 7671 colours (same as IEC), but it does not list them. Older work may use other colours. Not confirmed against a Lao source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. AFEO, White Paper on Electrical Installation Standards in Building (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)Laos: mandatory standard is Lao Electric Power Technical Standards; cable colour code as per British Standards being implemented (colours not listed)
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
LVS HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations. Not confirmed against a national regulation.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White, yellow or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Pre-harmonisation practice (still common)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper
L1
Red
L2
White
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper

Red/white/blue phases with black neutral are long established. Older flat twin-and-earth cable often has a bare earth.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
SANS 10142-1 (adopted/referenced)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Southern African practice under SANS 10142-1: red/black (or harmonised brown/blue) single-phase, with red/white/blue phases traditional for three-phase. Harmonised IEC colours are increasingly found on new cable.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Sparks Electrical News, Latest edition 3 of the wiring code SANS 10142-1 published (2020) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
US-influenced practice
Supply
120/240 V (230 V in newer areas), 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Historically US-style 120 V supply and colours. Newer infrastructure increasingly uses 230 V with IEC colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
IEC 60364 / IEC 60445 (national adoption)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National rules are based on IEC 60364, so the IEC 60445 harmonised colours are the expected scheme for new work. Older or informal installations may not follow it.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
NIV (LGBl. 2007 Nr. 220) recognising Swiss NIN SN 411000 and IEC/CENELEC standards; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Liechtenstein's Low-Voltage Installation Ordinance (NIV) names the Swiss low-voltage installation standards (NIN) and IEC/CENELEC standards as the recognised rules of technology. NIN applies the harmonised HD 308 S2 / IEC 60445 colours: brown/black/grey phases, blue neutral, green/yellow earth.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Liechtenstein Niederspannungs-Installationsverordnung (NIV), LGBl. 2007 Nr. 220, Art. 4(2) (opens in a new tab)Recognised rules of technology include IEC and CENELEC standards and the Swiss low-voltage installation standards (NIN)
  2. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
LST HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
HD 60364-based national rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
IEC 60364 / IEC 60445 (national adoption)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Practice is a mix of Portuguese, Hong Kong and Chinese influences. Harmonised colours are common in new work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: ST announced enforcement on 11 June 2026; full compliance due 1 January 2029

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

The traditional British-derived colours remain lawful in existing installations and during the transition.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Electricity Regulations 1994; Energy Commission (ST) Guidelines GP/ST/No.39/2024; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Malaysia is moving to IEC 60445 colours. The Energy Commission announced enforcement on 11 June 2026, with full compliance due by 1 January 2029. Until then both old and new colours will be common, so test rather than trust colours.

Verified

Sources

  1. Suruhanjaya Tenaga: Garis Panduan Pendawaian Elektrik Pepasangan Domestik, GP/ST/No.39/2024 (Ed. 2), s.8.7 / Rajah 8.1 (opens in a new tab)Old code: phases red/yellow/blue, neutral black, earth green-yellow. New IEC 60445 code: brown/black/grey, neutral blue, earth green-yellow. In 2024 ST was keeping the old code until it set a date.
  2. The Star (letter by Assoc Prof Dr Amar Hisham Jaafar, UNITEN), 2 July 2026 (opens in a new tab)ST announced enforcement of the new code on 11 June 2026, with full compliance by 1 January 2029. It applies to new installations, major renovations and extensions. Existing compliant installations stay valid.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: mid-2000s (exact Maltese date not confirmed)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a caution notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Electrical Installations Regulations (L.N. 225 of 2010, amended 2024): BS 7671 18th Edition; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Maltese law requires installations to follow BS 7671 (the 18th Edition as published in July 2018), so UK harmonised colours apply. Older wiring often uses red/black and red/yellow/blue.

Verified

Sources

  1. Malta Electrical Installations Regulations (L.N. 225 of 2010), Enemalta copy (opens in a new tab)Reg. 3(1): applies at 230/400 V; reg. 13(2): installations shall comply with BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations)
  2. Malta L.N. 283 of 2024, Electrical Installations (Amendment) Regulations (opens in a new tab)Installations must comply with the IET Wiring Regulations, defined as BS 7671 18th Edition as published on 1 July 2018
  3. IET Wiring Matters, Cable colours: harmonised colours and alphanumeric marking (opens in a new tab)BS 7671 new colours: L brown, N blue, PE green-and-yellow; L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey; old single-phase red/black; caution notice at the board where old and new colours meet
  4. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  5. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, bare copper or green/yellow

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC-based (US practice)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

US-style practice. The code fixes only the neutral (white/grey) and earth (green/bare) colours; phase colours are customary rather than mandatory. Local adoption of the NEC has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  2. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  3. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

NF C 15-100 reserves blue for the neutral and green/yellow for earth. Any other colour may be used for phases; brown, black, red and grey are usual, and brown/black/grey is customary for three-phase. Expect variation in older installations.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. ENGIE particuliers, Couleur des fils électriques (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: blue reserved for neutral, green/yellow reserved for earth, phase any other colour
  2. TotalEnergies, Quelle couleur pour chaque fil électrique (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: earth must be green/yellow; neutral blue; phases any colour except blue and green/yellow; three-phase usually brown, black, grey
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100 (French national standard)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

This is a French overseas department, so NF C 15-100 applies. Blue is reserved for neutral and green-and-yellow for earth, and a phase may be any other colour (brown, black and red are usual). Three-phase is conventionally brown, black and grey.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. EDF (izi by EDF), 'Couleurs des fils électriques' (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100 practice: neutral light blue, earth green-and-yellow, phase red, brown or black
  2. ENGIE particuliers, 'Couleur des fils électriques' (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: blue reserved for neutral, green-and-yellow for earth, phase any other colour; three-phase conventionally brown (L1), black (L2), grey (L3)

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NOM-001-SEDE-2012, Instalaciones Eléctricas (utilización) (in force since 29 May 2013)
Supply
127/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

NOM-001-SEDE-2012 follows the NEC structure. Section 200-6 requires the grounded (neutral) conductor to be white or grey, and 250-119 allows the equipment grounding conductor to be bare, green or green with yellow stripes. Phase colours are not mandated (215-12 allows identification by colour coding or other means), so black/red/blue is custom only. A revised NOM-001-SEDE has been in draft since 2025.

Verified

Sources

  1. DOF 29/11/2012, NOM-001-SEDE-2012 (Primera Sección), sidof.segob.gob.mx (opens in a new tab)200-6 white/grey grounded conductor; 200-7 reserved use; 210-5; 215-12(c) phase identification by colour code or other means, no specific colour
  2. DOF 29/11/2012, NOM-001-SEDE-2012 (Tercera Sección) (opens in a new tab)250-119 equipment grounding conductor bare, or continuous green or green with one or more yellow stripes
  3. Secretaría de Economía, Plataforma PLATIICA, NOM-001-SEDE-2012 status (opens in a new tab)Status vigente; published 29/11/2012, in force 29/5/2013
  4. ECIJA, Anteproyecto de la NOM-001-SEDE (2025) (opens in a new tab)Reports that a draft revision exists

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, bare copper or green/yellow

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC-based (US practice)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

US-style practice. The code fixes only the neutral (white/grey) and earth (green/bare) colours; phase colours are customary rather than mandatory. Local adoption of the NEC has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  2. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  3. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow follow PUE practice. New cable usually follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed from a Moldovan source.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Russian PUE (Rules for Electrical Installations), 6th edition, cl. 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows French NF C 15-100 practice and IEC 60445 colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Influenced by Soviet PUE practice. Yellow/green/red phase marking is common; check on site. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
National adoption of HD 60364 / IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Standards are aligned with European HD 60364, so IEC 60445 colours apply to new work. Older installations may use non-standard colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (mixed with NEC)
Supply
230/400 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Eastern Caribbean practice mixes British and North American traditions. Red/black, red/yellow/blue, US-style black/white/green and IEC brown/blue can all be found. Always verify by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Portuguese-derived rules (RTIEBT); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Practice is influenced by the Portuguese wiring rules (RTIEBT), which use the IEC harmonised colours. Decreto 67/2011, the LV distribution network safety regulation, fixes 220/380 V at 50 Hz. It sets no conductor colours; it requires only that the neutral be identified, for example by different insulators on bare overhead lines. Its art. 55(4) refers to a separate utilisation-installation safety regulation, which could not be found online. Colours are not confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Mozambique, Decreto 67/2011, Regulamento de Segurança de Redes de Distribuição de Energia Eléctrica de Baixa Tensão (hosted by ALER) (opens in a new tab)Art. 3(5): LV network 220/380 V, 50 Hz (scanned copy, partly illegible); art. 40(1): neutral identified by different-coloured insulators; no conductor colour table

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours: red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue phases with black neutral for three-phase. An ASEAN engineering federation white paper (c.2018) reports Myanmar had no plan to convert to the harmonised colours and that the Electrical Regulations (1985) were being revised. IEC colours appear on some new projects and imported cable. Only one source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. AFEO, White Paper on Electrical Installation Standards in Building (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)Myanmar: no plan to convert to harmonised cable colours; Electrical Regulations 1985 under revision
  2. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
SANS 10142-1 (SABS 0142), adopted in the Model Electricity Supply Regulations 1996
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Namibia's model supply regulations name the South African wiring code as the wiring regulations, so the South African colours apply: black neutral, red phase, red/white/blue for three-phase, and a green-and-yellow or bare earth. The colours come from the South African sources, not from a Namibian colour table.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Namibia Government Notice 71 of 1996, Model Electricity Supply Regulations (NamibLII) (opens in a new tab)Reg. 1 defines the Wiring Regulations as the SABS 0142 code of practice for the wiring of premises; reg. 41: 50 Hz, 230 V single-phase and 230/400 V three-phase four-wire supply
  2. Electrical Power & Protection (instrumentation.co.za), 'Electrical certificate of compliance (COC) for instrumentation: non-hazardous installations', June 2020, quoting SANS 10142-1:2017 Ed. 2 (opens in a new tab)SANS 10142-1 a.c. rules: neutral identified by black only; earth continuity conductor green/yellow only or bare; phase any colour other than green/yellow, green or black
  3. SAQA Unit Standard 10265, 'Wire and commission domestic electrical circuits' (opens in a new tab)Single-phase red live, black neutral, bare copper earth; three-phase red/white/blue live, black neutral, green-yellow, plain green or bare earth (as per SABS wiring code)

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000-based practice
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Local adoption of AS/NZS 3000 has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  2. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  3. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green or green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green or green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Indian-influenced practice
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
NEN 1010; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows IEC 60445. Older Dutch installations commonly have brown line, blue neutral and a black switch wire. Very old work may have grey or red cores.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red, brown or black
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

NF C 15-100 requires a blue neutral and green/yellow earth. Phase is usually red, brown or black. The three-phase colours shown are common practice, not confirmed.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. New Caledonia Arrêté n° 2007-2027/GNC (3 May 2007) (opens in a new tab)Makes NF C 15-100 (2002 ed., 2005 update) binding for workplaces in New Caledonia
  2. Legrand France FAQ, What are the different wires for (NF C 15-100) (opens in a new tab)Phase red, brown or black; neutral blue; earth green-yellow
  3. IZI by EDF, Couleurs des fils électriques (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: phase red, brown or black; neutral blue; earth green and yellow

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000:2018 (cited by Electricity (Safety) Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Uses AS/NZS 3000. In new domestic installations the Electricity (Safety) Regulations require a black neutral and bar black for any other conductor, so the European black phase cannot be used there. Earth is green/yellow. Outside domestic work a light-blue neutral (European set) is possible.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. NZ Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (version 15 Jan 2026), reg. 4(1), 20(2)(c) (opens in a new tab)Standard low voltage 230 V single-phase / 400 V between phases; in new domestic installations neutral must be black and black not used for any other conductor; AS/NZS 3000 cited
  2. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour
  3. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  4. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Código de Instalaciones Eléctricas de Nicaragua (CIEN), enforced by INE (NEC-derived)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The CIEN follows the NEC layout. Articles 200-6/200-7 reserve white or natural grey for the grounded (neutral) conductor, and 210-5(b) requires the equipment ground to be green or green with yellow stripes where it is not bare. No general phase colours are set; 215-8 requires an orange jacket on the high leg of a 4-wire delta. Black/red/blue is customary.

Verified

Sources

  1. Código de Instalaciones Eléctricas de Nicaragua (CIEN), via ESMAP RISE library (opens in a new tab)Art. 200-6/200-7 white or natural grey grounded conductor; 210-5(b) green or green/yellow EGC; 215-8 orange high leg; INE is the enforcing authority

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NESIS (Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards), NERC; British-derived colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

NERC's installation standards keep the British-style colours: red, yellow and blue phases with a black neutral and a green-and-yellow earth. A single-phase circuit takes the colour of the phase it is fed from, which is usually red. Flexible cords use brown, blue and green-and-yellow. Imported IEC-coloured cable is common on projects, so always test before working.

Verified

Sources

  1. NERC, Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards (NESIS) Regulations, V01 (19 June 2014) (opens in a new tab)Table 7.2.3.14-A: phases red/yellow/blue, neutral black, earth green-and-yellow; s.6.2.2.2 standard phase colours RYB; flexible cords brown/blue/green-yellow (Table 7.2.3.14.1-B); s.7.1 230 V single-phase and 400 V three-phase; 50 Hz (s.5.4.1.13)

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000-based practice
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Local adoption is confirmed by only one regional source.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  2. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  3. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  4. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000-based practice
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Local adoption of AS/NZS 3000 has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  2. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  3. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Soviet-influenced practice (unverified)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

No reliable published data. Soviet/Chinese-style yellow/green/red phase marking is assumed. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Russian PUE (Rules for Electrical Installations), 6th edition, cl. 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
National adoption of HD 60364 / IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Standards are aligned with European HD 60364, so IEC 60445 colours apply to new work. Older installations may use non-standard colours.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, bare copper or green/yellow

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
IBC 2018 family of codes (NEC per PRIF)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

US-style practice. The code fixes only the neutral (white/grey) and earth (green/bare) colours; phase colours are customary rather than mandatory.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CNMI DPW Building Safety Code rules (NMIAC 155-10.1-601) (opens in a new tab)Adopts the 2018 IBC and ICC family of codes; NEC not named explicitly
  2. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  3. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  4. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
NEK 400; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230 V IT / 230/400 V TN, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows IEC 60445. Many Norwegian homes have a 230 V IT supply with no neutral, so a single-phase circuit uses two line conductors. How those cores are coloured in practice was not confirmed from NEK 400, so measure before working.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2
  3. Installasjonspartner (Norwegian electrical contractor), Fargekode elkabler (opens in a new tab)Modern Norwegian practice: PE green-yellow, N blue, L brown or black, three-phase brown/black/grey; older work used black/red/white/blue phases. Does not cite NEK 400 or cover IT-system practice

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Oman Electrical Standard OES-4, Electrical Installations in Buildings (3rd ed., 2019)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

OES-4 specifies a red phase and black neutral for single-phase fixed wiring, and red/yellow/blue with a black neutral for three-phase. Earth is green and yellow. European colours appear only as a cross-reference for imported equipment. Flexible cords use brown, blue and green/yellow.

Verified

Sources

  1. Oman Electrical Standard OES-4, Electrical Installations in Buildings, 3rd ed. (May 2019, effective 1 Jan 2020), s. 6.18-6.19, 3.2 (opens in a new tab)Fixed wiring: single-phase red/black; three-phase red/yellow/blue, black neutral, green-and-yellow earth (European brown/black/grey/blue shown only for comparison); flexible brown/blue/green-yellow; 415/240 V 50 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Pakistan Electric & Telephone Safety Code / British-derived practice
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours: red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue phases with black neutral three-phase; green/yellow earth. A Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan works specification (2023) sets L1 red, L2 yellow, L3 blue, N black, PE green/yellow, and the AJ&K government technical specification calls for green or green/yellow earth conductors and BS core identification. These are project specifications, not a national rule. IEC harmonised colours also appear on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. SECP, Addendum 1 T08 specifications, Section 8001 General Specifications for Electrical Works (2023) (opens in a new tab)Live parts colour coded: L1 red, L2 yellow, L3 blue, N black, PE/E green/yellow
  2. Government of AJ&K Planning & Development Dept, General Technical Specifications 2014, ch.30 Electrical Works (opens in a new tab)Earth continuity conductor green or green/yellow; multicore core identification per BS; phase/neutral colours not given
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  5. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, bare copper or green/yellow

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC-based (US practice)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

US-style practice. The code fixes only the neutral (white/grey) and earth (green/bare) colours; phase colours are customary rather than mandatory. Local adoption of the NEC has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  2. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  3. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
IEC 60364 / IEC 60445 (national adoption)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National rules are based on IEC 60364, so the IEC 60445 harmonised colours are the expected scheme for new work. Older or informal installations may not follow it. Not confirmed against a national regulation.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
RIE Panamá (NEC-based)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Panama's Reglamento para las Instalaciones Eléctricas (RIE) is the NFPA 70 (NEC), adopted by the Junta Técnica de Ingeniería y Arquitectura and mandatory. The NEC fixes white or grey for the grounded (neutral) conductor and green, green/yellow or bare for the equipment earth; phase colours are not fixed and black/red/blue is typical. The NEC edition currently adopted was not confirmed. Confidence: neutral and earth corroborated, phases customary.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. JTIA Resolution No. 424 of 12 Dec 2001 (hosted by ASEP, the Panamanian regulator) (opens in a new tab)Recites that NFPA 70 (1993 Spanish edition) was adopted as the Reglamento para las Instalaciones Eléctricas (RIE) by Res. 361 of 1998 and is mandatory in Panama
  2. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  3. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000-based practice
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Local adoption of AS/NZS 3000 has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  2. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  3. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
ANDE regulations
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National rules are based on IEC 60364, so the IEC 60445 harmonised colours are the expected scheme for new work. Older or informal installations may not follow it.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or light blue
PE
Green or green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue or white
N
White or light blue
PE
Green or green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Código Nacional de Electricidad - Utilización
Supply
220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Peru has a 220 V supply but its code has US and IEC influences. Practice varies widely, and many 220 V circuits are line-to-line with no neutral.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. CIP (International Potato Center), electrical installation checklist citing CNE-Utilización (opens in a new tab)Earth conductor fully green or green with yellow stripes, citing CNE-U Sección 20 Regla 020-202(1)
  2. Resolución Ministerial 037-2006-MEM/DM (FAOLEX) (opens in a new tab)Approves CNE-Utilización, in force 1 July 2006; colours not in this text
  3. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  4. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  5. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or black
L2
Yellow or red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Philippine Electrical Code (PEC, NEC-based)
Supply
230 V (single-phase line-to-line), 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The Philippine Electrical Code fixes white for the neutral (grounded) conductor and green for the equipment ground; phase colours are not fixed and phases are identified by tagging A-B-C. An ASEAN engineering federation white paper reports this colour code as mandatory since 2009. The DPWH grounding specification calls for green-and-yellow protective/earthing conductors on public works. Many homes take 230 V across two hot conductors with no neutral. Black/red/blue and red/yellow/blue phases are both seen. Only one source for the neutral colour, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. AFEO, White Paper on Electrical Installation Standards in Building (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)Philippines: mandatory colour code white for neutral and green for ground (implemented 2009); phases tagged A-B-C
  2. DPWH Standard Specification Item 1109 Grounding Systems (Department Order 088 s2017) (opens in a new tab)Protective and earthing conductors identified by green-and-yellow insulation; earthing conductor sheath yellow-green
  3. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. proav.de, Mains colour codes (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  5. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PN-HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
RTIEBT; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey or white
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Puerto Rico Building Code 2018 (NEC 2017, NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows the US NEC as adopted locally. The NEC fixes only two colours: white or grey for the neutral (grounded conductor) and green, green/yellow or bare for the equipment ground. Phase colours are not mandated; black/red/blue (120/208 V) and brown/orange/yellow (277/480 V) are convention. A delta high leg must be marked orange or by another effective means.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. ICC NTA, Puerto Rico Commonwealth code alert (opens in a new tab)The 2017 NFPA 70 governs electrical work under the 2018 Puerto Rico code, with PREPA's complementary code
  2. EC&M, Stumped by the Code? Requirements for the identification of branch-circuit conductors (opens in a new tab)NEC: insulated EGCs green or green with yellow stripes; the NEC does not require a specific colour code for ungrounded conductors; black/red/blue etc. are conventions
  3. ExpertCE, NEC wire color codes (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6 white or grey grounded conductor; 250.119 bare, green or green/yellow EGC; 210.5(C) distinguishability only; black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow are industry practice
  4. Electrical Engineering Portal, 5 means of identifying grounded conductors (NEC 2014 200.6) (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6(A)/(B): continuous white or grey finish, or three white/grey stripes on other than green insulation
  5. IAEI Magazine, Article 110 requirements for electrical installations (opens in a new tab)NEC 110.15: high leg durably marked by an orange outer finish or by other effective means

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red, yellow or blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
KAHRAMAA Electricity Wiring Code 2018
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The code keeps red, yellow and blue phases with a black neutral. It states that the harmonised brown/black/grey colours have not been adopted in Qatar. Single-phase circuits take the colour of their supply phase. Plain green earth cable is not accepted. Flexible cords use brown, blue and green/yellow.

Verified

Sources

  1. KAHRAMAA Electricity Wiring Code 2018 (s. 6.5; s. 1.4) (opens in a new tab)Red/yellow/blue phases, black neutral, green/yellow earth (plain green not acceptable); flexible cords brown/blue/green-yellow; harmonised colours not adopted in Qatar; 240/415 V 50 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Normativ I7 (HD 60364); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red, which PUE still requires for busbars. Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE 7th ed. (cl. 1.1.29-1.1.30) + GOST R 50462-2009 (IEC 60446:2007)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

PUE fixes light blue for neutral and yellow-green for PE. GOST R 50462-2009 names black, brown and grey as the preferred phase colours without a fixed order; brown/black/grey for L1/L2/L3 is the usual cable sequence. Busbars and switchgear are marked A yellow, B green, C red.

Verified

Sources

  1. PUE 7th edition (Russian Electrical Installation Rules), clauses 1.1.29-1.1.30 (copy hosted by jasulib.org.kg) (opens in a new tab)N light blue; PE yellow-green stripes; PEN light blue with yellow-green ends; three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red
  2. GOST R 50462-2009 (IEC 60446:2007), conductor identification by colours (meganorm.ru text) (opens in a new tab)Cl. 5.2.3: preferred AC phase colours black, brown and grey; cl. 5.2.2: neutral blue; cl. 5.3.2: PE yellow-green

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
RS 116-1 (Electrical wiring of premises, LV installations), Rwanda Standards Board
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

RURA's draft rules name RS 116-1 as the wiring standard, but its colour table was not available. IEC colours are assumed for new work. Imported cable in both IEC and British colours is found.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. RURA, Draft Regulation Governing Electrical Installation Services (2023) (opens in a new tab)Art. 21 names RS 116-1 (Electrical wiring of premises, LV installations) as the wiring standard; Art. 5 single-phase 230 V and three-phase 400 V. No colour table

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown, black or red
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100 (French national standard)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

This is a French overseas department, so NF C 15-100 applies. Blue is reserved for neutral and green-and-yellow for earth, and a phase may be any other colour (brown, black and red are usual). Three-phase is conventionally brown, black and grey.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. EDF (izi by EDF), 'Couleurs des fils électriques' (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100 practice: neutral light blue, earth green-and-yellow, phase red, brown or black
  2. ENGIE particuliers, 'Couleur des fils électriques' (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: blue reserved for neutral, green-and-yellow for earth, phase any other colour; three-phase conventionally brown (L1), black (L2), grey (L3)

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
230/400 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (mixed with NEC)
Supply
230/400 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Eastern Caribbean practice mixes British and North American traditions. Red/black, red/yellow/blue, US-style black/white/green and IEC brown/blue can all be found. Always verify by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (mixed with NEC)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Eastern Caribbean practice mixes British and North American traditions. Red/black, red/yellow/blue, US-style black/white/green and IEC brown/blue can all be found. Always verify by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
230/400 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (mixed with NEC)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Eastern Caribbean practice mixes British and North American traditions. Red/black, red/yellow/blue, US-style black/white/green and IEC brown/blue can all be found. Always verify by testing.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules (referenced by MCIL)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. The edition referenced locally may lag the current one.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Samoa MCIL, Occupational Safety and Health Guide: Electrical (2021) (opens in a new tab)References AS/NZS 3000:2007 Wiring Rules
  2. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  3. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  4. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  5. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Law No. 148 of 28 Oct 2005 (installation safety); CEI norms presumed 'regola d'arte'; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

San Marino's installation safety law requires work 'a regola d'arte' and presumes that materials and installations built to CEI (Italian) or equivalent EU standards comply. Italian CEI 64-8 applies the harmonised HD 308 S2 / IEC 60445 colours: brown/black/grey phases, blue neutral, green/yellow earth. The law does not itself name colours.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. San Marino Law No. 148 of 28 October 2005, Disposizioni in materia di sicurezza degli impianti, Art. 5(1) (opens in a new tab)Installations must be 'a regola d'arte'; compliance with UNI/CEI or equivalent EU standards is presumed to meet this. No colours
  2. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Gradual move to 230/400 V and IEC practice (2010s)

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green
L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green

Older 127/220 V installations often follow US-style colours.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Saudi Building Code SBC 401 (IEC 60364-based)
Supply
230/400 V (127/220 V legacy), 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

SBC 401 is based on IEC 60364. The 2007 edition calls for identification to SASO IEC 60446, which means a blue neutral and green/yellow earth. Phase colours for new work could not be confirmed from the code text. The 2018 code expects a warning notice where old and new colour systems meet. Older buildings may show US-style or British-style colours.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Saudi Building Code SBC 401 (2007), Electrical Requirements (cl. 11-0.2, 12-4.1.3) - FKEC copy (opens in a new tab)Based on IEC 60364; conductors identified per SASO IEC 60446; design frequency 60 Hz. No colour table in the available text
  2. SBC 401-AR-18 Saudi Electrical Code (Arabic), cl. 5-51 (opens in a new tab)Colours set in Table 51-2 (table not legible in the available copy); warning notice for two wiring-colour systems (old and new); 60 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
National adoption of HD 60364 / IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Standards are aligned with European HD 60364, so IEC 60445 colours apply to new work. Older installations may use non-standard colours.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Older British practice (UK change 2004-2006; local transition date not published)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Installations wired to older editions of the British regulations use a red phase and black neutral (single-phase) and red/yellow/blue phases with a black neutral (three-phase). Expect these in existing buildings.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671 (required by Electricity (Consumer Service) Regulations 2024, S.I. 85 of 2024, reg. 4(6)(i))
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Seychelles S.I. 85 of 2024, reg. 4(6)(i), makes a connection application complete only if the consumer's installation meets the BS 7671 standards in force. Current BS 7671 uses the harmonised colours: brown line and blue neutral single-phase, brown/black/grey phases with a blue neutral three-phase, and green-and-yellow earth. Older installations use red/black and red/yellow/blue with a black neutral, so blue can be a phase in old three-phase work. Confidence by fact: BS 7671 requirement verified (gazette); colours verified from IET and NBS descriptions of BS 7671; how far the old colours remain in local practice is not documented; 240/415 V was not confirmed (the regulations give no supply voltage).

Verified

Sources

  1. Seychelles Gazette, S.I. 85 of 2024, Electricity (Consumer Service) Regulations 2024 (opens in a new tab)Reg. 4(6)(i): consumer installation must meet the BS 7671 standards in force; no colour table or supply voltage given
  2. IET Wiring Matters, Cable colours: harmonised colours and alphanumeric marking (opens in a new tab)BS 7671 colours: line brown, neutral blue, PE green-and-yellow; L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey; old red/black single-phase; caution notice where old and new colours meet
  3. NBS, Do not get your wires crossed: the colour coding of low voltage fixed wiring cable cores (opens in a new tab)Old red live/black neutral; harmonised colours only for installations after 1 April 2006

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Older British practice (UK change 2004-2006; local transition date not published)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Installations wired to older British rules use a red phase and black neutral (single-phase), and red/yellow/blue phases with a black neutral (three-phase). These remain common in existing buildings, and blue can be a phase in old three-phase work.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671 17th Edition (required for inspectors by S.I. No. 19 of 2019, Certification Rules, Schedule 5); older Light and Power Rules of Sierra Leone also listed
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Sierra Leone's Certification Rules 2019 (S.I. No. 19 of 2019, made by the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission), Schedule 5, require electrical inspectors to comply with BS 7671 17th Edition (2008) of the IEE Wiring Regulations. That edition uses the harmonised colours: brown line and blue neutral for single-phase, brown/black/grey phases with a blue neutral for three-phase, and green-and-yellow earth. The same schedule also lists the older 'Wiring Rules relating to Electricity and the Light and Power Rules of Sierra Leone', which were not found. Confidence by fact: the regulatory reference to BS 7671:2008 is verified, but it is stated as a duty for inspectors, not as a direct rule for installers; the colours are verified from IET and NBS descriptions of BS 7671; how far the old colours remain in local practice is not documented; 230/400 V was not confirmed.

Verified

Sources

  1. Sierra Leone S.I. No. 19 of 2019, Certification (Electrical Contractors, Manufacturers and Importers of Electrical Materials and Equipments) Rules 2019, Extraordinary Gazette No. 91 (13 Dec 2019) (opens in a new tab)Schedule 5 (rules 13(2), 14(2)): inspector to comply with 'BS7671 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulation', the Wiring Rules / Light and Power Rules of Sierra Leone, BS 7430, BS 6651; no colour table or supply voltage
  2. IET Wiring Matters, Cable colours: harmonised colours and alphanumeric marking (opens in a new tab)BS 7671 colours: line brown, neutral blue, PE green-and-yellow; L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey; old red/black single-phase
  3. NBS, Do not get your wires crossed: the colour coding of low voltage fixed wiring cable cores (opens in a new tab)Harmonised colours only for installations after 1 April 2006

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 1 March 2009 (optional), mandatory for new work from 1 March 2011

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old red/yellow/blue + black neutral scheme. Existing installations did not have to be rewired.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
SS 638 (formerly CP 5); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Harmonised colours have been allowed since 1 March 2009 and mandatory for new work, replacements and extensions since 1 March 2011. Green/yellow earth is unchanged, though the EMA fact sheet does not state it.

Verified

Sources

  1. EMA: CP 5 Amendment 1 fact sheet (27 Feb 2009) (opens in a new tab)Live red/yellow/blue becomes brown/black/grey and neutral black becomes blue. Allowed from 1 March 2009, the only option from 1 March 2011. No rewiring of existing installations.
  2. EMA Circular No. RD-E01-09 (opens in a new tab)Transition rules: either code could be used 1 March 2009 to 28 February 2011 (but not both in one project), new code mandatory from 1 March 2011. Based on Amendment No. 1:2008 to CP 5:1998.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NEN 1010-derived rules
Supply
120/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Dutch NEN 1010 practice (IEC colours) is mixed with US-style colours on 127 V and 120 V systems.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
STN 33 2000 (HD 60364); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
SIST HD 60364; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000-based practice
Supply
230/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Local adoption is confirmed by only one regional source.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  2. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  3. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  4. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
SANS 10142-1 (The wiring of premises, Part 1: Low-voltage installations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

SANS 10142-1 fixes only some colours: the neutral must be black, the earth green-and-yellow or bare, and a phase may be any colour except black, green or green-and-yellow. In practice phases are red, white (or yellow) and blue, and single-phase uses red. Brown and blue appear only in flexible cords and appliance leads. Blue is a phase colour here, so do not assume a blue core is neutral. Older work may have a plain green earth.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Electrical Power & Protection (instrumentation.co.za), 'Electrical certificate of compliance (COC) for instrumentation: non-hazardous installations', June 2020, quoting SANS 10142-1:2017 Ed. 2 (opens in a new tab)SANS 10142-1 a.c. rules: neutral identified by black only; earth continuity conductor green/yellow only or bare; phase any colour other than green/yellow, green or black
  2. SAQA Unit Standard 10265, 'Wire and commission domestic electrical circuits' (opens in a new tab)Single-phase red live, black neutral, bare copper earth; three-phase red/white/blue live, black neutral, green-yellow, plain green or bare earth (as per SABS wiring code)
  3. Aberdare Cables house-wire brochure (SANS 1507 cables for SANS 10142-1 installations) (opens in a new tab)Surfix/flat twin and earth cores red & black (2-core) and red, yellow, blue (+black) with bare earth; cab-tyre flex brown/blue/green-yellow

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 1 January 2021 (KEC took effect)

L
Black
N
White or grey
PE
Green
L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green

Before KEC, typical practice was black/red/blue phases, white or grey neutral and green earth.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Korea Electro-technical Code (KEC); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

The KEC (in force since 1 January 2021) adopted the IEC harmonised scheme. Much existing wiring still uses earlier colours. The pre-KEC colours shown here (black/red/blue phases, white or grey neutral, green earth) are typical practice and have not been verified.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. inside114.com: KEC key revisions (KEC 121.2) (opens in a new tab)KEC 121.2 conductor identification: L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey, N blue, PE green-yellow.
  2. midasCAD: KEC conductor identification (cites KS C IEC 60445) (opens in a new tab)Live conductors brown/black/grey, earthed neutral, and green-and-yellow reserved for protective conductors, per KS C IEC 60445.
  3. inside114.com: KEC overview (opens in a new tab)KEC enacted 9 March 2018 (MOTIE notice 2018-103) and in force from 1 January 2021.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown or black
L2
Black or brown
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
REBT (RD 842/2002), ITC-BT-19 §2.2.4; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

ITC-BT-19 sets light blue for neutral and green-yellow for earth. Phases are brown or black, with grey added when a third phase needs its own colour, so the L1/L2/L3 order is not fixed by the rule.

Verified

Sources

  1. REBT ITC-BT-19 (Real Decreto 842/2002), section 2.2.4 Identificación de conductores (copy hosted by PLC Madrid) (opens in a new tab)Neutral light blue, protective green-yellow, phases brown or black, grey where a third phase colour is needed
  2. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  3. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (IESL / CEB)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Dutch NEN 1010-influenced practice
Supply
127/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National rules are based on IEC 60364, so the IEC 60445 harmonised colours are the expected scheme for new work. Older or informal installations may not follow it.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  2. ATO, wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
SS 436 40 00 (HD 60364); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
NIN SN 411000; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows IEC 60445. Older Swiss installations may show black/brown phases and light-blue neutral, and sometimes a yellow or red earth in very old work.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  2. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
IEC 60364 / IEC 60445 (national adoption)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

National rules are based on IEC 60364, so the IEC 60445 harmonised colours are the expected scheme for new work. Older or informal installations may not follow it. Not confirmed against a national regulation.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Portuguese-derived rules (RTIEBT); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Practice is influenced by Portuguese wiring rules (RTIEBT), which use IEC harmonised colours. Little published national guidance could be verified.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
用戶用電設備裝置規則 (Electrical Installation Rules for Users)
Supply
110/220 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Taiwan's rules fix only two colours: the grounded (neutral) conductor is white or light grey, and a separately insulated equipment earth is green or green with one or more yellow stripes (or bare). White or grey may not be used as a phase conductor. Phase colours are not set by the rules, except that the high-leg of a four-wire delta must be orange or otherwise identified. Black/red/blue phases are customary but not confirmed; one government construction standard instead shows busbars R red, S white, T blue with N black. Confidence: neutral and earth corroborated, phases unverified.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. 屋內線路裝置規則 (Indoor Wiring Installation Rules), amended 16 Dec 2013, Art. 27, 28, 70, 74, 76 (copy hosted by National Taiwan University General Affairs) (opens in a new tab)Art. 27(8): grounded conductor insulation white or grey. Art. 27(6): separate earth conductor green or green with yellow stripes. Art. 74: white/grey not for ungrounded conductors. Art. 76: high-leg orange. No phase colours
  2. Seminar slides on 用戶用電設備裝置規則 (2023), quoting Articles 27, 32, 94, 96 (opens in a new tab)Art. 27: grounded conductor identified white or light grey. Art. 32: white or grey may not be used as an ungrounded conductor. Art. 94/96: equipment grounding conductor green, or green with one or more yellow stripes. No article fixes phase colours (Art. 302 allows colour codes, tape or labels).
  3. NLMA construction/inspection standards ch.9 (opens in a new tab)Grounded conductor white or grey, earth green (may be bare). Busbars R red, S white, T blue, N black.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow are fixed. New cable follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is still common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: TIS 11-2553 (2010) cable standard replaced TIS 11-2531; enforcement date not confirmed

L
Black
N
Grey or white
PE
Green
L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
Grey or white
PE
Green

Older Thai installations typically used black/red/blue phases, grey or white neutral and green earth.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
EIT Wiring Code / TIS 11-2553 (IEC 60227)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Thai cable standard TIS 11-2553 brought IEC colours into use. Older black/red/blue phases with grey or white neutral are still widespread. Grey was formerly the neutral, so a grey core may now be live.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Schneider Electric Thailand FAQ FA283236 (opens in a new tab)Under TIS 11-2553 (replacing TIS 11-2531, based on IEC 60227): phase A/B/C brown/black/grey, N light blue, G green-yellow. Old: black, red, blue, white (grey), green.
  2. RS Components Thailand: cable colour standards (opens in a new tab)TIS 11-2553 colours L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey, N light blue, PE green-yellow.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Portuguese-derived rules (RTIEBT); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Practice is influenced by Portuguese wiring rules (RTIEBT), which use IEC harmonised colours. Little published national guidance could be verified. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules (Tonga Electricity Commission)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. The edition referenced locally may lag the current one.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Tonga Electricity Commission, Wiring Regulation & By-laws presentation (PCREEE) (opens in a new tab)All electrical works in Tonga must comply with AS/NZS 3000:2007
  2. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  3. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  4. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  5. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
TTS 171 Part 1:2015, Trinidad and Tobago Electrical Wiring Code (low voltage), enforced by GEISD
Supply
115/230 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The national code is derived from the US NEC: white neutral and green (or bare) earth are the fixed points. Phase colours vary by installer; black/red/blue is typical.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Trinidad and Tobago Gazette, Legal Notice No. 8 of 2016 (opens in a new tab)TTS 171 Part 1:2015 (1st revision) low voltage wiring code declared a national standard; no colours stated
  2. Ministry of Public Utilities, Government Electrical Inspectorate Services Division (opens in a new tab)GEISD enforces the T&T Electrical Wiring Code; no colours stated
  3. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100-derived rules; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Installation practice is derived from the French NF C 15-100, which uses the IEC harmonised colours. Expect variation in older or informal installations.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown or grey
L2
Black
L3
Grey or brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
Electrical Internal Installations Regulation; TS HD 60364 / IEC 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral light blue and earth green/yellow, with brown, black and grey for phases. The phase order varies: the Ministry's general technical specification assigns R grey, S black, T brown in internal wiring, the reverse of the usual European L1 brown to L3 grey.

Verified

Sources

  1. T.C. Çevre ve Şehircilik Bakanlığı, Elektrik Tesisatı Genel Teknik Şartnamesi (Kuvvetli Akım) (opens in a new tab)Internal wiring: phases R grey, S black, T brown; neutral light blue; protective green-yellow. Main board busbars black-brown-grey
  2. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  3. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow are fixed. New cable follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is still common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National code based on NEC (NFPA 70)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The Turks and Caicos utility requires customer installations to meet the TCI Building Code and the US NEC, so the NEC fixed points apply: white or grey neutral, green, green/yellow or bare earth. Phase colours are not fixed; black/red/blue is typical. Confidence: neutral and earth corroborated, phases customary.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. FortisTCI Customer Handbook (opens in a new tab)Customer installations per Turks and Caicos Islands Building Code and National Electric Code (NEC); 240/120 V single-phase, 120/208 V and 277/480 V three-phase, 60 Hz
  2. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  3. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000-based practice
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Local adoption is confirmed by only one regional source.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  2. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  3. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  4. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey or white
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC 2020 (NFPA 70), enforced by DPNR
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows the US NEC as adopted locally. The NEC fixes only two colours: white or grey for the neutral (grounded conductor) and green, green/yellow or bare for the equipment ground. Phase colours are not mandated; black/red/blue (120/208 V) and brown/orange/yellow (277/480 V) are convention. A delta high leg must be marked orange or by another effective means.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. USVI DPNR, Building permits (opens in a new tab)National Electrical Code 2020 listed among codes overseen by the Division of Permits
  2. EC&M, Stumped by the Code? Requirements for the identification of branch-circuit conductors (opens in a new tab)NEC: insulated EGCs green or green with yellow stripes; the NEC does not require a specific colour code for ungrounded conductors; black/red/blue etc. are conventions
  3. ExpertCE, NEC wire color codes (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6 white or grey grounded conductor; 250.119 bare, green or green/yellow EGC; 210.5(C) distinguishability only; black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow are industry practice
  4. Electrical Engineering Portal, 5 means of identifying grounded conductors (NEC 2014 200.6) (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6(A)/(B): continuous white or grey finish, or three white/grey stripes on other than green insulation
  5. IAEI Magazine, Article 110 requirements for electrical installations (opens in a new tab)NEC 110.15: high leg durably marked by an orange outer finish or by other effective means

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
Yellow or brown
L3
Blue or brown
N
Black or blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
National Building (Standards for Electrical Installations in Buildings) Code, 2019 (S.I. 58 of 2019)
Supply
240/415 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The 2019 building code allows either the traditional colours or brown: phases red, yellow and blue (or brown, which must then be marked with the phase), and a black or blue neutral. The code's earth wording reads 'green or yellow', which in practice means green-and-yellow cable. Busbars and switchgear stay red, yellow and blue with a black neutral.

Verified

Sources

  1. Uganda S.I. No. 58 of 2019, The National Building (Standards for Electrical Installations in Buildings) Code, 2019 (KCCA copy) (opens in a new tab)Para 14(24): red phase red or brown, yellow phase yellow or brown, blue phase blue or brown, neutral black or blue, earth green/yellow; para 14(25) phases marked where brown used; para 10(15) busbars red/yellow/blue, black neutral; 240/415 V systems (para 21)

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice; IEC colours phased in from the 2000s

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE + DSTU EN 60445
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow follow PUE practice. New cable usually follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed from a Ukrainian source.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. Russian PUE (Rules for Electrical Installations), 6th edition, cl. 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
DEWA Regulations for Electrical Installations 2017; Abu Dhabi DoE Electricity Wiring Regulations 2020; Etihad WE Wiring Regulation 2020
Supply
230/400 V (Dubai, Abu Dhabi); 240/415 V (Etihad WE northern emirates), 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

All three utility regulations keep British-style colours for fixed wiring: red, yellow and blue phases, black neutral and green/yellow earth. Abu Dhabi's regulations say the harmonised brown/black/grey colours have not been adopted. Brown, blue and green/yellow apply only to flexible cords. Where colours are mixed, a warning notice is required at the board.

Verified

Sources

  1. DEWA Regulations for Electrical Installations, 2017 Edition (Appendix 6; cl. 1.2) (opens in a new tab)Fixed wiring: single-phase red phase, black neutral; three-phase red/yellow/blue + black neutral; earth green-and-yellow; flexible cords brown/blue/green-yellow; 230/400 V 50 Hz; mixed-colour warning notice in inspection checklist
  2. Abu Dhabi DoE Electricity Wiring Regulations 2020 (Appendix A8; cl. 4.1) (opens in a new tab)Fixed and three-phase: red/yellow/blue phases, black neutral, green/yellow earth; flexible single-phase brown/blue/green-yellow; Note 1: harmonised brown/black/grey not adopted in Abu Dhabi; 230/400 V, 50 Hz
  3. Etihad Water & Electricity, Wiring Regulation (Final, 06.07.2020), Appendix 8; cl. 5.1 (opens in a new tab)Northern Emirates: red/yellow/blue phases, black neutral, green/yellow earth; flexible brown/blue; 240/415 V 50 Hz

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: 2004-2006 (BS 7671 Amendment 2 issued 31 Mar 2004; old or new colours, not mixed, allowed until 1 Apr 2006; new colours only after that)

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Old single-phase: red line, black neutral. Old three-phase: red/yellow/blue with black neutral. Very old work may have a plain green earth; green/yellow became the only permitted protective colour in the UK with the 15th Edition (1981). Where old and new colours meet, BS 7671 requires a caution notice at the distribution board.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations); IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

The benchmark for Tradefox learners. Harmonised colours follow IEC 60445. Note the swap: black was the old neutral, but now it is L2, and blue moved from a phase to the neutral.

Verified

Sources

  1. IET Wiring Matters, Cable colours: harmonised colours and alphanumeric marking (opens in a new tab)BS 7671 new colours: L brown, N blue, PE green-and-yellow; L1 brown, L2 black, L3 grey; old single-phase red/black; caution notice at the board where old and new colours meet
  2. NBS, Do not get your wires crossed: the colour coding of low voltage fixed wiring cable cores (opens in a new tab)Old UK red live/black neutral; BS 7671 Amendment 2 issued 31 March 2004; old or new colours (not both) allowed until 1 April 2006
  3. IET Wiring Matters, The history of colour identification of conductors (March 2021) (opens in a new tab)UK colour history: red/yellow/blue phases with black neutral; green/yellow made the only protective colour in the 15th Edition (1981); harmonised colours brought in by Amendment 2 (2004) to BS 7671; red PE in old German/Austrian work
  4. CENELEC HD 308 S2:2001, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords (copy hosted by Hellenic Mediterranean University) (opens in a new tab)Protective core green-and-yellow, neutral blue, phase cores brown/black/grey; 5-core set green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; national implementation by 2002-05-01, conflicting national standards withdrawn by 2006-04-01; no national deviations listed
  5. CENELEC Annual Report 2025 (member and affiliate list) (opens in a new tab)The country is one of the 34 CENELEC members, so it must implement HD 308 S2

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 120/208 V

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White or grey
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

Three phase · 277/480 V

L1
Brown
L2
Orange
L3
Yellow
N
Grey or white
PE
Green, green/yellow or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
NEC (NFPA 70), adopted state by state (2026 edition current; many states on 2020/2023)
Supply
120/240 V split-phase; 120/208 V & 277/480 V three-phase, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

The NEC mandates only two colours: white or grey (or three white/grey stripes) for the grounded conductor (neutral) under 200.6, and bare, green or green with yellow stripes for the equipment grounding conductor under 250.119. Phase (ungrounded) conductors only have to be distinguishable from these and, where more than one system exists, identified by a method posted or documented under 210.5(C)/215.12(C). Black/red/blue for 120/208 V and brown/orange/yellow for 277/480 V are industry convention, not NEC requirements. On a 4-wire delta, 110.15 requires the high leg to be marked orange or by another effective means.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. EC&M, NEC general requirements for use and identification of grounded conductors (2026 NEC) (opens in a new tab)Existence of the 2026 NEC edition; does not itself state colours
  2. EC&M, Stumped by the Code? Requirements for the identification of branch-circuit conductors (opens in a new tab)NEC: insulated EGCs green or green with yellow stripes; the NEC does not require a specific colour code for ungrounded conductors; black/red/blue etc. are conventions
  3. ExpertCE, NEC wire color codes (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6 white or grey grounded conductor; 250.119 bare, green or green/yellow EGC; 210.5(C) distinguishability only; black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow are industry practice
  4. Electrical Engineering Portal, 5 means of identifying grounded conductors (NEC 2014 200.6) (opens in a new tab)NEC 200.6(A)/(B): continuous white or grey finish, or three white/grey stripes on other than green insulation
  5. IAEI Magazine, Article 110 requirements for electrical installations (opens in a new tab)NEC 110.15: high leg durably marked by an orange outer finish or by other effective means

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red, white or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
White
L3
Brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
UTE Reglamento de Baja Tensión (Cap. II, Instalaciones interiores)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

UTE's low-voltage rules set phase colours R red, S white and T brown, light-blue neutral and green/yellow protective earth, up to the customer's main board. Plain green was accepted for earth as a transition. Beyond the main board other colours to UNIT 965 may be used, but never green, yellow or (where there is a neutral) blue. White is a phase colour here, not a neutral.

Verified

Sources

  1. UTE, Reglamento de Baja Tensión, Capítulo II Instalaciones interiores o receptoras (N.5/CII) (opens in a new tab)3.2 i): R red, S white, T brown; neutral light blue; PE green/yellow (green transitionally accepted); other colours beyond main board per UNIT 965 excluding green, yellow, blue

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown, black or white
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Soviet-era PUE practice (yellow/green/red still specified for busbars)

L
White, black or red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Soviet-era practice marked phases A/B/C as yellow/green/red (still standard for busbars and switchgear). Neutral was light blue and earth green/yellow. Domestic single-phase cable often had white or black line cores.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
PUE (Electrical Installation Rules) + GOST/national adoption of IEC 60445
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Neutral blue and earth green/yellow are fixed. New cable follows the IEC sequence (brown/black/grey), but yellow/green/red phase marking is still common on busbars and in older work. Not confirmed against a national source, so check local rules.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. PUE 7th ed. (Russia, Minenergo order 204 of 8 July 2002), 1.1.29-1.1.30 (opens in a new tab)N marked blue, PE yellow-green stripes, PEN blue with yellow-green ends. Three-phase busbars A yellow, B green, C red.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red or brown
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red or brown
L2
White or black
L3
Blue or grey
N
Black or light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: Date not verified

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green
L1
Red
L2
White or yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green

Older installations may have a plain green (or bare) earth. Some older work used yellow actives, which must be sleeved white when altered.

About this entry

Other schemeLegacy colours
Standard
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules (Electrical Works Safety Bill 2025)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Wiring follows AS/NZS 3000, which allows any active colour except green, yellow, green/yellow, black or light blue. Red, or red/white/dark blue for three-phase, is the usual choice. Neutral is black or light blue, and earth is green/yellow. The European set (brown/black/grey with light-blue neutral) is also allowed but must not be mixed with the AS/NZS colours in the same enclosure or cable. Adoption is set out in a 2025 bill. French-built installations may also be found.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. Vanuatu Bill for the Electrical Works Safety Act 2025 (opens in a new tab)Adopts AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules (bill); lists 220 V single-phase and 380 V three-phase among LV values
  2. PRIF, National Building Codes - Electrical guidance note (opens in a new tab)AS/NZS 3000 used in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; IBC/NEC in Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands, Palau, FSM. No colours
  3. HD Level 2 Electrician Sydney, Electrical wire colours Australia (AS/NZS 3000) (opens in a new tab)Active any non-reserved colour (red most common), neutral black or light blue, earth green/yellow; three-phase convention red/white/dark blue; two colour systems not mixed; green, yellow, green/yellow never active/neutral
  4. DSTAL, Overview of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2007 (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.8.1: green, yellow or green/yellow not used as active or neutral; Table 3.4: AS/NZS and European cable identification colours shall not be combined
  5. Electrical Connection, Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 changes (2019) (opens in a new tab)Earthing conductors green/yellow; green, yellow, green/yellow prohibited for active/neutral; Table 3.4 Note 4: in NZ domestic installations black is the only permitted neutral colour

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Brown
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Old colours

Changed: c.2001-2006 (national adoption of HD 308 S2)

L
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow
L1
Black or brown
L2
Black or brown
L3
Black or brown
N
Light blue
PE
Green/yellow

Before the harmonised L1/L2/L3 sequence, most continental installations already used light-blue neutral and green/yellow earth (from around the 1970s). Phase cores were typically black or brown with no fixed order, so older three-phase work may have all phases in one colour.

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonisedLegacy colours
Standard
Italian CEI 64-8 practice; IEC 60445 colours
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

Follows the IEC 60445 harmonised scheme exactly.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. ATO, What are the wire color codes by country/region (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Black or red
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

Three phase

L1
Black
L2
Red
L3
Blue
N
White
PE
Green or bare copper

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
Código Eléctrico Nacional (COVENIN 200, NEC-based)
Supply
120/240 V, 60 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Venezuela's Código Eléctrico Nacional (FONDONORMA 200:2009) is based on the US NEC. The NEC fixes white or grey for the grounded (neutral) conductor and green, green/yellow or bare for the equipment earth; phase colours are not fixed and black/red/blue is typical. The Venezuelan clause text itself was not opened. Confidence: neutral and earth corroborated, phases customary.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. CODELECTRA (Venezuelan electrical standards committee), NTF 200:2009 Código Eléctrico Nacional, catalogue page (opens in a new tab)Código Eléctrico Nacional FONDONORMA 200:2009 (rev. 8), based on NEC/NFPA 70 2005/2008; colour clauses not shown
  2. EC&M, The Art and Science of Color Coding (NEC) (opens in a new tab)NEC: grounded conductor white or gray; EGC green, green with yellow stripes, or bare; ungrounded any colour except white/gray/green; black/red/blue (208Y/120) and brown/orange/yellow (480Y/277) are industry practice
  3. Mike Holt, NEC 250.119 excerpt (opens in a new tab)Equipment grounding conductors bare, or green / green with yellow stripes; not used as phase or neutral

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red, yellow or green
N
Blue or black
PE
Green/yellow or green

Three phase

L1
Yellow
L2
Green
L3
Red
N
Blue or black
PE
Green/yellow or green

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
QCVN QTĐ-7:2009/BCT (MOIT national technical regulation); QCVN 12:2014/BXD
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Vietnam's national technical regulation on installing electrical works (QCVN QTĐ-7:2009/BCT, Ministry of Industry and Trade) defines phase A as yellow, B green and C red. An ASEAN engineering federation white paper (c.2018) also reports that Vietnam had not yet adopted the IEC harmonised cable colours and that yellow, blue, black, red and green were still in use. Neutral and earth colours were not confirmed from a Vietnamese text: blue or black neutral and green/yellow (or green) earth are both seen. QCVN 12:2014/BXD requires N and PE to be identifiable but does not set colours. IEC brown/black/grey cable appears on some new projects. Confidence: phase colours corroborated; neutral, earth and single-phase line unverified.

Corroborated

Sources

  1. QCVN QTĐ-7:2009/BCT National technical regulation on electrical engineering, vol. 7 (installation), Art. 3 cl. 8 (copy on Google Docs; issued by Circular 40/2009/TT-BCT) (opens in a new tab)Phase A yellow, phase B green, phase C red; earth conductors painted black (neutral excluded); no neutral colour given
  2. Circular 40/2009/TT-BCT (Ministry of Justice legal database) (opens in a new tab)Promulgates QCVN QTĐ-5, -6 and -7:2009/BCT; no colours in the circular itself
  3. AFEO, White Paper on Electrical Installation Standards in Building (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)Vietnam: harmonised cable colour code 'no implementation yet'; colours still yellow, blue, black, red and green as per BS
  4. QCVN 12:2014/BXD Electrical installations of dwellings and public buildings (copy on Krong Nang district government site) (opens in a new tab)Cl. 3.2.2(g): N and PE must be correctly identified; no colours specified

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red, brown or black
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Brown
L2
Black
L3
Grey
N
Blue
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

IEC 60445 harmonised
Standard
NF C 15-100
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
Yes

NF C 15-100 requires a blue neutral and green/yellow earth. Phase is usually red, brown or black. The three-phase colours shown are common practice, not confirmed. Local adoption of NF C 15-100 has not been confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Legrand France FAQ, What are the different wires for (NF C 15-100) (opens in a new tab)Phase red, brown or black; neutral blue; earth green-yellow
  2. IZI by EDF, Couleurs des fils électriques (opens in a new tab)NF C 15-100: phase red, brown or black; neutral blue; earth green and yellow

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both. Not confirmed against a national regulation.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow or white
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
ZS 418-1 Electrical Safety Code (draft 3rd edition DZS 418-1:2024)
Supply
230/400 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Zambia's electrical safety code uses red for phase and black for neutral, with red, yellow (or white) and blue for three-phase and a green-and-yellow earth. The source is the 2024 public-comment draft that revises ZS 418-1:2013 and keeps this table, so check the final edition.

Verified

Sources

  1. Zambia Bureau of Standards, DZS 418-1:2024 Electrical Safety Code Part 1 (draft 3rd edition for public comment, revising ZS 418-1:2013), via ERB (opens in a new tab)Clause 5.4.2 Table 5-3: protective green/yellow, neutral black, phase red; three-phase red, yellow/white, blue

Checked 9 Nov 2026

Check local rules. We could not confirm these colours from a national regulation, standard or two independent sources. They show typical practice only. Check the wiring rules in force locally, and test every conductor before work.

Single phase

L
Red
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

Three phase

L1
Red
L2
Yellow
L3
Blue
N
Black
PE
Green/yellow

About this entry

Other scheme
Standard
British-derived practice (BS 7671 / older IEE Regulations)
Supply
220/380 V, 50 Hz
IEC 60445
No

Traditional British colours (red/black single-phase; red/yellow/blue + black neutral three-phase) remain widespread. IEC harmonised colours (brown/black/grey + blue neutral) are increasingly specified on new projects and imported cable, so check both. ZERA's 2020 draft solar PV installation regulations (reg. 2(2)) say that the 'Electricity Wiring Rules, 1961 or any other subsequent rules' apply to AC work. The 1961 Rules were not found online, so the colours are not confirmed.

Check local rules

Sources

  1. Voltimum UK, Harmonised cable colours FAQ (2004) (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  2. All About Circuits, Wiring Color Codes reference (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  3. Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (opens in a new tab)General background only. Doesn't confirm this country's national rule.
  4. ZERA, Draft Electricity (Solar PV Systems Installation) Regulations 2020 (opens in a new tab)Reg. 2(2): Electricity Wiring Rules, 1961 or subsequent rules apply to AC installations; lists ZWS IEC 60364-7-712; no colours, no mains voltage

Checked 9 Nov 2026

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Never trust colour alone. Older, altered or imported installations may not follow the colour code. Safely isolate and lock off, then prove dead with a GS38-compliant voltage indicator: check it on a known live source, test, then check it again. Where several colours are listed, each is permitted or commonly found. Verified: a national regulation, standard or regulator text was opened and states the colours. Corroborated: two independent reputable sources agree and cite the standard. Check local rules: typical practice only, not confirmed from an authoritative source. Sources were checked on the date shown in each entry.

Before you rely on a colour. Four things to know.

This list is a guide to what you are likely to find, not a regulation. Read it alongside the wiring rules where you work. Colours tell you what a conductor should be, not what it is: confirm the supply with our guide to TN, TT and IT earthing systems, then check your readings with the earth fault loop impedance calculator and the voltage drop calculator.

National rules decide

This table is a guide, not a regulation. The only authority is the wiring rule in force where you work, and the person who enforces it. Entries marked Check local rules show typical practice that we could not confirm against a national source.

Mandated or conventional?

Some codes fix only a few colours. The US NEC, for example, requires white or grey for the grounded conductor (usually the neutral) and green, green/yellow or bare for earth. Black/red/blue and brown/orange/yellow phases are trade convention, not law. Where a table shows several colours, any of them may be found.

Europe: CENELEC HD 308 S2

CENELEC members implement HD 308 S2 (and HD 60364), which fix green/yellow earth, blue neutral and preferred phase colours brown, black and grey (order not fixed). Many European entries rest on that harmonisation document rather than on each national text, so they are marked Corroborated.

Same colour, different job

The same colour can mean opposite things in different places and eras. Black is the neutral in older UK and Irish work and in the older red/black scheme still found in India, South Africa and the UAE, but a phase colour under IEC 60445. Blue is a phase colour in older UK work and in South Africa and the UAE, but the neutral under IEC 60445. White is the neutral in the US, Canada, Japan and the Philippines, but a phase colour in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Never infer function from colour when crossing borders or working on older work.

BrownBlueLight blueBlackGreyRedYellowWhiteOrangeGreenGreen/yellowBare copper
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