Australian Wire Colour Codes

All wires are colour coded, regardless of where you find them, what they are used for or who installed them. It’s important you familiarise yourself with these colours so that you know what you are looking at, whether you’re attempting a small repair or installing a new system. This information will help you to understand their purpose and which wires are live and more dangerous. In this guide, we will run through the key facts you need to know when it comes to Australian wire colour codes.

What Are The Colours?

The colours change depending on if they’re single-phase or multi-phase power supplies. Here is the list of colour codes for a single-phase system:

• Active (high potential): brown
• Neutral (low potential): light blue
• Earth: green/yellow

And here is the list of colour codes for a multi-phase system (neutral and earth are the same):

• Phase 1: brown
• Phase 2: black
• Phase 3: grey

Which Ones Do I Need To Know?

The difference between single-phase wires and multi-phase wires is the way the electricity is distributed. Single-phase power is a two-wire alternating current power circuit, where there is typically one power wire and one neutral wire. Because this is smaller than a multi-phase system, this is usually found in residential homes, making this the most common. You should familiarise yourself with these colours for wiring in the home, being especially wary of the active (brown) wire because this is likely to have a current running through it.

You should always contact a professional electrician to carry out major electrical work in the home even if you feel comfortable with the colour codes; there are many safety risks involved when electricity is at play. They can determine if the wiring is safe and carry out the job properly.

Commercial and industrial facilities usually use a three-phase supply because it can accommodate higher electrical loads. You are less likely to come across this day-to-day unless your work requires you to be familiar with it.

Are These Colours The Same Everywhere?

Both fixed electrical cables and mains-powered cables should use these latest wiring colour codes. But, colour code rules have changed over time, with the last update occurring in 2018. This means that even if your home or appliance isn’t particularly old, be aware that they may reflect old colour code rules instead of the modern ones, so you may not be familiar with them. If you have any doubts, contact an electrician.

Are There Exceptions To The Rules?

You may come across exceptions to colour coding rules. As we have already mentioned, there are differences depending on the type of circuit and its age. As well as this, not all wires of certain colours match the coding rules. For instance, there are many black cables used for everyday appliances which carry electricity. Plus, TV aerials can be coloured brown (indicating they are active) but they do not actually carry any voltage and are not subject to the same safety considerations.

At 7E Integrated Services, we can help you with any electrical needs, avoiding confusion and risk for you. Get in touch today on 0421 517 243.