household electric wire colours - IOT Wiring Diagram

Often times, when homeowners are remodeling or installing new electrical systems in their home, they come across the need to use multiple colors of electric wires. This can be confusing for the inexperienced homeowner, as the standard colors of electric wires don’t always correspond to a specific purpose. The meaning of different household electric wire colors can largely vary from country to country, so it’s important for anyone tackling electrical projects to know the correct color code associated with the country or region where they live.

In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) dictates that the most commonly used colors of wires will be white, black, green, and bare copper. White wires represent the neutral electrical current, while black and red wires typically signify “hot” wires—those that carry a higher voltage of electricity. Green wires are often grounded wires, which are used to protect against electric shock, while bare copper wires are used to connect large appliances, such as air conditioners, to the power source.

No matter where you live, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local electric wire color codes before attempting any DIY electrical projects. Familiarizing yourself with the colors is the best way to ensure that your wiring system is safe and compliant with the necessary regulations. That being said, it’s also important to note that you should never attempt an electrical project if you’re not already well-versed in the safety protocols that accompany it. In such cases, it’s far safer to leave the work to a licensed professional.

Electrical Wiring Color Coding System