What is the IEC 60204-1 cable color code and identification ?

IEC 60204-1 Identi fication by colour

Where colour-coding is used for identi fication of conductors (other than the protective
conductor (see 1 3. 2.2) and the neutral conductor (see 1 3.2.3)), the fol lowing colours may be
used:
BLACK, BROWN, RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE (including LIGHT BLUE),
VIOLET, GREY, WHITE, PINK, TURQUOISE.
NOTE Th i s l i st of colou rs i s derived from IEC 60757.
I t is recommended that, where colour is used for identi fication, the colour be used throughout
the length of the conductor ei ther by the colour of the insulation or by colour markers at
regular intervals and at the ends or accessible location.
For safety reasons, the colour GREEN or the colour YELLOW should not be used where there
is a possibi l i ty of confusion wi th the bicolour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW (see 1 3.2.2).
Colour identi fication using combinations of those colours l isted above may be used provided
there can be no confusion and that GREEN or YELLOW is not used except in the bicolour
combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
Where colour-coding is used for identi fication of conductors, i t is recommended that they be
colour-coded as fol lows:
– BLACK: AC and DC power ci rcui ts;
– RED: AC control ci rcui ts;
– BLUE: DC control ci rcui ts;
– ORANGE: excepted ci rcui ts in accordance wi th 5. 3.5.
Exceptions to the above are permi tted where insulation is not avai lable in the colours
recommended (for example in mul ticonductor cables).



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1. Protective Conductor (PE)
Color: Green and Yellow (striped) 
Purpose: Earth or grounding connection to protect against electric shock. 
Requirement: The green-and-yellow combination must be continuous over the entire length of the conductor.

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2. Neutral Conductor (N)
Color: Light Blue 
Purpose: Used as the return path for current in AC systems. 
Note: The light blue color should not be used for other conductors to avoid confusion.

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3. Phase Conductors (L1, L2, L3)
Colors: Black, Brown, and Grey 
Purpose: For live conductors in three-phase systems. 
Recommendation:

• L1: Black
• L2: Brown
• L3: Grey

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4. Control Circuit Conductors
Colors:

• AC Circuits: Red
• DC Circuits: Blue

Purpose: For conductors in control circuits to distinguish between AC and DC systems.

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5. Functional Earth (FE)
Color: Pink or Orange (may vary) 
Purpose: Used for purposes other than safety (e.g., electromagnetic compatibility or signal grounding). 
Note: Must not be confused with the protective earth (PE).

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6. Other Identifications
- Conductors with specific functions may require numbering or labeling in addition to color coding for enhanced identification.
- Multicore cables often include a core number printed on individual conductors for clarity.

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7. Applications of Color Codes

• Safety: Ensures quick and accurate identification of conductors to prevent wiring errors and hazards.
• Standardization: Provides a consistent approach for wiring across industrial machinery worldwide.
• Ease of Maintenance: Simplifies troubleshooting and repair by clearly identifying conductor roles.

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8. Deviations and Regional Variations
While IEC 60204-1 provides a standard guideline, some regional standards (like IEC 60446 or national codes) may differ slightly in specific applications. Always verify compatibility with local regulations.

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9. Conclusion
The **IEC 60204-1 cable color code** is essential for the safe and efficient operation of industrial machinery. By adhering to these standards, engineers and electricians ensure compliance, safety, and ease of maintenance.

Key Points:

• Protective Earth (PE): Green and Yellow
• Neutral (N): Light Blue
• Phase Conductors (L1, L2, L3): Black, Brown, Grey
• Control Circuits: Red (AC), Blue (DC)