What is the IEC 60445 color code and identification?

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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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IEC 60445 Color Code and Identification

IEC 60445 is a standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the color code for the identification of conductors in electrical installations. It ensures safety by making it easier to identify cables and their functions, minimizing the risk of mistakes during installation or maintenance.

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Key Elements of IEC 60445

IEC 60445 defines a uniform color code for identifying the following conductors:

• Live (Phase) Conductors: Carry current from the power source.
• Neutral Conductors: Provide the return path for current.
• Protective Earth (PE) Conductors: Ensure safety by preventing electrical shocks.
• Function Conductors: Additional colors for control or communication cables in complex installations.

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Color Code for Electrical Wiring (IEC 60445)

1. Live (Phase) Conductors: 
   - Brown: For single-phase systems. 
   - Black: For the second live conductor in multi-phase systems. 
   - Gray: For the third live conductor in multi-phase systems.

2. Neutral Conductors: 
   - Blue: For neutral conductors.

3. Protective Earth (PE) Conductors: 
   - Green/Yellow Stripes: For earth/ground conductors.

4. Function Conductors (Optional): 
   - Other colors such as red, orange, or purple may be used for control circuits or other functions.

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IEC 60445 Color Code Summary

| Conductor Type       | Color Code (IEC 60445)       |
|----------------------|------------------------------|
| Live (Phase)         | Brown, Black, Gray           |
| Neutral              | Blue                         |
| Protective Earth (PE)| Green with Yellow Stripes   |
| Function (Optional)  | Red, Orange, Purple, etc.    |

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Importance of IEC 60445 Standard

1. Safety: Ensures wires are easily identifiable, reducing electrical accidents.
2. Standardization: Provides a globally accepted color coding system.
3. Compliance: Ensures compliance with international electrical standards.

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Example of Application

In a residential installation:

- Live (Phase) Conductors: Brown for the first phase, Black for the second phase, Gray for the third phase (if applicable).
- Neutral: Blue.
- Earth/Ground: Green and Yellow striped wire.

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Note on Exceptions

Local regulations may have variations, but IEC 60445 is the internationally recognized standard. Always verify the specific requirements for your region.