How do you differentiate electrical cables by their color?
The colors of cables are not merely for aesthetic purposes; each color can indicate a specific use. For this reason, it is also recommended to use electrical tape of the same color for safety.
Cable Components
Conductor: This element conducts electric current and can be made from various metallic materials, with copper being the most commonly used. Similarly, it can be formed by one or more strands of this material.
Insulation: This is the coating that surrounds the electrical conductor to prevent electric current from flowing outside it and causing harm to anyone who uses or manipulates it.
Filler Layer: This is an insulating material wrapped around the electrical conductors to maintain a uniform and stable circular cross-section of the assembly.
Sheath: This is made of materials that mechanically protect the cable. Its function is to protect the insulation of the electrical conductors from the effects of temperature, sun, rain, and so on.
What Cable Colors Mean
Green and Yellow - Also called the "ground" conductor; it will carry electricity to the circuit breaker panel, to a rod buried in the ground. This is to prevent electricity from passing through a person. In the past, grey or white cables were used, but to avoid confusion, this more striking two-colored cable began to be used. These conductors are not branded.
Blue: This is the neutral. Until 1970, red was used. Its designation is N.
Brown / Black / Red: This is the phase cable, although it can also be grey to identify the phase in a local installation. It is designated as L.
Conduits
Inside an electrical conduit, we may find simple two-channel cables, or cables of different colors. If the two channels (positive and negative, allowing electricity to circulate) have the same color, this arrangement is unclear. For example, if you want to extend the electrical cable for a lamp, you will see that it does not have a color classification. This means that which position is positive and which is negative is unclear.
A cable should have two channels, one positive and one negative. Electricity "enters" through one channel and "exits" through the other. Therefore, these two channels must be connected in every installation, rather than just one.
You may find a third wire in the conduit that appears to have no function. It is likely a discharge or grounding cable that allows electricity to circulate in the event of accidental contact. Lightning rods, for example: have a channel that traps electricity and releases it to the ground, preventing condensation in the house. Grounding serves the same purpose.
Prevention
When we need to repair a switch, change an outlet, or perform electrical installations in our home network, it is best to hire a specialized professional to avoid unnecessary risks and thus ensure a good job. In any case, if you prefer to do the task yourself, we recommend taking appropriate preventive measures beforehand, keeping in mind the cable color code to avoid making mistakes.
When working with electrical materials and installations, it is always best to do so with plenty of sunlight and flashlights at hand, if it is at night. This will allow you to have more visibility and avoid accidents. Remember that the tools you use should have rubber coating.
The first thing is to cut off the general power supply by lowering the circuit breaker switches.
Use gloves and protective gear when handling electrical cables: remember that static electricity can also harm you. Wear shoes with rubber soles if possible.
It is important to use electrical tape as desired to cover exposed wires. Electrical tape is an important element when performing or repairing electrical installations, as it allows us to insulate electrical cables to avoid short circuits. This tape is very flexible and very safe. The only precaution to take is that after a while this tape tends to dry out and harden, so it is advisable to replace it.