Question

What is the color code for insulation on the (a) live (b) neutral (c) earth wire?

Answer 1

Hint: All three wires serve different purposes. Live wires carry electricity from source to the electrical appliances. Neutral wire carries electricity from electrical appliances to the source back. Earth wire provides a path back to the source when there is an electrical fault to prevent the possibility of electrocuting the person. Color code for insulation is common all over the world. This makes it easier for everyone to identify the circuit and also provides safety.

Complete answer:
According to older international conventions
a. Live wire was red in color
b. Neutral wire was black in color
c. Earth wire was green in color

According to the new international conventions
a. Live wire is brown in color
b. Neutral wire is in light blue
c. Earth wire is yellow or green in color

Additional Information:
For a single-phase AC, red, black and green color codes are used where red stands for live, black for neutral and green for earth. For three phase AC, red, yellow and blue are for lines or phases while black is for neutral. For DC, red and black color codes are used where red is positive and black is negative. Green is reserved for earthing or earth wires in all the cases.

Note:
Students should not get confused between the older and newer color code conventions. Different types and sizes of wire are designed for different purposes. If you know the right type of wire to use then you can ensure that the place is safely wired. It is important for everyone to know the color codes just in case you are changing the plug or performing simple electrical tasks which involve the old wires.