Understanding Color Coded Electrical Wire

You've probably noticed anytime you have spotted electrical wire coming out of a fixture that the wires are different colors. You may even realize that each color means something specific to the box or fixture it is wired to.

There is a standard color scheme, and while it is not the same for each country, the standard in the United States serves throughout the country so you can depend on understanding one color coded standard to explain what each color stands for, regardless of the fixture. In this article, we'll examine what the different color wires mean so you will be able to recognize them at a glance the first time you spot them in an appliance or receptacle.

Also, it is important that you also follow this code so that someone who may come behind you won't get injured thinking a hot wire is a neutral one.

Black wires are recognized as being hot wires.

You may see them behind a switch or in an electrical outlet. While other colors are sometimes used as neutral wires, black never is so if you see a black wire, rest assured it is a hot wire. Red, blue, and yellow wires are also hot wires.

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