ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades British colour code

The machine must have been intended for the North American market, as the colour code you describe has never been used in the UK.
However black, white & green are the standard colours used for single phase 120V applications in the US.
Since the early 1970's all single phase appliances sold in the UK have the standard international code: brown (phase), blue (neutral) & green/yellow (earth).