Important changes to the colours in electric cables


8 April 2003


The Joint IEE/British Standards Institution (BSI) Technical Committee
(JPEL/64), representing both the engineering profession and industry, has
issued a draft for public comment proposing changes to the cable core colours
for fixed electrical installations.

The proposals, if accepted, mean that from April 2004, single-phase cables will
follow the same colours as are used today in flexible cords; brown (phase) and
blue (neutral). This will be a change from the existing colours of red (phase)
and black (neutral). For three-phase supplies, the three phases will have the
colours brown, black and grey. Blue will be used for the neutral conductor. The
green/yellow striped colour will continue to be used for the earth conductor in
both single and multi-phase applications. The existing colours will be phased
out over a two-year period ending April 2006.

In order to coordinate the necessary changes, the IEE, Europe’s largest
professional engineering body, and the British Electrotechnical Committee (BEC)
have formed a joint National Safety Umbrella Group (L/12).

The membership of the L12 committee includes the IEE, the Heath and Safety
Executive (HSE), designers, manufacturers and others with interests in the
safety of electrical workers and consumers. The Technical Committee, JPEL/64,
has already started preparing an amendment to the ‘IEE Wiring Regulations’
to accommodate these changes. Work has also begun on altering all the product
standards that make reference to identification by colours.

The L12 committee will work on a large-scale exercise to produce guidance to
installers of the changes of the core colours and on a large-scale public
awareness campaign.

The draft for public comment, number 03/302646 – cost £20, is available from
the BSI by ringing 020 8996 9000.