How do you differentiate electrical cables by their color?
Electrical cables are an essential part of any electrical system, safely and efficiently transmitting electrical current. However, to avoid connection errors and ensure safety, it's important to know how to identify electrical cables by their colors. Cable colors vary depending on their type and purpose, making it easier to identify each cable and determine its function within an electrical circuit. In this article, we'll discuss how to identify electrical cables and the importance of each color in avoiding accidents and ensuring safe connections.
Cable colors are not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing, but each color can also indicate a specific use, which is why it is also recommended to use an insulating tape of the same color, for protection.
Cable parts
Conductor: An element that conducts an electric current. It can be made from various metal materials, with copper being the most commonly used. Similarly, it can be formed from one or more strands of this material.
Insulation: The coating that surrounds an electrical conductor to prevent electrical current from circulating outside it and harming those who use or tamper with it.
Filler layer: An insulating material that wraps around the electrical conductors to keep the circular section of the assembly uniform and stable.
Sheathing: 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, etc.
What do cable colors mean?
Green and yellow - Also called the "ground" conductor, this conductor will carry electricity to the breaker panel, a rod buried in the ground. This prevents electricity from passing through the person. In the past, gray or white cables were used, but to avoid confusion, this more conspicuous two-color cable has been used. These conductors are not branded.
Blue: Neutral. Until 1970, red was used. Its designation is N.
Brown/Black/Red: This is the phase cable, although it can also be gray to identify the phase in a local installation. It is labeled L.
Canales
Inside an electrical conduit, we may find simple cables with two channels, or cables of different colors. If both channels (positive and negative, which allow electricity to circulate) are the same color, this is an unclear arrangement. For example, if you were to extend the electrical cable for a lamp, you would see that it has no color label. This means that one position is positive and the other negative is unclear.
The cable must have two channels, one positive and one negative. Electricity "enters" through one channel and "exits" through the other. Therefore, both of these channels must be connected in each installation, rather than just one.
You may find a third wire in the conduit that appears to have no function. This is likely the discharge or grounding cable, which allows electricity to circulate in the event of an accidental contact. Lightning rods, for example, have a conduit that traps electricity and releases it to the ground, preventing condensation in the home. Grounding serves the same purpose.
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When we need to repair a switch, replace an outlet, or make electrical installations in our home network, it's best to hire a professional to avoid unnecessary risks and ensure a quality job. In any case, if you prefer to undertake the task, we recommend taking appropriate precautions beforehand, taking into account the cable color code to avoid mistakes.
When working with electrical materials and fixtures, it's always best to do so with plenty of sunlight and flashlights handy, especially if it's at night. This will allow you to have better visibility and avoid accidents. Remember that the tools you use should have a rubber coating.
The first thing is to cut off the general passage of light, and lower the box switches.
Use gloves and protective clothing when handling electrical cables: Remember that static electricity can also harm you. Wear rubber-soled shoes if possible.
It's important to use insulating tape as needed to cover any loose wires. Insulating tape is an essential component when installing or repairing electrical installations, as it allows us to insulate electrical cables to prevent 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's recommended to replace it.
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