Home Wiring Colours Australia - Wiring Flow Schema

Home wiring colors in Australia can be confusing to the novice electrician. With a wide array of codes and regulations, it can be difficult to know what colors are standard for certain tasks. If you’re tackling electrical wiring in your home, it’s important to understand what colors are used for what kinds of wiring.

In Australia, the colors of the wires used in home wiring are based on the old British standard BS 7671. The codes aren't standardized across all countries, though, so if you’re working on wiring from another country, you should double check the colors being used. The colors in Australia are as follows.

Red is used for the live wire, which carries the electricity from the switchboard to the outlets and lights. The neutral wire, which carries electricity back to the switchboard, is usually black. White or grey is used for the earth wire, which provides a safe path for any excess current away from the device. Finally, blue is sometimes used for a switched live wire, which runs between the switch and the outlet to provide power when the switch is turned on.

It is important to make sure you adhere to the Australian standard when wiring in your home. If you are ever unsure, it is best to consult a qualified electrician who can advise you on the proper colors to use. Not doing so could risk your safety, as well as that of your family and your property. Familiarizing yourself with the right colors for home wiring in Australia could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

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