Colour coding makes electrical work safer. Anyone who opens a switchboard later can quickly see which wire is live, which is neutral and which is earth.
Colours commonly used in Indian homes
| Wire | Common colour |
|---|---|
| Phase (live) – single phase | Red |
| Phases – three phase | Red, Yellow, Blue |
| Neutral | Black |
| Earth | Green (or green-yellow) |
Newer international practice uses brown/black/grey for phases, blue for neutral and green-yellow for earth, and some projects follow it. Whatever system you use, use it the same way throughout the building and follow your electrician and the latest wiring code.
Buying tip
For a typical home, plan separate coils for phase, neutral and earth in each size you need. Buying all wires in one colour to save money makes future repairs confusing and unsafe.
Kanak house wires are available in red, yellow, blue, black and green in every common size.