Power Wiring - Color Codes

Color codes used in power wiring for 120/240 Volt and 277/480 Volt systems

Typical Power Wiring Color Codes

120/240 Volt

Wire TypeColorPurpose
Phase 1BlackPower
Phase 2RedPower
Phase 3BluePower
NeutralWhite or 3 white stripesReturn path
GroundGreenSafety ground

277/480 Volt

Wire TypeColorPurpose
Phase 1BrownPower
Phase 2OrangePower
Phase 3YellowPower
NeutralGray or 2 white stripesReturn path
GroundGreen with yellow stripeSafety ground
Voltage SystemWire TypeColorPurpose
120/240VPhase 1BlackPower
120/240VPhase 2RedPower
120/240VPhase 3BluePower
120/240VNeutralWhite or 3 white stripesReturn path
120/240VGroundGreenSafety ground
277/480VPhase 1BrownPower
277/480VPhase 2OrangePower
277/480VPhase 3YellowPower
277/480VNeutralGray or 2 white stripesReturn path
277/480VGroundGreen with yellow stripeSafety ground