When you reveal the wires of a light fixture or control box, you will likely encounter a fair amount of wires of different colors. Clearly, the colors are meant to indicate something, and as a homeowner without electrical experience, it can be quite intimidating. If you plan to attempt the installation of a new light fixture or outlet yourself, it is critical to know what each electrical wiring color means so that you can do the job safely and protect your home’s electrical system.
It’s important to note that there are two types of colored covering: the color of the cable sheathing, which binds all the wires together, and the individual wires’ colors.
Cable Sheathing: The cable’s outer sheathing will have a specific electrical wiring color based on what that bundle’s wire gauge and recommended amperage are. White indicates 14-gauge wire, which is suitable for most lighting circuits that are 15 amps. Yellow is for 12-gauge bundles that handle 20 amp circuits– good for outlets used primarily for plugging in appliances. Orange cable sheathing indicates 10-gauge wire for 30 amp circuits, used for larger appliances like a water heater and air conditioner. Finally, black can indicate either 6 or 8 gauge wire. These are for the largest appliances like your electric range, but you need to carefully check to make sure you’re buying the correct wire for your project since each gauge handles different amps.
Wire Sheathing: Inside each cable bundle are individual wires, and each of these also has a color that tells you their function: hot, neutral, or ground.
- Black: Insulation that is black is the most common color used for hot wires. These carry electricity from the source to the fixture or outlet. You should never attempt to use a black wire as a neutral or ground wire.
- Red: Red insulation is also used to indicate hot wires. Usually, red-coated hot wires are secondary. You see them often present in kits for 240-volt fixtures. They are also used to link all of the hardwired smoke alarms in your house so that when one is tripped, the live red wires send a signal to the others to trip them as well.
- White or Grey Wires: White wires can be confusing, so it’s important to take a close look at them. In some cases, white wires will have red or black markings or electrical tape on them – in this case, the wire is meant to be used as a hot wire. If they are solid white without any other markings, they are neutral. Grey wires are also usually neutral. Note: “neutral” does not mean “without power.” Rather, neutral wires carry electricity from the fixture back to the power source. Hotwires are like arteries that carry blood from the heart to your organs, while neutral wires are like veins that carry used blood back to the heart.
- Green: Wires covered in green insulation are used as ground wires. They safely conduct electricity into a metal screw if there is a fault with the circuit.
- Copper: Bare copper wires are also ground wires. They should be wrapped around the designated screw, or other area meant to help ground the circuit.
Electricity is no joke, and electrical wiring should be dealt with carefully. Those looking to perform any electrical job at their home – large or small – should have the experience necessary to keep themselves safe. If you have any questions or hesitation at all, call a local Sarasota electrician to help.
Promise Electric serves residential and commercial clients throughout the Sarasota area.
