Cable colour code context

Colour-identification record context for Australian active, neutral and earth conductor notes.

  • Protection and testing · Terminology
  • High-sensitivity table
  • Last checked 13 July 2026

Cable colour context for Australian identification

Help record conductor-identification context without replacing inspection, tracing or current wiring-rule requirements.

Cable colour context
Record areaContextUsed withBoundary
Active conductorRecord the phase or active label shown by the project and verification process.Phase balancing, circuit recordsDo not rely on colour alone where tracing or testing is required.
Neutral conductorRecord neutral identification where it affects test or load records.Supply and circuit recordsNeutral treatment depends on the installation context.
Earth or protective conductorRecord earth identification beside continuity and loop records.Earthing and verification recordsIdentification is not proof of continuity or suitability.
Phase markingRecord L1, L2 and L3 labels where three-phase work is involved.Phase balancing and motor recordsPhase sequence and labels need project verification.
Legacy or altered wiringFlag where colours, labels or site history need extra review.Verification recordsCurrent competent inspection controls interpretation.
  • Use this table as a record-context aid only.
  • Colour identification must be checked against current rules, site labelling and licensed verification.

Where colour context needs caution

Use the colour notes as identification context only, then verify the actual conductor function by inspection, testing and project records.

Limits of colour-code context
ItemValue
PurposeHelp record conductor-identification context without replacing inspection, tracing or current wiring-rule requirements.
How to use the sourceNot formula-backed; this is a conductor-identification record table.
Standards and project contextAS/NZS 3000 colour-identification context noted for project review; verify current rules and site conditions.
Where judgement is still neededUse this table for lookup, labelling or worksheet context; do not treat it as a project-specific calculation result.
Before relying on itConfirm current standards, local authority requirements, DNSP conditions, project documents and manufacturer data before relying on a decision.

Standards basis for cable colour context

Keep the standards context, checked date and installation scope visible when colour labels are discussed.

Cable colour context source basis
ItemValue
SourceAUWiring Australian conductor-term records and AS/NZS 3000 colour-identification context.
Source typeAUWiring field model with standards context
Derivation basisAUWiring record-context table; controlled colour-code requirements and inspection procedures are not reproduced.
Last checked2026-07-13
Review intervalAnnual or when conductor terminology, verification wording or standards context changes.
Review triggerStandards update, verification-record change, terminology change or project feedback.
Version usedR20-2026-07-13
Australian applicationAustralia; existing installations, site labelling, project documents and licensed verification govern final identification.