When you open up your electrical panel box, you will see a maze of wires that vary in colors. Your home’s electrical system is made of many types of wires that are represented by colors. For those who have ever wondered what each color means, Simon Electric LLC will take you on a tour of electrical code and wiring systems to better understand your home’s electrical system.
Electrical Wiring Color Code Standards
Before 2001, all electrical wiring had a single color jacket. White jackets were used until 2001. Afterward a color system was implemented to help both customers and inspectors identify the different wires. Both homes and commercial buildings use NM wires or Non Metallic wires, each varying in gauge and amps. There are five major wires used and each has their own color to make identifying the wires easier.
White Sheathing Wires: Cables or wires that have a white jacket or sheath, are 14 gauge wires. This type of wire is often used for 15 amp lines. These lines are most often used for lights and primary circuits such as outlets. However, white wires are now being used for 20 amp circuits as well.
Yellow Sheathed Electrical Wires: Yellow jacket cables are 12 gauge wires and are used for 20 amp circuits. Yellow wires are most often used for circuit lines that power heavy appliances like refrigerators, washing and drying machines, or other dedicate appliances. These will use 20 amp circuit lines.
Orange Jacket Electrical Wires: Orange colored wires are a higher or heavier gauge wire. The 10 gauge wire is used for handling 30 amp circuits, which is a very heavy load. They are often used for wiring, air conditioners, and water heaters.
Black Sheathed Wire Gauge: Black jacket wires are tricky. They are used for both 6 gauge and 8 gauge wires that are rated for 45 amp circuits. Black wires are able to handle up to 60 amps. However, they are not often seen in residential buildings. Items like ovens that use a lot of energy in a small period of time are often connected to black wire circuits due to the immediate energy needs of the appliance. If black wires or cables ever need to be replaced, beware of which gauge wiring you will need.
Gray Jacket Electrical Wire: When you see a gray cable it is not a separate cable, but one of the previous cables listed above. Gray sheath cables are cables that are going to be installed underground. The gray sheath helps protect the inner cables from water, sun, or oil damage. Gray cables are often the ground wires that run into a home or building from the many power lines.
Electrical Wiring Problems
This color code system is used to help make sure that wiring is done correctly and makes it much easier for an inspector to do their job. Electrical wiring systems can become confusing and if missed, wires can lead to electrical problems such as overloading a circuit which causes the circuit to trip. Another major concern is overheating a circuit due to the wrong gauge wire. Overheating can lead to electrical fires which is why it is important that the electrical wiring is done perfectly.
Residential & Commercial Electrical Wiring Work & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
If your home wiring requires repair, inspection, or replacement, contact Simon Electric LLC for all of your commercial or residential electrical needs.
