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American control panel wiring standards 2

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kiero

Industrial
Jul 30, 2004
1
Hello all. I work for a system integrator based in worcester, england. Would anyone be able to tell me the american colour codes for cables in control panels. We have standard colour coding for control panels and if anyone would like info just ask.
 
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I recommend you get a copy of NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery, from It has color codes listed in it, along with a lot of other useful information for U.S.-installed equipment. It's around $39 US.

xnuke

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Few standards exist. Different practices are common among different industries. If you describe your specific issue I may be able to comment better.

The last time I searched the National Electrical Code regarding color code the results include green for ground; natural gray and white for neutral. Some other colors are associated with three-phase power in isolated circuits within hospitals.

Orange is used for isolated duplex outlets.

Blue is common for intrinsically safe circuits.

It is common for 24 VDC 4-20 mA loops to use black and white pairs, typically with 24 VDC source on the black wire. Black and red is also used.

Many like to match the colors for 3-wire RTDs with triple conductor cables. This is not always done as black, white red is a common cable for black, white, white RTD.

I hope that this helps a little.

John
 
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