Electrical cable colors: how to differentiate one cable from another

1 What types of cables exist?

To understand the colors of electrical cables, we must first know what types of cables exist. They are not few! Therefore, to facilitate, then we will detail only those that are intertwined with our daily activities, from loading devices to lighting the light of a room.

1. Cables of power

   The power supply cables are the backbone of our daily electrical connections. It is that, we can find them in appliances, computers and virtually any device that requires energy.

2. USB and HDMI cables: joining devices on the palm of your hand

   Have you ever wondered how your electronic devices communicate with each other? Here the USB cables come into play. These cables not only serve to load your phone, but also facilitate the transfer of data between your computer and other devices, such as cameras and printers. The HDMI, on the other hand, transmit audio and video with great clarity.

3. Network cables (Ethernet): sailing the connected network

   While much of our daily life is in the cloud, network cables (Ethernet) remain fundamental for a quick and stable internet connection. Whether at home or in the office, these cables keep us connected to the vast digital world that we explore day by day.

2 How to differentiate a cable from another?

Obviously, the colors of electrical cables are the most important factor describing its difference. We refer to the most important factor because there are others, such as brand, length or shape, which can also help you differentiate your functions.

However, the color of electrical cables is a visual tool so effective that it has become an essential part of electrical standards, contributing significantly to the efficiency and reliability of electrical connections not only in Spain, but in the world.

As we have already said, in the kingdom of cables, colors are key. The color of the electrical cables is so important that, even, they follow a standardized color code to indicate its function. Knowing this code and unraveling the meaning behind each nuance provides you with instant clues about the purpose of a cable. Are we for it?

3 Electrical wiring color code in Spain

In Spain, as in many other places in the world, a standardized electrical wiring code is followed, which provides a clear guide on the function of each cable and ensures safe and conforming electrical installations.

The electrical wiring color code in Spain is not only an aesthetic convention, but an essential tool for electrical professionals and any person interacting with electrical systems.

Next, we list the most popular electrical wiring colors in Spain along with its most common function and use. Before, we would like to tell you that you do not worry if within the function they see words like "phase" "neutral" or "land", in the next section we will sink into them:

• Brown:

  • Function: Represents the phase current.
  • Common use: phase cable in power supply systems.

• Blue:

  • Function: Indicates the neutral driver.
  • Common use: complete the electrical circuit in feeding systems.

• Green with yellow:

  • Function: It is used for grounding.
  • Common use: provides a safe path for leakage currents and protection against electric shocks.

• White or gray:

  • Function: commonly used for data cables or telephone lines.
  • Common use: Communication and data transmission connections.

• Orange:

  • Function: You can indicate data lines or telecommunications connections.
  • Common use: used in communication systems.

• Yellow:

  • Function: Often used in security systems or networks.
  • Common use: Specific connections in security systems and networks.

It is interesting to add once again that the adhesion to this color code contributes to safety and efficiency in residential, commercial and industrial electrical installations in Spain.

4 Take ground, phase and neutral

Have you seen the words "neutral", "phase" and "land"? Don't be scared! We will try to explain it in a little technical way so that you understand why it is so important to know the color of the electrical cables and their function.

The first thing you should know is that, so that everything works without exploit and without electrical accidents of any kind, three electrical cables are necessary: ​​the grounding, the phase and the neutral.

The grounding is like the emergency escape of electricity. If something goes wrong and there is a rebel current, the grounding is responsible for sending it directly to the ground. Thus, instead of giving you a cramp, electricity is going to walk outdoors.

Now, the phase is the active part, like gasoline for your car. It is the spark that makes electricity set in motion. And at home, with the alternating current, the phase changes direction all the time, as an electric dancer at a continuous party.

The neutral is like the best friend of the phase. If the phase is the active part, the neutral is the one that keeps the balanced things. Together, they do the work of carrying and bringing electricity, making sure that everything works without dramas.

Then, in summary, the grounding avoids disasters, the phase is the spark that makes everything move, and the neutral is the reliable friend who maintains everything in balance. This is how your office, the streets and your house remain in electric tuning!

From energy transmission to data communication, electrical cable colors act as visual markers that guide professionals and guarantee the integrity of our connections. By understanding this electrical signal palette and its functions, we are better equipped for this news that connects us to an electrified world.