Conductor Colour Identification Code (IEC 60445)

Internationally harmonised colour coding under IEC 60445 for identifying conductors in fixed installations: the neutral conductor (N) is blue, the protective conductor (PE) is yellow/green (no other conductor may carry this colour combination), and live phase conductors in fixed wiring are typically brown, black and grey (L1, L2, L3), although the standard itself does not mandate a specific colour per phase as long as consistent distinction is maintained. A combined PEN conductor is coloured yellow/green with a blue marking overlaid (or vice versa) to prevent confusion with a pure PE or N conductor. This coding is mandatory for fixed wiring within the EU and forms the basis for safe, unambiguous identification of conductors during connection, inspection and repair work.