24.02.2004
Changes to the cable colours in fixed electrical installations have been confirmed by a recent meeting of the National Committee for Electrical Installations(JPEL/64). These changes will be detailed in the publication of Amendment No 2 to BS 7671 : 2001,
For single-phase supplies (such as those in most domestic premises), there will be a change from the existing colours of red (phase) and black (neutral). This change will align the electrical installation wiring colours with those already existing for flexible cables of appliances and equipment. For three-phase supplies, there will be a change from the existing phase colours of red, yellow and blue with a black neutral to phase conductors coloured brown, black and grey. Blue will be used for the neutral conductor.
There will be a two-year overlap period during which cables in the old colours or new colours, but not both, will be able to be used. After 31 March 2006, only installations using the new colour coding will conform to BS 7671.
It is intended that Amendment No 2 and the updated BS 7671 : 2001, Requirements for Electrical Installations (the ‘IEE Wiring Regulations’), will be published on 31 March 2004, permitting cables with the new colours to be used from that date. This amendment will also introduce a new appendix, providing guidance on connecting alterations and additions that are wired in the new colours to electrical installations that have been wired in the old colours.
The British Electrotechnical Committee has set up a special committee, L/12, to bring these changes to the attention of the public and the professional trades. Copies of the text of the amendment will be available for downloading free of charge at www.iee.org/technical from 31 March 2004. A consolidated edition of BS 7671 incorporating the amendment will be available from the same date from the IEE and BSI.
Further information on the changes to the cable colours can be obtained from: www.iee.org/cablecolours
To contact the IEE click here
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