To Learn More, Here Are 6 Most Used Colored Electrical Wires in Commercial Settings

1. Black
   Black wires are hot wires with an electric current flowing through them. They are commonly used for carrying the current to the outlet from the power source. You should be careful when dealing with them because they are not considered neutral or grounding wires. Since they are always being used to transfer power, they should be regarded as live wires at all times. 
   
   
2. Red
   Red wires are hot wires, which are the only wires that can be interconnected. They carry 220-volt circuits, which means dealing with them can be as dangerous as the black wires. They are usually used when installing smoke detectors, ceiling fans, and other lighting fixtures. Therefore, make sure you practice safe handling on your own or consider seeking help from licensed electricians to ensure safety. 
   
   
3. Green
   Green wires are known as grounding wires. They serve as a preventive measure when connected to a grounding outlet box. You can use them to make sure it grounds out if another colored wire comes into contact with metal or conductive materials that can carry electricity. Keep in mind that they must never connect with any other color wire, so they should always be used by themselves. 
   
   
4. Gray and white
   Gray and white electrical wires are best known as neutral wiring. Gray wires are commonly found in commercial properties, while white wires are typically used in residential buildings. These wires can only be connected, but further inspections by professional electricians are needed, especially if you intend to interchange them.
   
   Although gray and white wires are commonly neutral wiring, meaning they can still carry a current. Remember that the wire is no longer neutral and is already a hot wire if you see a white wire marked with red or black. Therefore, continue to exercise caution when dealing with white wires.
   
   
5. Blue and yellow
   Blue and yellow wires are known as travelers because they conduct the current between poles and switches. Blue wires are used through traveler systems for three-way and four-way switches, while yellow wires act as switch legs to light switches, ceiling fans, and other structural lighting areas. They are also commonly found in the conduits of commercial establishments. If you decide to use them for your commercial property, seek help from experienced commercial electrical contractors.
   
   
6. Other colored wires
   The colors listed above are the most commonly used ones in electrical wiring, but there are other colors. As long as you know the basics of these main seven colors and practice safe handling at all times, you have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if you have to deal with other colored wires, you must ask for professional help.

Conclusion

When dealing with electrical wiring, you have to prioritize safety because while they may look like little wires, they can cause severe injuries and costly property damage. Therefore, it’s essential to remember the commonly used wire colors and their specific uses. Meanwhile, contact electricians near you for assistance if you aren’t confident enough to deal with the wires independently.

If you need electrical maintenance and repair, hire trained electricians from B Town Electric. We are OSHA-10-certified and have over 40 years of experience serving Western Massachusetts, so you are assured we can address your electrical needs. Get a free quote today!