When laying the electrical network at home, an earthing cable is used. The functionality of this device is primarily to protect against electric shock to humans and pets, as well as to prevent damage to expensive equipment. With independent installation without assistance specialist, the question arises what color the ground wire should be. It is impossible to answer it unequivocally. Even highly qualified specialists have disagreements among themselves about this. In order for clarity and understanding to appear, it is necessary to understand the labeling as well as the colors of this product.
Content
- Features and color of electrical wires
- What brands of cables are suitable for grounding
- Properties and differences of wires
Features and color of electrical wires
Painting in a variety of colors is needed for ease of distinction conductors during the installation of a multicore cable. It can be noted that a couple of decades ago, color marking did not matter. Nowadays, most people adhere to the value of the wire in terms of color in everyday life.
There are cores in the cable, each of them has its own purpose and its own characteristic color. With the current variety of colors, it is easy and calm do work for installation. Coloring is a useful property to avoid dangerous and unnecessary mistakes. The state has established rules and regulations for labeling:
- The phase is indicated by a red, black, gray or brown tint.
- The zero conductor is identified in blue.
- The ground (ground wire) is highlighted in yellow-green color.
In addition to the color difference of the cable, there is also a marking indicated by letters:
- N - zero or middle conductor;
- PE - zero (protection);
- PEN - classic combination of wires, combined zero;
- L - phase conductor.
Periodically, three-core cables at home are laid from flat conductors of the same color, often they are made in white. With this type of use, the grounding will be the core passing in the middle. Manufacturers often designate conductor insulation grounding in yellow and green. It is also possible that the yellow-green color will be applied crosswise.
When doing repair work performed with your own hands, it is advisable to choose what color the wire will be grounding, and with a marker independently apply the selected color to the wiring for easy identification of cables in further. As an alternative to the marker, you can use silicone tubing of the desired color, which is sold in almost every electrician's store.
Having decided what color will be ground wire, it is necessary to select the material for the manufacture of the core. For grounding in a domestic environment using a stranded or solid wire, it is necessary to use copper conductors. The cross-section of the grounding cable is selected in accordance with the requirements of the home network.
What brands of cables are suitable for grounding
When choosing a suitable protective cable, you must first familiarize yourself with the type of earthing device that has already been installed on site. There are two types: stationary and portable. The first is used to protect electrical networks in production, for apartment buildings, as well as for buildings with a large area. In this case, NYM brand cable is commonly used. Sometimes, in order to reduce the cost, an analogue of the PPV brand is used. It is recommended to use NYM, PV3 or VVG brands of three-core wires for grounding in an apartment or for portable equipment.
Properties and differences of wires
The color of the ground wire is explained at the beginning of the article, then you need to familiarize yourself with the most popular brands of wires that are used in the installation of electrical networks.
NYM wiring is considered a good option for home installation. The alternating voltage can reach 0.66 kW, and the frequency reaches 50Hz. In addition to installing an electrical network, this wire can be used for lighting. Its peculiarity lies in a copper conductive core, this cable is an improved and more modern analogue of VVG. The advantages of this brand are resistance to fire hazard and increased elasticity in compliance with all technical characteristics when used for household needs.
PV3 cable, the base of which is made of a stranded copper core, is characterized by increased flexibility, resistant to external influences, has the ability to self-extinguish and has an affordable price.
The VVG power wire is made of copper material. The insulation is made of polyvinyl chloride of both the conductive core and its outer sheath. The VVG cable has several manufacturing options, with one core or stranded. The ground wire is made in the classic form, yellow-green.
When installing and repairing in a home or industrial environment, it is very important to use one the type of cable that complies with the specifications and regulations of the device electrical installations.
