Question

(ii) What are the usual colours of the following insulations of the electric supply wires?

Hint:

Always follow the correct wire colour codes to avoid accidents. For example, never connect the live wire to the earth wire, as this could lead to a short circuit.

Answer 1

The insulation colours of electrical supply wires are standardized to ensure that the different wires in an electrical circuit are easily identifiable, and to reduce the risk of electrical accidents. The usual colours are: 1. Live Wire: The live wire is usually coloured Brown or Red. The live wire carries the alternating current (AC) from the power supply to the appliance. The current in the live wire fluctuates between positive and negative voltage. 2. Neutral Wire: The neutral wire is typically coloured Blue. The neutral wire provides the return path for the current back to the power supply. It completes the circuit and allows current to flow through the load (appliance). 3. Earth Wire: The earth wire is coloured Green or Yellow with Green stripes. The earth wire serves as a safety feature by providing a path for electric current to flow into the ground in the event of a fault. If a fault causes the appliance's metal body to become live, the earth wire directs the current away from the user, preventing electric shock. These colour codes are used globally to prevent confusion during electrical installations and maintenance. It ensures that anyone working with the electrical system can easily identify the purpose of each wire, minimizing the risk of improper connections and ensuring the safety of both the appliances and the users.