Electrical Wire Colours & Colour Code for Australia
Brought to you by Eleco Electrical & Data – Trusted Electricians in VIC
Understanding electrical wire colour codes is essential for anyone working with electricity — whether you’re a licensed electrician, a homeowner tackling a renovation, or managing commercial property upgrades.
In Australia, wire colours follow strict standards for safety, regulation compliance, and to help identify live, neutral, and earth conductors. At Eleco Electrical & Data, we pride ourselves on delivering clear, safe, and compliant electrical solutions across VIC.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about electrical wire colours in Australia — from active wires to three-phase connections and everything in between.
Why Are Electrical Wire Colour Codes Important?
Colour coding in electrical wiring isn’t just a convenience — it’s a mandatory standard outlined in AS/NZS 3000 (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules). These wire colour codes help:
- Identify each wire’s purpose (live, neutral, earth)
- Ensure safe electrical work and future maintenance
- Prevent electric shocks, short circuits and fire hazards
- Meet compliance and inspection requirements
At Eleco Electrical & Data, we use approved cable colour coding in every job we do — from power socket replacements to full switchboard upgrades.
Standard Electrical Wire Colours in Australia (Post-2000)
All new installations and renovations must follow Australia’s updated wiring colours. This standard applies to homes, businesses, construction sites, and public infrastructure.
| Function | Colour Code (Current) |
|---|---|
| Active (Live) | Brown |
| Neutral | Blue |
| Earth (Ground) | Green / Yellow Stripe |
These colours apply to all standard 240V single-phase electrical systems used in lighting, power outlets, appliances, and more.
Old Electrical Wiring Colours in Australia (Pre-2000)
Many older homes and buildings in Australia still use outdated electrical cable colours. If your property hasn’t had a recent rewire, you may see the following:
| Function | Old Colour Code |
|---|---|
| Active (Live) | Red |
| Neutral | Black |
| Earth (Ground) | Green |
⚠️ Safety Tip: Old wiring can become brittle, frayed, or non-compliant over time. If you’re renovating or unsure about your current wiring, call Eleco Electrical & Data for a professional inspection or rewire service.
Three-Phase Electrical Wire Colours in Australia
Three-phase systems are commonly used in commercial, industrial, and high-load residential settings across VIC. These systems carry more power and have a different wire colour coding:
Current Three-Phase Colour Code (Post-2000)
| Function | Colour |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 (L1) | Brown |
| Phase 2 (L2) | Black |
| Phase 3 (L3) | Grey |
| Neutral | Blue |
| Earth (Ground) | Green/Yellow |
Old Three-Phase Colour Code (Pre-2000)
| Function | Colour |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 (L1) | Red |
| Phase 2 (L2) | White |
| Phase 3 (L3) | Blue |
| Neutral | Black |
| Earth (Ground) | Green |
If you’re unsure about your three-phase setup or need an upgrade to meet Australian standards, Eleco Electrical & Data can inspect and modernise your system safely.
240V Wiring Colour Codes for Australia
The standard for Australian homes and businesses is 240V single-phase wiring. It follows the updated colour coding:
- Active (Live): Brown
- Neutral: Blue
- Earth: Green/Yellow
This applies to appliances, power points, lighting, ovens, and more. At Eleco, we install and upgrade all 240V wiring in compliance with AS/NZS standards.
Plug Wiring & Power Socket Colour Coding
Australian Power Plug Wiring (Three-Pin Plug)
In Australia, power plugs follow this configuration:
- Active (Live) – Brown (left pin)
- Neutral – Blue (right pin)
- Earth – Green/Yellow (top pin)
This applies to all 10A and 15A power plugs used in domestic and commercial applications. Whether you’re wiring a kitchen appliance or a data rack, Eleco Electrical & Data ensures safe and precise plug installations.
Common Wiring Issues in VIC Properties
✅ Outdated wiring still using red/black cables
✅ No earthing or faulty earth wires
✅ Exposed, frayed, or damaged insulation
✅ Confusing or mixed wiring colours
✅ Illegal or DIY wiring done without a licensed electrician
If you’re experiencing any of these, contact our licensed team for a safe and compliant fix.
FAQs – High Volume Electrical Questions in Australia
1. What is the colour of the neutral wire in Australia?
The neutral wire is blue in modern wiring. In older systems, it may be black.
2. What colour is the live wire in Australia?
The live (or active) wire is brown. In older homes, it was red.
3. What colour is the earth wire in Australia?
Green and yellow striped in new wiring. It was solid green in older setups.
4. What are the three-phase wiring colours in Australia?
Brown (L1), Black (L2), Grey (L3), Blue (Neutral), and Green/Yellow (Earth).
5. What if my wires are different colours?
If your wiring doesn’t match the standard, it’s likely outdated. Call Eleco Electrical & Data to inspect or rewire safely.
6. Can I wire my own plug or switch in Australia?
Minor electrical work like replacing a plug can be DIY, but all fixed wiring must be completed by a licensed electrician under VIC laws.
Need Help with Wiring? Call Eleco Electrical & Data
Whether it’s a switchboard upgrade, appliance wiring, or a full rewire, Eleco Electrical & Data delivers safe, fully compliant electrical services across Melbourne
📍 Based in VIC | ⚡ Licensed & Insured | 📞 Call Today for a Free Quote
Let our team of qualified electricians handle your wiring projects with expert care and attention to detail.
