What are the color codes and pin connections for the wires in electrical extension cords?

Answer 1

In a cord or flex for a small electrical appliance there is always a "Hot" or "Live wire, a "Neutral" wire and maybe also a "Ground" or "Earth" wire.

The "Hot" or "Live" wire is colored:

* Black in the US, Canada and other countries using a similar 60 Hz household AC power system.

* Brown in Europe and other countries using a similar 50 Hz household AC

power system.

The "Neutral wire is colored:

* White in the US, Canada and other countries using a similar 60 Hz household AC power system.

* Blue in Europe and other countries using a similar 50 Hz household AC power

system.

The "Grounding" or "Earth" wire is colored:

* Green in a cord or flex in the US, Canada and other countries using a similar 60 Hz household AC power system.

* Green and Yellow in Europe and other countries using a similar 50 Hz household AC power system.

For more information see the answers to the Related Questions shown below.

Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.

If you are constructing an extension cord make sure that the ends go on the right end of the cable. Match the wire end when looking at it, to the proper pin configuration of the plug. Looking at the plug from the blade side directly on you should see a larger blade (silver) on the right, smaller (brass) blade on the left and a U shaped ground blade on the bottom. The white wire connects under the right (silver) coloured screw, the black wire connects under the left (brass) coloured screw and the green wire under the green ground screw. Looking at the end of the cable it should be matched to this configuration. If it doesn't, look at the other end of the cable. No wires should cross when connecting to the blades on the plug, if they do you have the wrong end of the cable.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.