What are the color codes for electrical wiring in residential installations?

In residential electrical installations, the standard color codes for wiring are critical for ensuring safety and proper function of electrical systems. The correct color codes include black for hot wires, white for neutral wires, and green or bare for ground wires.

Black wires carry the electrical current, making them hot and capable of delivering power to the electrical devices connected to them. White wires serve as neutral conductors, completing the electrical circuit by returning current to the electrical panel. Green or bare wires are designated as ground wires, which play a vital role in directing any stray electrical current safely into the ground, thereby protecting against electrical shocks and short circuits.

This standardized color coding is designed to create uniformity across installations, allowing electricians and homeowners to easily identify the purpose of each wire during installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks, thereby enhancing safety and compliance with electrical codes.