On the subject of cables/wire

[pcatterall]

Are there general rules about colour coding for electrical devices.
recent experiences with my car and eberspacher have made me wonder.
The eber for instance uses brown for negative and (to the water pump) black and black and white to the positive. Blue seems to be commonly used for the diagnostic lead and red/white seems often to be positive but only when switched.
Are there any rules or is it every manufacturer for himself??
Even when you have a good diagram it would be useful to have an idea what the lead actually did.
Regards

 

[LadyInBed]

There are no rules as such.
I have a 12v and a 24v system, so I have used Red + and Black - (Gnd) on the 12v circuits and Brown + and Blue - (Gnd) on the 24v circuits.
A wiring diagram is essential IMO.
I have also drawn circuit diagrams.

 

[Salty John]

I'm sure there is a UK/European standard but I haven't seen it. The US (ABYC) standard is:
Green or Green stripe - Earth
Black or yellow - Negative conductor
Red - Positive
Yellow or yellow stripe - starting switch to solenoid
Brown with yellow stripe or yellow - Fuse or switch to blower. (note - if DC neg is brown then pos must be b with y stripe)
Dark grey - fuse or switch to light, tach sender to gauge
Brown - Armature to regulator, fuse or switch to pump
Orange - ammeter to alternator, distribution panel to accessory switch
Purple - Ignition switch to coil and instruments

 

[exfinnsailor]

If you use the same colour for everything it looks neat .. Nothing spoils a boat more than wiring in loads of different colours and sizes .. Besides that you got to leave the next owner something to puzzle over during the winter months .. Could confuse the FORUM though .. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
If you use the same colour for everything it looks neat

[/ QUOTE ] Then you Id all the wires with markers like these http://www.partex.co.uk/pa.html