What Does an Orange Wire Do in an Electrical Control Panel?

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Within the panel, we have a number or orange-colored wires. You may wonder what these are for, as we’ve already heard of the blue and white wires connected to the PLC.
Well, what these wires are for is to give power to devices when the main switch or panel isolator is in the OFF position.
“Why would we want to keep things on when we’ve turned the power off?” I hear you ask! “Isn’t that dangerous?” Well to put it simply, NO!
If we try to understand the different colored wires in a panel, this will help us to understand why those that are colored orange are suitable to work even when the main switch is off.
The colors of wires in panels are required by law to follow the machine safety standard EN60204-1. This is so that there is consistency and for safety.
In Power Circuits - AC and DC - we have the following color coding;
AC Phase will be BLACK
AC Neutral will be LIGHT BLUE
DC+ will be BLACK
Earth will be GREEN YELLOW
In Control Circuits - AC and DC - we have the following color coding;
AC live will be RED
AC Neutral via transformer will be RED
AC Neutral (mains) will be LIGHT BLUE
DC+ will be BLUE
Interlocks and circuits supplied from remote panels will be ORANGE - in this case, not the one we’re after!
Earth will be GREEN YELLOW
Panel services are 240VAC supplies for panel internal lighting, programming console socket outlet, internal heating & cooling, CPU's (memory backup purposes), etc.
These are 'excepted circuits' as defined in EN60204-1 and as such are not disconnected by the main panel isolator but by a separate isolator mounted inside the panel and designated 'maintained supply'.
The color coding for multicore cables;
Sheath will be ORANGE
AC live cores will be ORANGE
AC neutral cores will be ORANGE
Earth cores will be GREEN YELLOW
Color coding for single-core cables;
AC live will be ORANGE
AC neutral will be LIGHT BLUE
Earth will be GREEN YELLOW
So we come back to the original question…what wires in our panel are orange?
Well, firstly we have the panel internal light. We want to be able to see when we turn the main switch off!
Next, we have the socket. This will allow us to keep our laptop charged up. If the panel needs to be turned off for an extended period of time, then when we are ready to go, our laptop may have died. Not good! The socket is protected by a fuse so that any spikes in power won’t damage our laptop!
The final thing we have in this panel with power is a topic we’ve already covered; the thermostat and cooling fan!
As we’ve already determined, we need to be able to keep the panel cool, even when the main switch is off.
So how does this all work? Well inside the panel, we have the mains feed 3 phase power that comes into the panel to a set of terminals labeled L1, L2, L3, and N.
You can see from this that 1 phase - L1/N -has orange wires in. It is separate from the other wires in this terminal block so that they act independently.
On the back of the main switch on the left-hand door, the wires are identified as L1, L2, L3, and N, matching what we have on the terminals.
The outgoing side of this main switch will be isolated if the switch is off, and will be powered if the switch is on. The main switch is connected to the contactor labeled “150K1”.
When the switch is on, giving power to the panel, this contactor will be “pulled in” or “energized”. Once this is energized, power can be distributed around the rest of the panel.
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[@realpars]

This video references Machine Safety Standard EN 60204-1, which is a European Standard. There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel. In the US, NFPA (NEC) and UL508A are the corresponding standards. In those standards, using orange and white/orange is in both the NFPA 79 and UL 508A for components that remain energized when panel power is disconnected, regardless of potential.

[@mwautomatic]

FYI, for anyone looking from the US, this is not a standard for controls in the US.

[@insylem]

Thanks I'm in the US and I just started a new job building panels and we have different colors

[@eugenecbell]

m wilson thanks, I’ve been designing, building and troubleshooting industrial control systems in the US and have never seen this standard. They had my heart racing for a minute.

[@andydelle4509]

Yes I was going to ask that. Just doesn't seem right based on USA electrical color codes. Also black is both AC hot and DC+? Isn't that a disaster waiting to happen?

[@seminolefantodd4736]

Plus, to meet arc flash requirement, the outlet and programming port(s) must be accessible without opening the cabinet's door(s). Graceport and Automation Direct offer the components necessary to meet this requirement.

[@kccryptkeeper4874]

In the Automotive world for years it is: Black: 480v high voltage, motor power Red: 120v control power Blue: Low voltage DC power and control (24VDC) Yellow: Interlock power from a separate panel source. Green: Ground

[@colincampbell5207]

Your videos are awesome, the only caution I would mention in regards to this one is that many facilities have different standards for wiring. I work in a pulp mill that is 60 years old. The mill upgraded various systems and there is still PLC 5 in over half the mill. In Canada we have to follow the Canadian Electrical Code and work within that code to create a mill standard as well.

[@realpars]

Hi Colin, Thanks for sharing your feedback and knowledge with us. You are certainly right, I will forward this to our creator team, to keep in this in mind for future video courses. Thanks again for sharing!

[@MiniPeugot]

Don't believe this is how every cabinet is wired. Always read the elementary drawings.

[@practicasindustriales4168]

But usually it should be like it , SHOULD BE ,any way think that every wire is energized even u had cut the energy off ,just think like that

[@Manos-de-Piedra]

Exactly Justin, Just because this panel is wired like this does not mean every other one is. Very misleading video description

[@MR-nl8xr]

@@practicasindustriales4168 it's your type of mentallity that cripples the industry. Turning small risks into catstrophic nightmares which creates thousands of laws and rules to detain work. Double, tripple, quadrupple check everything and then you don't need to brainwash yourself that "everything is on". A powerwand and repeated checking have saved me from danger more than your idea.

[@happymark1805]

I never used orange for internal lights, so this vid is a load of BS, the person who orders als can say what kind of colors he wants, usualy it is up to us who makes it but in 30+ years I NEVER used orange for internal lights

[@sstorholm]

Never seen one with that colour scheme here in Finland, everything is usually wired with black conductors. :)

[@PowerHaus304]

As an industrial electrician who works on these panels all over the world. There is no such thing as a standard - even in Europe! For context my last company wired everything in orange I have never seen two panels the same- not even close.

[@darbybrooks6609]

"Standard" is of it's country of origin . As I have worked on many foreign Control Cabinets, many from Germany, I must add decals to inform other's of the Changes in Wiring because the unit is of another origin and Color Identification is not STANDARD to the USA and must follow the manufactures identification.

[@jasonakery3430]

This is correct. Seen engineers pick their favorite colors. What code?

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

It's interesting how differently various manufacturers and countries use wire colors, wire numbers and set up wiring schematics. Mobile equipment can be quite different from stationary equipment. It can be quite difficult working on equipment constructed in various countries and keeping the differences in mind. In the US, we change the wire number when it connects through a device when other systems will use the same number on a wire in a circuit no matter how many devices it goes through. It's only possible to tell what part of the circuit it's in by checking terminal numbers at each end.

[@realpars]

Yes, there are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel.

[@finnna8352]

This wiring method must be company specific or country specific. Any cabinet that has power that cant be shut off has to have labeling on the outside telling anyone that shutting off the disconnect will not kill all power in that cabinet.

[@Tavle]

Finn NA are you sure the labling have to be outside or Can it be inside the panel around the supply disconnector?

[@realpars]

Correct, if there is an electrical feed to a panel that cannot be disconnect at the panel, an exterior label should be provided indicating where the remote circuit is and where it can be shut off. Both NEC and IEC have guidance on how this information should be displayed.

[@Tavle]

RealPars Do you have a link to that IEC guide for labling?

[@jesusortiz6842]

Cabinet and electrical panel are restricted, only technicians and authorized personal.

[@realpars]

@@Tavle IEC 61439

[@lhr1701]

On all the machines I have worked on when the main panel switch is turned off the panel no longer has power period . To best of my memory I don't recall any using a for lack of a better term remote disconnect like the one shown . They all had a handle on the outside of the door that had a metal rod to engage the main disconnect when the door is closed . To open the door while the panel is energized you had to override( with a small pin ) that to release the metal rod from the disconnect .

[@MrWirebrain]

I have worked in control panels of CNC machines made from all around the world for over 40 years. This is just one variant of what I have seen. it is very common to have AC in a panel live with the main disconnect in the off position to provide lighting and programming power. Usually black wires are reserved for AC power. And most often you do see white for neutrals or black with a tracer. I think this often depends on where this machine is manufactured.

[@realpars]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, Joe! Great to hear that.

[@lewishua4064]

I think you must working at North America, because NFPA 79 defines neutral conductors may colored white 😁

[@danieltracy5559]

I am an industrial automation engineer and I don’t think I have ever seen this standard followed by any integrator. I wouldn’t trust it, always use a diagram if you have one, or check it out yourself.

[@AJOTSHAJU]

Correct

[@realpars]

As with any electrical device, disconnect, test, and verify.

[@MR-nl8xr]

👍🏼

[@automate7128]

Rule number one as an automation engineer: don't trust anyone including yourself :)

[@scrappydogfinance8434]

i AGREE, WITH THE ENGINEER WHO SAID HE NEVER SEEN THIS COLOR CODING STANDARD FOLLOWED ANYWHERE... IT CHANGES FROM JOB TO JOB... (USA) HOWEVER, I HAVE SEEN TYPICALLY BLACK IS AC L1 (HOT) AND WHITE IS TYPICALLY AC NEUTRAL AND GREEN OR GREEN YELLOW IS USUALLY GROUND OR BONDING CONDUCTOR... CLEAR INSULATION USUALLY USED FOR SHIELDING. BLACK AND WHITE ARE MOST COMMON FOR 24V DC POWERED CONTROL LOOPS FOR INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS. TWISTED SHIELDED PAIRS ARE USUALLY OUTER SHEATH IS BLACK AND INNER FOIL LINKING MOST COMMONLY SEEN ARE LIGHT BLUE, GOLD AND SILVER FROM MY EXPERIENCE. ORANGE ON AC PER NEC CODE IS USUALLY INDICATING THE AC 3PHASE DELTA HIGH LEG OR (STINGER) WHICH IS USUALLY HIGHER VOLTAGE IN REFERENCE TO THE NEUTRAL GROUNDED CONDUCTOR ON A DELTA 3PHASE SYSTEM, HAS TO BE DISTINGUISED FROM THE OTHER PHASES WHICH ARE ONLY 120VOLT USUALLY TO NEUTRAL. MISWIRING THE ORANGE TAPED OR ORANGE PHASE CONDUCTOR OR NOT USING ORANGE CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO ALOT OF 120VOLT EQUIPMENT. I HAVE SEEN ORANGE USED ALOT FOR DATA CABLES AND FIBER OPTIC PATCH CABLES... RED HAS BEEN SEEN FOR EITHER L1 AC OR 24VDC POSITIVE CONDUCTOR FOR DIGITAL INPUTS AND OUTPUT FIELD WIRING, ON PLC CABINETS, USUALLY BLACK AND WHITE FOR AC HOT AND NEUTRAL ENTERING CABINET AND LOCAL CABINET MOUNTED BREAKER, BUT AFTER BREAKER, CAN BE BLACK AND WHITE OR EVEN RED AND WHITE OR RED AND BLACK. AND BLUE IS OFTEN USED FOR THE DC POSITIVE INSIDE THE CABINETS. BUT FIELD WIRES FOR DISCRETE CONTROL LOOPS can be black and white or in multiconductor cables a whole array of colors.

[@dougm2681]

Must be "EU" color codes

[@MR-nl8xr]

I was about to say.

[@Anthony-bu5ur]

doug m Nope. Not sure where they get half their info from

[@10_01-l4c]

The machine safety standard EN60294-1 EN being a European standard BS being a British standard ISO being an international standard And I believe UL is the USA standard (underwriters Laboratories)

[@arttu4313]

@@Anthony-bu5ur it is though

[@normanlevasseur6565]

This is European code not American standard

[@kubeek]

oh really? What tipped you off?

[@claudehebert3131]

@@kubeek For starters the european (CEE 7/4?) power receptacle :-)

[@normanlevasseur6565]

Just trying to inform all the inexperienced that may watch this video. Don't be a smart ...

[@kubeek]

@@normanlevasseur6565 I dont know what inexperieneced people watch this video, but when he clearly says at 1:55 that it is according to European Norm 60204-1, are you really suprisied that he is not talking about united states of america specific norms?

[@normanlevasseur6565]

@@kubeek no need to be so smug

[@akylbek_berikuly_94]

I love this chanel! 👍

[@realpars]

We appreciate that! Thanks for your support.

[@karlmorzy5959]

Yellow usually indicates outside wiring from Another disconnect source If in America I’d assume Orange means high leg or hot ???

[@realpars]

Hi Karl, You are right, this video references Machine Safety Standard EN 60204-1, which is a European Standard. There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel. In the US, NFPA (NEC) and UL508A are the corresponding standards. In those standards, using orange and white/orange is in both the NFPA 79 and UL 508A for components that remain energized when panel power is disconnected, regardless of potential. Thanks for mentioning that!

[@babupolymer1649]

Excellent voice n vocabulary, I am finding interesting to learn more

[@realpars]

Thank you!

[@mnada72]

Simply put, the brown wire is live even if the main switch is off , is that it ? According to 3:47 the neutral should be blue but in 4:00 I see that orange is also implemented as neutral !

[@realpars]

I see two different neutral schemes as explained at 3:47; Orange and blue. At 5:12, we see orange being used for a 1-phase circuit (light in the panel) for both H and N. At 5:30, we see blue as being used for neural in the 3-phase circuit. I do not see brown wires at 4:00. Perhaps the orange wires appear brown on your computer.

[@mnada72]

@@realpars I am sorry I meant Orange , at 4:00 orange wire for neutral

[@jester-lester]

I'm confused! @3:45 in t he diagram shown, it states that single cores should be wired in Blue for AC Neutral but the neutral to your fan is wired in ORANGE single core ...doesn't this contradict what it shows in the diagram?

[@realpars]

Thank you for your question, it's a great one! Depending on where you are, electrical standards can vary, so it's essential to follow your local safety codes. Typically, the ORANGE wire is considered foreign wiring in many places. It might carry power from an external or internal source unrelated to the main power switch, so it's crucial to handle it with extreme caution. Even when you switch off the main power, these wires might still carry electricity. Most industrialized countries recognize this standard. The other wire cores you mentioned are controlled by the main on/off switch. We design it this way to ensure that certain devices like fans remain operational even when the main power is off. These ORANGE wires usually have their breaker switch separate from the main one. I hope this explanation clarifies things for you! Happy learning, and if you have more questions, feel free to ask!

[@fernandlust532]

I always look at the first pages of the schematics. Normally the color coding is explained somewhere there. Safer than trust whatever EN- or ISO-

[@scrappydogfinance8434]

Wire numbering and tagging and matching wiring diagrams and schematics are most useful and should have a copy inside every cabinet in my opinion. But being able tor recognize the components inside the cabinet and understanding typical power flow and distribution in these control cabinets an experienced well trained technician or automation engineer will be able to identify most components and wire functions regardless of color... Also, use a a good voltmeter and non-contact voltage detector can be very useful in verifying voltage and function of wires in a cabinet also. Good wire and terminal tagging and consistent naming conventions really helps alot and should not be understated in helping workers identify wire functions and conventions being used. Effective Tagging can help a person quickly identify function and voltage type.

[@realpars]

Thank you for the excellent comments on control panel design and maintenance. These are all good points. My #1 rule for panel design and maintenance, after safety, is complete and accurate drawings and documentation.

[@derina.maleek9408]

First time I heard about orange wires Thanks realpars

[@2312-p3b]

And you'l likely only ever see them in their panel. Seen my share of them and never came across that.

[@hobbesisreal6818]

@@2312-p3b Or any other panel designed using the NFPA 79 standard, since that's where this comes from.

[@habebsabri4288]

Thank you for this explanation But if you devote an episode on how to read the control diagram

[@realpars]

Hey Habeb! Thanks for your comment and your suggestion. I will pass this on to our course developers! Thanks for sharing and happy learning!

[@habebsabri4288]

@@realpars thank you

[@MrAzizsasuke]

Good job and thanks a lot for this video

[@realpars]

You are very welcome, Aziz!

[@dasy2k1]

Even then the colour code is not universal. We would tend to use brown for L1 Black for L2 grey for L3 Blue for N Gn/Ye for earths Red for DC+ (annoyingly DC- is often Black same as L2! I)

[@MottyGlix]

The use of brown-black-gray for phases, and blue for neutral (and green/yellow for ground) is the standard for common mains wiring. Is it the standard in control panels?

[@rogergregory5981]

@@MottyGlix brown black grey or all black is what I've been using since thay introduced brown black grey and I've never seen a three core +earth in orange for 415 v ...maybe orange used for high voltage

[@davidmaes3253]

The wires going in and coming out of the main switch have the same name (L1, L2, L3). This is a major error as you may touch the wrong wires elsewhere in the panel after you THINK you disconnected them from the mains. Da's kei-gevaarlijk man!!

[@realpars]

The main power feeds into a panel are called L1, L2, L3 and should be called this wherever they are distributed within the panel. That way, we know that there potentially is line voltage at the point in the panel. Often, we do add a prefix at a power distribution block to identify at the block where the power is being used, such as M101-L1, M101-L2, etc. Once the power feed lands at a device that can cut off or modify the line voltage, such as a transformer, VFD, or contactor, we change the label. For a contractor the wires coming in are L1, L2, L3 and the ones going to the motor are T1, T2, T3. Panels should be designed so that when the Mains switch is de-energized, all power inside the cabinet is also removed. In cases where it is not, labeling and other means should be employed to indicate live voltages may exist inside the panel even if the Mains is disconnected. Before working on any panel circuit, verify, verify, verify!

[@rogergregory5981]

@@realpars the guy is correct you should have different identification cable markers on the other side of the isolator, it's a device that can be open or closed just the same as a contactor or relay you even just said so yourself ,contradicted yourself , can't even get the basics right it would be great fun on a break down on you control gear

[@aleksshutka9481]

According to European standards it’s not allowed to run 3 phases to the door, isn’t it? As I know main disconnect switch should be installed on panel or cabinet internal surfaces.

[@realpars]

The only requirements I am aware of are: 1) any electrical cables landing on devices in panel doors must be installed so that the cables are tension-free. 2) the panel door must be tied to ground, 3) there shall be no sharp edges on panel frames or doors, and 4) live parts must be protected against direct contact in accordance with DIN EN 50274 or VDE 0660-514.

[@medalmahdi3403]

Keep going.. you are the best Automation channel in KZbin indeed Peace be upon you I hope that you make PDF files for your videos..that will be great Thanks

[@realpars]

That is great to hear! Thanks for your support!

[@ThuanAutomation]

Thank you so much. share very helpful

[@realpars]

You are very welcome!

[@azeemahammed8646]

Include videos on relay connection and selection for plc

[@realpars]

Hi Azeem! Thanks for your comment and your suggestion. I will pass this on to our course developers! Thanks for sharing and happy learning!

[@khalidkamal2902]

Could you make things more elaborated "explicit" could be benevolent.

[@Sunpixelvideo]

Let's face it. If you don't open the mcc feeding the panel, you're gonna have live voltages somewhere in there. In the US, so many things are different from what in the panel here. We'd probably be feeding Delta instead of Star/Wye. Neutrals would be grounded at the control transformer and colored white. Blue is only DC+ and DC- is blue with white or just white or even just more blue.

[@realpars]

Thank you for your comment. There are quite a few differences how panels are constructed around the world, and it is always important to understand the codes and standards for those areas. In the US, we receive many panels from Europe with machines built in Germany or Italy. While the wire colors may be different and the types of devices may not be what we are used to, the accompanying drawings, BOM's and installation manuals allow us to install and startup these panels safely. We may add lock-out points, arc flash stickers, and other items to adhere to local codes and standards.

[@MR-nl8xr]

Not all panels are feed from MCCs.

[@Sunpixelvideo]

Not all panels are free from an mcc, sure. If you can point that out, you know enough to understand what my point was. Turn off the power upstream of the panel. It's a KZbin comment, so not always well researched and proof read.

[@001prk]

pls make a video on Ground protection system of Local Control Panel

[@realpars]

Hey Prakash! Thanks for your comment and your suggestion. I will pass this on to our course developers! Thanks for sharing and happy learning!

[@isonlynameleft]

Depends on the panel, NEVER trust convention!

[@johnclarke2997]

Worked on a old 1970s built control panel this morning which had white wire only and only method of ident was the numbering at each end of the wire. Doubt it will ever get rewired - no interest or budget to do so.

[@erdingtown]

in europe is brown for load and blue for neutral.

[@AndreasDelleske]

erdingtown Germany: Brown, grey, black for the phases L1 to L3, blue MUST be N, green yellow MUST be PE. For me, yellow or orange could be foreign potential. Red can be anything.

[@philippesoares1745]

@@AndreasDelleske same standards in France.

[@mizz1414]

@@philippesoares1745 Same in every EU Country really, because thats what Norms are for... Switzerland also has the same ones...

[@erlwindegans3954]

Same in the UK. Brown Black Grey for 3-phase is a standard. Never seen 3x black

[@septicsid8438]

@@erlwindegans3954 I Often do 3ph as black, the current one for Australia is all black

[@Liteg0]

Every cabinet from different manufactures I've come across use their own coloring code. In the cabinets I design I use orange wires for externally powered control circuits.

[@johnmoses19]

Please make more videos for us...thanks

[@realpars]

Thanks for your support!

[@Cooliemasteroz]

It depends on which country you are in.

[@jayt.4283]

Unfortunately this is not the color coding for panels built in the US/according to NFPA79. Useful for control cabinets brought in from elsewhere though (I just installed a few)

[@fischb22]

keep in mind nfpa79 is not law. but yeah none of the stuff in the video is US

[@jayt.4283]

@@fischb22 sure, but UL standard does share many similarities and even makes direct calls to NFPA documents, including following NFPA79

[@sumilidero]

Yes it is EN(glish) standard for European Union; not for USA :p

[@hobbesisreal6818]

What are you talking about? This is specifically from the NFPA 79, 13.2.4.1 unless they've updated it and took that out since 2007.

[@garyschultz253]

Why are they screwing with the Color Code. A/C Neutral is white, DC + is Red, except when dealing with Data Centers, and Green Yellow is for Dedicated Isolated Ground in systems with high Harmonic Values.

[@realpars]

Gary, the video references Machine Safety Standard EN 60204-1, which is a European Standard. In the US, NFPA (NEC) and UL508A are the standards, and in those standards, orange wires are addressed for exactly the same purpose as is shown in teeth video, except I do not see this employed in many cases. There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel.

[@miladinseratlic4565]

in cabinets of machines that I worked with orange was 230VAC but w/o voltage when power was cut off. Each cabinet should have it OWN elec. diagram

[@Michael-CharlesAust-ee5oo]

This week after designing a plan to transport 480 volts single phase from a step up transformer located on the roof floor down to the first floor ceiling (also moving those fixtures down there) I deleted a vertical home run because: 1) I t was on the same concrete column and 2) had only one 120 volt receptacle circuit in it and 3) that device was black soot stained and four) both columns on both sides of it had operational receptacles present! The first floor was energized by two 90 year old gutter box conduits located on both sides of the concrete centerline stringer. I decided to run an orange AWG 12 for the hot lead with a purple AWG 12 conductor for neutral making it easy in the future to recognize my work because no insulation of these colors existed many decades ago! Being that the vertical conduit is 1/2" EMT and near the middle of the long building I divided it into two separate homerun circuits.

[@messagetous]

A lot are. I had to reroute several wires in a cabinet that were run in front of the strip. When I threw the main power, I found the wires I was working with were live. It was only 24V so I black taped the tips and ran them through. Also, several contacts and other electrical/electronic, almost half the panel, were still live. I asked around and no one knew. Thanks RealPars.

[@realpars]

Great to hear that our course video cleared the issue up for you, Keith! Thanks for sharing that with us. Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions!

[@jackburnett2810]

Thats just what I was missing...motiwation.

[@willmitchell255]

🤣 orange vires

[@abumomoh-sanni3589]

If the main switch is then turned off, how and where does the "orange wire" get power?

[@LL-xm4kw]

orange wire not connect to breaker or contactor

[@realpars]

As indicated, but not fully explained in the video, the distribution block with the orange wires has a power source separate form the circuit controlled by the main switch.

[@shamialgawzi8277]

Outstanding 👍

[@realpars]

Thank you, Shami!

[@josvandiepen3425]

There is no LAW concerning wire colors. It is a NORM and not a law. You can define your own color-coding. You have to define and writing it down so that you can refer to this color-coding. Something that we do for many years and has never bin a problem.

[@RuudKuin]

@realpars Maybe a clip on explaining/comparing UL and CE certification

[@septicsid8438]

Realpars, where in EN60204-1 does it give a table of these colours please? I cannot find the above. All I can find is a recommendation to follow the colours from IEC60757. These colours are not required by any law and can only ever be a recommendation. In the main they are changed dependent upon customer requirements, country and/or whichever way the wind is blowing. Please backup your statements with some facts?

[@realpars]

The color schema was moved to IEC/EN 60446 and then to DIN EN 60445.

[@groundfaultbob]

What do you mean by a neutral wire where Europe ha a 220 volt single phase system and a 380 V 3 phase system. A thee phase Delta system would = 1/2 of 380= 190V and a 380v Y four wire=219V. Is theat what you're referring as the neutral?

[@joncurtis199]

The phase to earth/neutral of a 380V 3ph system is 380/sqrt(3) = 220V. The neutral (4th wire) would go back to the start point somewhere upstream.

[@groundfaultbob]

@@joncurtis199 What you mean that the system (380v) is a 4 wire Y grounded system. That's the only way to get 220 volts from the utility side of the equation.

[@Tavle]

Robert Ulrich Grounding in Europe is different from US. We have TT, TN and IT-net (search for it) Normal voltage is 3x400/230VAC for TT and TN-net and it consist of 5 or 4 wires(IT are most for marine and off-shore normal without N). L1, L2, L3(phases) N(grounding point in the HV/LV transformer on the LV side star point) PE (Ground) or PEN (combined PE and N) 3x400: L1-L2=400V, L1-L3=400V, L3-L2=400V 3x230V: L1-N=230V, L2-N=230V, L3-N=230V

[@realpars]

You will use a neutral in a 3-phase system only when you intend to use each phase separately for loads, like in a Y-grounded system (see Robert Ulrich's comment below). The neutral (4th wire) prevents one phase from "feeding over" to another phase.

[@stevenmoomey2115]

Like others have said, not in the United States. Something I would like to know, why didn’t you use Orange terminal blocks for your Orange wires. Yes, they are readily available.

[@scottsommer7864]

The video showed an example of a control panel that was ordered/purchased by a client. Orange terminal blocks are available and could have been specified for this panel, but were not in this case.

[@hobbesisreal6818]

If you're designing to NFPA 79, then yes this should definitely be true in the US.

[@winner1338]

Company that i work with use orange for UPS or generator.

[@sebastiannielsen]

5:50 why would you use a contactor, if the switch is three-phase 5:30 ? Normally, you would either have a three-phase switch feeding the whole load, or a single-phase switch switching a 230v (in this case it would be L2+N if L1+N is used by the maintained supply, and L3+N if L1+N and L2+N is used by some loads - to keep the phases as balanced as possible) that goes to a three-phase isolation-certified contactor with 230v coil.

[@realpars]

A contactor can -provide extra protections that the switch cannot, such as thermal and overload protection. The switch provides an external means to de-energize the circuit while the contactor provides a more robust way to provide circuit protection in the cabinet. Other factors would include local code requirements and company engineering standards, both of which are not known to the viewer of the video.

[@clems6989]

I dont know where you came up with that color coding. Because it isnt like that in the US..

[@realpars]

You're correct, Clem's! We have the following RealPars comment pinned under this video where we clarify the US-EU color coding difference: "This video references Machine Safety Standard EN 60204-1, which is a European Standard. There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel. In the US, NFPA (NEC) and UL508A are the corresponding standards. In those standards, using orange and white/orange is in both the NFPA 79 and UL 508A for components that remain energized when panel power is disconnected, regardless of potential."

[@BrianSeklecki]

Hopefully US/CA will ditch old NEC color coding and adopt EN/EU/International standards soon.

[@realpars]

It is a possibility, but there are too many organizations invested in the current standards and too many installed systems. Each standards organization has certain local power and influence, and it is unlikely that there will be a harmonious worldwide standard anytime soon.

[@Crifstar]

I'm curious as to what country this is standard cause whoever built our plant didn't follow this in the US

[@generation-x406]

EU not US

[@realpars]

I believe this panel was built in the EU according to IEC standards.

[@georgecobena7414]

What is the correct color for 0VDC?

[@realpars]

In the scheme of this video, ground/earth/24VDC Common would be Yellow/Green.

[@myanmar8044]

Thank for your VIDEO GOD BLESSED YOU ALL

[@realpars]

Happy learning!

[@sinankrikor7436]

I am a Control panel shop supervisor in USA the code is different , Red= 120AC Live , White = 120AC Neutral , Blue = 24VDC , 0VDC White with blue if PSU grounded and Blue with white if not grounded , Orange = 120VAC before disconnect , White with Orange = 120AC Neutral before disconnect , Blue with Orange = 24VDC before disconnect , Black=480VAC , Black with Orang=480VAC before disconnect , Green/Green with Yalow = Ground , Yalow = safety relay circuit .

[@realpars]

Thanks for adding that, Sinan! Very helpful for engineers in the US.

[@hobbesisreal6818]

While your color code may be different, using orange and white/orange is in both the NFPA 79 and UL 508A as being for components that remain energized when panel power is disconnected, regardless of potential.

[@vedatatakul2750]

5:24 Why is the color of the input wires of the main switch not orange?

[@realpars]

The wires to and from the door switch are connected to a contactor which is used to disconnect the incoming power. Generally, the main feed to the panel will use orange wires so that it is very clear that this circuit is the incoming power feed. Subcircuits are typically color-coded based on type of voltage (AC or DC).

[@amjadhelo3598]

Every week i stay excited to the new video Thank you for yours effort Thank you realpars My best channel I hope the weekly video be long time ❤️

[@realpars]

That is great to hear! Thanks for your continues support! Happy learning!

[@alicheraitia5146]

Love ya all ,more vids please ,we are in need ,thank you for all best.

[@afzalcreation8785]

Second red wire uses supply

[@nimabakhshi8202]

Hey RealPars, in this example why do you need the contactor? The entire 3-phase is switched on/off with the external disconnect. Is there any other incoming power supply you are controlling with the contactor?

[@realpars]

To be honest, we could have left the contactor out of the design. The contactor allows the distribution of power to multiple subcircuits. The contactor as shown also has advanced protection features that a simple disconnect switch does not have (internal overloads, for example).

[@nimabakhshi8202]

@@realpars Thank you! And the contactor does not need circuit breaker protection, right? In the video I don't think it is not installed downstream of a branch circuit C.B.

[@snjairbeater]

EN is a European Standard. This is not an American Standard

[@douggordon3906]

NEMA is usually yellow. IEC is orange

[@realpars]

That is correct for interlock wiring. It is always best to consult the panel drawings to determine the standard used for that panel. I have seen panels designed in the EU, built in Canada, and shipped to Japan. So what standard did the panel use? Well, you could pick one of three standards from what I told you above, like CSA or IEC, but you would be wrong. It was built to NEC standards. because the company in Japan was a US company and NEC was their international standard at all of their sites for panel construction.

[@garbo8962]

In the USA never heard of an orange wire specifying anything but the B O Y color coding of 480 volt 3 phase. B O Y = blue orange yellow. A yellow wire was also for a wire that was still energized when disconnect switch is off. Was a sparky at a large newspaper. Was told to find out where the 120 volt yellow wire that went thru 14 press units feed from. Turned off over 500 circuit breakers and a lot of 480 volt breakers over several hours but never located feed. Prayed that fuse or breaker that supplied it never blow or tripped on my shift.

[@realpars]

Hi Izzy, Thanks for your comment! You are right, we have added the following disclaimer to this video: This video references Machine Safety Standard EN 60204-1, which is a European Standard. There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel. In the US, NFPA (NEC) and UL508A are the corresponding standards. In those standards, using orange and white/orange is in both the NFPA 79 and UL 508A for components that remain energized when panel power is disconnected, regardless of potential. Thanks for sharing and clarifying that as well!

[@alikhanzulkashov4438]

Just before watching the video, I want to give my guess very quick. I think orange wire is used for ESD, while purple one is designated for F&G system. Now it is time to find out what it really means)

[@charliecallcut2219]

Any colour can be used for any job in any control panel. Even green (which is usually reserved for earthing, alongside green/yellow) is sometimes used as an active conductor. Some standard configurations are used but are not necessarily internationally recognised or accepted, and it varies from country to country, so to post a video implying that 'orange is used for x' is foolish and potentially dangerous. Bottom line is that if you don't know what you're doing in a switchboard / control panel / machine / whatever, then you have no business being in there, so video clips like this should never be published, they will teach you just enough to completely screw it up. Assuming you don't kill or maim yourself or someone else in the process.

[@realpars]

The video identifies that the panel in question follows IEC EN 60204-1. You are correct, it is imperative to understand the codes that are applicable where the panel is constructed and where it will be installed. No one should work in any panel without having the proper training.

[@richardclark8520]

Not a standard in the US. Orange is used for 24 VAC . But has been used to signify voltage from a source outside the panel not controlled by the main disconnect on the panel. Yellow is more common for this purpose . And a purple wire used as a jumper wire in a circuit that may be used as a place holder for future input devices.

[@realpars]

Richard, thank you for your comment. There are a number of wiring "standards? so whenever inspecting a pane\l, it is best to refer to the lead sheets of the panel drawings to understand how the wiring colors are used.

[@friedmule5403]

It concerns me that you use same color to different things, isn't it a safety issue? I.e. AC and neutral.

[@realpars]

Good question. First, there are only so many unique colors that can be used for wiring, so some overlap in color and function is inevitable. The true measure of safety in control panel design comes in the detail paid to the design and documentation (panel drawings) of the panel. Being able to lock out the incoming mains and disconnecting internal circuits for troubleshooting and maintenance is at the core of the safe operation. The use of a multimeter and other circuit testing equipment helps ensure safety. In the video, orange wires are used for AC hot and AC neutral. The important point is that orange indicates a circuit that is fed from an external source.

[@friedmule5403]

@@realpars Great answer, thanks:-) I have seen cables where the black had a white stripe, you can have orange, black, blue, yellow/green, gray, brown, purple and so on, but yes maybe is that not necessary. I did help to connect a data cable with 32 wire 1.5 square mm, with lead shielding around! LOL after fighting with that cable to get it up in 7 feet high and 50 feet along a shelf, did I wonder If my body were blue, yellow-green, purple and black:-)

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

Never opened a control cabinet to find a blue wire used as a neutral. Exactly why would you use orange for both your hit feed and neutral at anytime? Seems to me a good way to mess things up. Once had a co worker rewire a control panel with all red wire only thing he had in his truck. Didn't even use wire markers for identification. Took 2 guys 2 days two days to correct.

[@realpars]

There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel.

[@VTdarkangel]

Is this a European standard? I have seen many North American boxes that don't follow this convention.

[@realpars]

Yes. IEC 60402-1 and EN 60445, both from the EU for machine control.

[@mohammedsharief8899]

Dear sir, I want to learn about plc and vfd also how to check wiring on control panels also how to test the wiring as well. For example motors, emergency switches, relays, etc, If you have any online training with payment please let me know sir am so desperate to learn and will be so thankful also please send me your email so that I can mail you and contact directly

[@realpars]

Hi Mohammed, Great to hear your motivation! We have a whole course library full of PLC Programming video courses. You obtain full access to our course library (400+ video courses) by subscribing to either our monthly package for $19.99 a month or our yearly package for $119,- ($9.99 per month). You can subscribe through the following link bit.ly/2IpeCp3 Feel free to have a browse through our course library to see which topics we cover at the moment. bit.ly/30ZrxWq Hope this answers your question sufficiently. If you have any other questions or would like any further assistance, feel free to reach back out! Happy learning!

[@MrMaxyield]

This must not be for USA...??

[@realpars]

Hi Max, This video references Machine Safety Standard EN 60204-1, which is a European Standard. There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel. In the US, NFPA (NEC) and UL508A are the corresponding standards. In those standards, using orange and white/orange is in both the NFPA 79 and UL 508A for components that remain energized when panel power is disconnected, regardless of potential.

[@fethilakhdari1078]

Thanks for the good information, although I am a bit puzzled by this choice of colors as Black is used for both power AC phase and power DC+ and in Control both AC phase and Neutral are Red. making it "Not Very easy to tell one from the other". In my old ANSI color coding post WW2 I can easily tell AC from DC and Phase 1, 2, and 3 in three phase system. What do we gain in the new color coding? Thanks for any comment you might have to help.Best regards,

[@realpars]

There are many wiring color schemes in use around the world. The video shows one implementation (EN 60445). Whenever designing or troubleshooting inside a panel, it is imperative to review the documentation, including wiring diagrams, to identify the various circuits in the panel.

[@danialanddorssa]

super informative

[@realpars]

Glad you liked it!

[@runbou3485]

អរគុណThank👏

[@KevinNguyen-tw5ml]

Thank you very good !

[@realpars]

You're very welcome!

[@cecillanter3207]

standard en 60204-1 is European

[@e.muniappanelumalai1278]

Thank you very much for your Valuable information.

[@realpars]

You are most welcome!

[@charliechimples]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing. 🐵

[@realpars]

You are very welcome, Charlie!

[@abdulgaffarmohammedshafee9333]

How to find out CPU error

[@realpars]

Most CPU's have a way to inspect the diagnostic buffer with the appropriate programming software. Any error code and/or description will be indicated in the diagnostic buffer.

[@potssucculents]

New subscriber here

[@realpars]

Glad to have you here!

[@dusanbubalo6919]

Great😊

[@realpars]

Thank you!

[@jahidmondol3072]

Dear sir please make a new tutorial of hydraulic solenoid valve & type of solenoid valve

[@realpars]

Hi Jahid, Thanks for your comment and your suggestion. I will pass this on to our course developers! Thanks for sharing and happy learning!

[@makedapalmer7513]

Great videos. Can you explain the operation of UPS. Thanks

[@willmitchell255]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJuYfKN8h8R_hrc&ab_channel=RealPars

[@md.saifulislam7156]

Thanks Sir

[@realpars]

You're very welcome!

[@JoacimStenberg]

Where I live, and in my field of work, an orange wire is temporary.

[@realpars]

This panel was built in the EU according to IEC standards. There are a number different standards that have been written for different situations (hazardous installations, general purpose, outdoor, etc.), different industries (mining, pharmaceutical, marine/subsea, etc.), and different geographies (US, Canada, EU, Japan, etc.)

[@georgegeorge899]

In which country do you operate?

[@realpars]

Hi George, Thanks for your comment! Our headquarters are based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. But, we operate worldwide :). Happy learning!

[@georgegeorge899]

@@realpars Nice! The same here in Germany. Keep up the good work ! 👍

[@davecc0000]

As stated elsewhere in the comments, these wire colors are not standard in USA or EU. So in which country(ies) are these colors used?

[@realpars]

These colors follow IEC EN 60402-1, as stated in the video. This is the Machine Safety Standard for the EU.

[@hobbesisreal6818]

The orange color for power coming from a different source is in NFPA 79 and UL 508A.

[@zenebehagos3537]

it is very important lecture more than a physical practice, keep sharing of like these lectures,thanks a lot

[@realpars]

Thanks for your support!

[@007380]

These colors on the control circuits don't follow NEC standard.

[@Tavle]

Roger Smith No EN 60204-1 (Europe) and maybe IEC 60204-1 (most of the World). North America are very speciel with NEC, UL and CSA :)

[@realpars]

Dan is absolutely right. The cable configurations/colors in the video are IEC standards.

[@stalinsubbiah3238]

how to learn Programmable Logic Controller?

[@realpars]

The best way is to subscribe to the video courses at Realpars.com. Learn the basics of PLC programming, then move on to more advanced topics, all at your own pace from your own computer.

[@mrrasooli3614]

Amazing

[@realpars]

Thank you!

[@andyjohnson4485]

Yes, very intense!

[@llVIU]

I almost died watching this video, it should be marked 18+ only

[@billmoran3812]

European standard, not US.

[@bolaheya6220]

Hey I have a question about the subscription for one month does it allow to me to watch all the library without limitation cause I have a small experience about the plcs of siemens I don't wanna start from 0 I saw some of your videos it is amazing but some they covered a lot that I am already know so can choose what i want from the library and watch it or maybe download it to see offline

[@realpars]

Hi Boulayeha, Thanks for your comment! Great to hear that you are interested in joining the RealPars family! As a paid subscriber you obtain full access to our complete course library. There will surely be no limitations. Regarding your previous experience with PLC's, I would suggest having a browse around our course library to see which topics we cover at the moment. bit.ly/30ZrxWq Also, you are definitely able to download our course videos for offline use. The following link is a step to step guide on how to do so bit.ly/2OK5eiF. Hopefully, this answer your question sufficiently. If you have any other questions or would like any further assistance, feel free to reach back out or email us at [e-mail] Happy learning!

[@bolaheya6220]

@@realpars great support thank you

[@БекетТаниев]

Great! Keep going. I will recomend this channel for collegues and students.

[@realpars]

That is amazing! We are very happy to hear that. Thanks for sharing!

[@johnlansing2902]

Thank you for helping people to learn real world issues In automation control

[@realpars]

You are very welcome, John! Thanks for your support.

[@berndeckenfels]

Those color standards are confusing as hell, why is that?

[@realpars]

I once heard from a very wise engineer, who said, "the wonderful thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from." And this is a perfect case where too many standards can lead to confusion. Look at device networks: ProfiBus, Foundation Fieldbus, IOLink, Ethernet/IP, ASi, WorldFIP, BACNet, Modbus, etc. The shear number of available standards makes things confusing. This video addresses one of many, many standards for control panel wiring that pertains specifically to machine safety in the EU. Personally, I have not used this standard on a project, even with equipment supplied from EU countries. But I know it exists and understand that if I have a panel that follows it, that I will need to become familiar with the details of that standard. I do not know the history of why this color scheme was developed, but I am sure orange was used to set this standard apart from other panel standards.

[@berndeckenfels]

RealPars yah ok, but why would + be black and no DC GND or -. Why not separate L and N and why have different colors based on the code types...

[@MohamedAtef-wm8hu]

thanks a lot, good work, question please, why you didn't give the power to the panel through the main switch directly, why you used contactor in the way ?

[@realpars]

At 5:52 in the video, the main switch is shown. What is not shown is the main power feed connected to the main switch. Some designers prefer to use a contactor with overloads instead of fused main disconnect blocks for space and maintenance purposes. What I don't see is an external lock out on the main switch, but I am sure it has one, or there will be a nearby disconnect/lockout.

[@MohamedAtef-wm8hu]

@@realpars thanks for the reply, but what is responsible for short circuit protection? I think the motor circuit breaker gv2 is responsible for the overload and short circuit protection

[@sumilidero]

yeah thats weird, main switch should kill the incoming power directly, not via contactor