Chris, If the product is designed for use in the Industrial sector, use of the colour codes given in EN 60204-1 is advisable. Here is the relevant text from the 2006 edition of the standard:
13.2.2 Identification of the protective conductor The protective conductor shall be readily distinguishable by shape, location, marking, or colour. When identification is by colour alone, the bicolour combination GREEN-ANDYELLOW shall be used throughout the length of the conductor. This colour identification is strictly reserved for the protective conductor. For insulated conductors, the bicolour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW shall be such that on any 15 mm length, one of the colours covers at least 30 % and not more than 70 % of the surface of the conductor, the other colour covering the remainder of the surface. Where the protective conductor can be easily identified by its shape, position, or constrljction (for example a braided conductor, uninsulated stranded conductor), or where the insulated conductor is not readily accessible, colour coding throughout its length is not necessary but the ends or accessible locations shall be clearly identified by the graphical symbol IEC 60417-5019 (OB:2002-10) or by the bicolour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW. 13.2.3 Identification of the neutral conductor Where a circuit includes a neutral conductor that is identified by colour alone, the colour used for this conductor shall be BLUE. In order to avoid confusion with other colours, it is recommended that an unsaturated blue be used, called here "light blue" (see 3.2.2 of IEC 60446). Where the selected colour is the sole identification of the neutral conductor, that colour shall not be used for identifying any other conductor where confusion is possible. Where identification by colour is used, bare conductors used as neutral conductors shall be either coloured by a stripe, 15 mm to 100 mm wide in each compartment or unit and at each accessible location, or coloured throughout their length. 13.2.4 Identification by colour Where colour-coding is used for identification of conductors (other than the protective conductor (see 13.2.2) and the neutral conductor (see 13.2.3)), the following colours may be used: BLACK, BROWN, RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE (including LIGHT BLUE), VIOLET, GREY, WHITE, PINK, TURQUOISE. NOTE This list of colours is derived from lEC 60757. It is recommended that, where colour is used for identification, the colour be used throughout the length of the conductor either by the colour of the insulation or by colour markers at regular intervals and at the ends or accessible location. For safety reasons, the colour GREEN or the colour YELLOW should not be used where there is a possibility of confusion with the bicolour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW (see 13.2.2). Colour identification using combinations of those colours listed above may be used provided there can be no confusion and that GREEN or YELLOW is not used except in the bicolour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW. Where colour-coding is used for identification of conductors, it is recommended that they be colour-coded as follows: - BLACK: a.c. and d.c. power circuits; - RED: a.c. and d.c. control circuits; - BLUE: d.c. control circuits; - ORANGE: excepted circuits in accordance with 5.3.5. Exceptions: to the above are permitted where: - insulation is used that is not available in the colours recommended; or - multiconductor cable is used, but not the bicolour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW. 5.3.5 Excepted circuits The following circuits need not be disconnected by the supply disconnecting device: * lighting circuits for lighting needed during maintenance or repair; * plug and socket outlets for the exclusive connection of repair or maintenance tools and equipment (for example hand drills, test equipment); * undervoltage protection circuits that are only provided for automatic tripping in the event of supply failure; * circuits supplying equipment that should normally remain energized for correct operation (for example temperature controlled measuring devices, product (work in progress) heaters, program storage devices); * control circuits for interlocking. It is recommended, however, that such circuits be provided with their own disconnecting device. Where such a circuit is not disconnected by the supply disconnecting device: * permanent warning label(s) in accordance with 16.1 shall be appropriatelY placed in proximity to the supply disconnecting device; * a corresponding statement shall be included in the maintenance manual, and one or more of the following shall apply; * a permanent warning label in accordance with 16.1 is affixed in proximity to each excepted circuit, or * the excepted circuit is separated from other circuits, or * the conductors are identified by colour taking into account the recommendation of 13.2.4. (bolding added here by DN for emphasis) -- Doug Nix, A.Sc.T. IEEE PSES Toronto Chapter Toronto Section, Ontario, Canada d...@ieee.org mobile (519) 729-5704 fax (519) 653-1318 Find me LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnix Fostering Technological Innovation and Excellence for the Benefit of Humanity. Celebrating 125 Years of Engineering the Future. http://www.ieee125.org On 16-Dec-09, at 09:10 , chris_al...@3com.com wrote: Hi, Does anyone know if there is a harmonised standard for the colours of external DC wiring (mains supply) in Europe? Particularly interested in the colours for 2 wire earthed DC power circuits with positive earth. Thanks, Chris Allen Compliance Specialist 3Com Europe Ltd Peoplebuilding 2, Peoplebuilding Estate, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead , Hertfordshire HP2 4NW T: 44-1442-438308 F: 44-1442-438333 M: 44-7768-806801 E: chris_al...@3com.com <mailto: chris_al...@3com.com> www.3com.co.uk _______________________________________________________ www.h3cnetworks.com | www.3com.com | www.tippingpoint.com Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. ________________ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is being sent by 3Com for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, proprietary and/or privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure and/or distribution by any recipient is prohibited. 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