Conductor colours help identify a connection when the colour scheme matches the cable type. Paired installation cables use different sequences from multicore electronic cables. The number of conductors and the presence of a protective earth conductor also matter.
Our conductor identification and colour code chart, in German contains the sequences and bundle markings. Before connecting a cable, check which scheme applies to that particular construction.
VDE 0815: identifying pairs and bundles
In installation cables such as JE-Y(St)Y Bd Si Eca, conductors are identified in pairs. For a bundle of four pairs, the chart gives these base colours:
| Pair | Conductor a | Conductor b |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue | Red |
| 2 | Grey | Yellow |
| 3 | Green | Brown |
| 4 | White | Black |
Multiple bundles can be distinguished by groups of rings on the conductors or by a plastic spiral bearing the bundle number. With ring marking, both the colour and the ring group depend on the bundle number and construction. Ring colour alone is therefore not enough to identify a bundle. The PDF chart provides the full sequence.
DIN 47100: colours for electronic cables
The DIN 47100 colour sequence is used for LIYY and LIYCY cables. DIN 47100 has been withdrawn, although its marking scheme may still form part of an agreed cable specification.
The first ten conductor colours are white, brown, green, yellow, grey, pink, blue, red, black and violet. Colour combinations follow. The assignments differ between individually laid-up conductors and paired constructions, so use the appropriate table. The letters LIYCY within a longer designation are not enough to choose a scheme: JE-LIYCY follows the conductor marking for its installation cable construction.
DIN VDE 0293: conductor count and protective earth
For multicore cables, the chart distinguishes versions with a green-yellow protective earth conductor, designated J, from versions without one, designated O. The other colours depend on the conductor count.
The four-core J version shown uses green-yellow, brown, black and grey. The five-core J version also includes blue. Applying one colour sequence to every conductor count would therefore give an incorrect assignment.
Abbreviations such as BK for black, WH for white, BU for blue and RD for red help when comparing a cable with a drawing. They do not replace the connection diagram or checks on the cable itself.
Include the marking in your enquiry
Tell us the cable type, conductor or pair count, cross-section and length. Include any required colour sequence or numbering. Our datasheet search provides technical details for the individual cable types. If you need a different marking, discuss it with us through the contact form.