Colour Identification
IEC 60309 plugs and sockets are identified by colour. The national mains power around the world are almost always based on a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, so the colour coding refers to the voltage. Effectively the most widespread colour codes are yellow 110 V, blue 230 V and red 400 V. The black 500 V colour code can often be found on ships.
For higher frequencies beyond 60 Hz (up to 500 Hz) green connectors are used. For any other voltage and frequency a grey housing is used. This makes for the following colour coding:
| Voltage range | Frequency range | Colour code |
|---|---|---|
| 020–025 V | 0050/60 Hz | Purple |
| 040–050 V | 0050/60 Hz | White |
| 100–130 V | 0050/60 Hz | Yellow |
| 200–250 V | 0050/60 Hz | Blue |
| 380–480 V | 0050/60 Hz | Red |
| 500–690 V | 0050/60 Hz | Black |
| - | >60–500 Hz | Green |
| None of the above | Grey | |
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