Posted by Simon Williams 3 on 08/08/2020 19:48:17:
Posted by Vic on 08/08/2020 18:47:43:
I’ve got extension leads with both yellow and blue cables. I didn’t know there was any particular convention.
If you google IEC 60309 the colour of the cable relates to the convention of relating working voltage to the socket cover colour for multi-pin outdoor connectors. Formerly BS4343.
I don't know if there is a formalised connection to the colour of the cable sheath, but having worked extensively on construction sites in the UK I know I'd be thrown off site for presenting extension cables not compliant with the colour convention a la IEC 60309.
We also encountered 24 V AC cable and connectors in a pretty lavender colour.
Rgds Simon
As far as I can find there's no convention or standard in the UK for sheath colour apart from Simon's multi-pin outdoor example.
There's a US house wiring standard where sheath colour relates to conductor size. Same colours as IEC 60309, entirely different meanings.
It appears UK domestic appliance leads can be any colour wanted. Black, White, Grey, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Red, Stripes, whatever. They can suit the decor! More usefully extension leads could be colour coded to highlight trip hazards, or different colours used to identify ends.
Dave