Australian Wiring Colours: A Complete Homeowner's Guide
In 2018, Australia changed its electrical wire colour codes to make its electrical system safer and in line with international standards. With so many appliances and cables now imported, aligning with global wiring colours just made sense. It reduces the risk of incorrect connections, electric shocks, and worse. Plus, let’s be honest, the old system was a bit of a headache.
In this article, we’ll explain the updated Australian wiring colours, what they mean, and why they matter. Our goal is to help you understand what each wire does, not to encourage DIY electrical work. It’s illegal (and seriously risky) to do it yourself unless you’re a licenced electrician.
Let’s start with why all these colours are such a big deal.
Why Electrical Wiring Colours Matter
According to Fire & Rescue NSW, around 40% of residential fires in Australia are caused by faulty wiring or appliances. Often, these issues stem from outdated or incorrect wiring.
If your home’s wiring is more than 30 years old, it might be time for a professional rewire to lower your risk.
That’s where a clear, standardised colour code helps. It allows electricians, including the newer ones, to easily identify wires, even during a power emergency or renovation. Fewer mix-ups mean safer homes and faster repairs.
Here’s our detailed guide on how much it costs to get your home rewired.
Current (post-2018) Vs. Old (pre-2018) Australian Electrical Wiring Colours
This table breaks down the differences between the current and old wiring colour systems:
🔌 Current (Post-2018) Single Phase Wiring
Active (Live): Brown
Neutral: Blue
Earth: Green/Yellow
🕰️ Old (Pre-2018) Single Phase Wiring
Active (Live): Red
Neutral: Black
Earth: Green
🔌 Three Phase Wiring (Post-2018)
Phase 1: Brown
Phase 2: Black
Phase 3: Grey
Neutral: Blue
Earth: Green/Yellow
🕰️ Three Phase Wiring (Pre-2018)
Phase 1: Red
Phase 2: White
Phase 3: Blue
Neutral: Black
Earth: Green
Just so you know:
Active wire carries power to your switches and outlets. Also known as “live” or “hot.”
Neutral wire completes the circuit by returning current to the source. It’s not live, but it can still give you a zap.
Earth wire is your safety net. It directs excess electricity safely into the ground during a fault.
In a three-phase supply, each phase (1, 2, and 3) carries a different stream of alternating current.
Here’s a detailed blog explaining the difference between single and three-phase power supply.
Should You Replace Your Old Wiring with New Colours?
Not necessarily.
If your home’s wiring is still in good condition, you don’t have to change it just to match the new colour code. The function of the wires hasn’t changed, only the colours.
However, under Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000, all new installations or upgrades must use the current colours.
So if your wiring is ageing or you're planning a reno, make sure your electrician understands both the old and new codes. This matters a lot. For example, the black wire is used for Phase 2 (live) in the new system but was used for neutral in the older setup. That’s the kind of mix-up that can end in fire or worse.
What is the White Wire in Electrical Wiring in Australia?
Good question.
The white wire is part of the older three-phase wiring system, where it was used to mark Phase 2, a live wire. In the updated standard (AS/NZS 3000), black has taken its place.
Important: White equals live. Don’t assume it’s neutral or safe to touch. When upgrading or repairing, make sure your electrician is licenced and familiar with both wiring systems to avoid dangerous confusion.
Why You Should Never DIY Electrical Rewiring?
Wiring a plug might seem simple, but trust us, it’s best left to the pros.
Here’s why:
DIY electrical work is illegal in Australia unless you’re licenced. Fines can go up to $40,000.
Insurance companies may deny claims if an accident involves illegal electrical work.
The colour codes can be confusing. For example, black is neutral in the old system but live in the new one.
Homes with partial upgrades may have mixed wiring systems, which adds to the risk.
Mistakes like cross-wiring can lead to fires, shocks, or serious appliance damage.
Residential power supply is 230V. That’s more than enough to cause serious injury or death.
We’re not here to scare you, just to keep you and your family safe.
How AJD Electrical Solutions Can Help
Per Australian safety regulations, any electrical work, big or small, needs to be done by a licensed electrician.
That’s where we come in.
FAQs About Australian Wiring Colours
What colour wire is active in Australia?
In Australia, the active wire colour depends on whether the wiring follows the current (post-2018) or old (pre-2018) standards.
Under the current standard, the active wire in a single-phase system is brown, while in a three-phase system, the active wires are brown (Phase 1), black (Phase 2), and grey (Phase 3). Under the old standard, the active wire in a single-phase system was red, and in a three-phase system, the active wires were red (Phase 1), white (Phase 2), and blue (Phase 3). Always consult a licensed electrician for any electrical work, as DIY wiring is illegal and dangerous in Australia.
What happens if a live wire touches the earth?
If a live wire makes contact with the earth, the electrical current will quickly flow into the ground, causing a voltage drop. This can trip your circuit breakers, blow a fuse, or damage appliances. Worse still, if you’re touching the live wire while barefoot, the current could run through you and lead to a serious or even fatal shock.
Are wiring colour codes the same everywhere in Australia?
Yes. All states and territories follow the AS/NZS 3000:2018 standard.
Final Thoughts: Safety Starts With Understanding Wiring Colours
Even though you can’t legally do your own electrical work, knowing the colour codes helps you stay safe. You’ll be able to explain things better in an emergency or spot issues like exposed or damaged wires while waiting for help.
Looking for a friendly, experienced electrician in Melbourne?
Give us a call. We’re happy to chat and offer free quotes.