Republic of the Philippines

City of Iloilo
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OF ILOILO CITY
MOLO CAMPUS
M.H del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo City
Email: tiicmolocampusic@yahoo.com Tel. No. (033) 337-6711

LESSON 1: Electrical Wires and Cables

Performing Roughing-In Activities, Wiring and Cabling Works for Single-Phase Distribution, Power, Lighting
Course:
and Auxiliary Systems
Book: LESSON 1: Electrical Wires and Cables
Printed
Rekhnor Magbanua
by:

Table of contents
 Introduction
 TOPIC 1: Types and Sizes of Wires and Cables
 TOPIC 2: Color Coding of Wires and Cables
Introduction

Wires are electrical conductors that are sized 8 mm 2 (AWG no. 8) or smaller, while cables are solid or
stranded conductors that are larger than the wires. Electrical wires and cables are important
components of an electrical system. Thus, selecting the proper type and size of wires and cable is
paramount to the good design and safety of the installation.

In this lesson, we will be discussing the different types, sizes, and color-coding of wires and cables.

TOPIC 1: Types and Sizes of Wires and Cables

TOPIC 2: Color Coding of Wires and Cables
There are several wire identification standards, and many of them depend on color codes. Electrical
wiring color codes are different depending on the user’s location, installation type, voltage, and other
factors. Laws in some areas stipulate a color code, while other areas rely only on common practice. 
Applying Color Codes to Electrical Wiring

Manufacturers color-code most narrow wires by using different-colored insulation. Wires larger than #6
AWG or 16 mm2 are normally manufactured with black insulation. In cases like this, colored bands
must be wrapped around the wire during insulation and must still follow the color-coding.