Traffic Signal Wiring Color Code by Region: IEC, US, China and More
Introduction
A traffic signal has a switched conductor for each indication plus a common return. The wire colour convention varies by region. Using the wrong colour on an export project causes installation errors and rework. This guide covers the conventions.
US NEC (United States)
The US National Electrical Code allows several colour conventions; the most common for traffic signals:
- Red ball: red conductor
- Yellow ball: yellow conductor
- Green ball: green conductor
- Common: white or grey conductor
- Pedestrian red: red conductor (separate)
- Pedestrian green: green conductor (separate)
- Arrow red: red conductor
- Arrow yellow: yellow conductor
- Arrow green: green conductor
Many US projects use 7-conductor traffic signal cable with red, yellow, green, white, black, blue, brown insulation.
IEC Europe and Export
The IEC 60446 colour convention:
- Red ball: brown conductor
- Yellow ball: orange conductor
- Green ball: green/yellow striped (with green phase) or red conductor (with red phase)
- Common: blue conductor
- Pedestrian red: black conductor
- Pedestrian green: white or grey conductor
Most European and EN12368 export projects use brown/orange/green-yellow/blue.
China GB
GB 50217 colour convention:
- Red ball: red conductor
- Yellow ball: yellow conductor
- Green ball: green conductor
- Common: blue conductor
- Pedestrian red: red conductor (separate)
- Pedestrian green: green conductor (separate)
Australia / New Zealand AS/NZS
AS/NZS colour convention:
- Red ball: red conductor
- Yellow ball: yellow conductor
- Green ball: green conductor
- Common: black conductor
- Pedestrian red: red conductor (separate)
- Pedestrian green: green conductor (separate)
Project-Specific Conventions
Many large projects specify their own colour code that overrides regional conventions. Always confirm the project specification before pulling wire. GAOQIAO supplies colour-coded cable to any project specification on request.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies colour-coded traffic signal cable and wiring diagram guides for any regional or project convention.
Conclusion
Wire colour convention varies by region. Always confirm the project specification before pulling wire. GAOQIAO supplies colour-coded cable to any specification. Send us your destination country and project spec for the right cable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common colour mistake?
Using US colours on an IEC project, or IEC colours on a US project. Always check the project specification.
Can I label wires instead of using colour?
Yes, for short runs or special projects. Most projects still require colour-coded cable for inspection and maintenance clarity.
Does the project specification override regional convention?
Yes, the project specification always wins. If the spec says brown for red ball, use brown, even if the regional convention is different.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads with MUTCD, EN12368, GB14886 compliance.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles for any intersection geometry.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.