I think some of you are reading something into the standards that is not there.
The color of internal conductors is not specified beyond the well-known green/yellow reserved to identify earthing conductors. For equipment connected with a non-detachable power cord or provided with an appliance inlet, my PERSONAL opinion is that both L&N conductor insulation should have the same surface color because it is improper to distinguish between the L&N conductors when in many countries the socket outlet is randomly connected with either polarity. It would only be acceptable (but not required) to identify the L&N in some countries, such as the UK, Australia, where polarity is strictly observed. In other countries such as Switzerland, USA, & Canada, identification of polarity identification would be acceptable (but not required) IF the equipment were provided with an earthing means. However the ungrounded power plug in these countries will fit into the socket outlet with either polarity, so L&N identification would be improper. The German plug used in many other countries will fit into the socket outlet with either polarity so identification would be improper. Therfore, in the one product world, the lowest common denominator is to make both L&N insulation surface the same color, OR if for some other reason such as to facilitate assembly or servicing, color combinations should be selected that have no meaning in the wiring rules of any countries. I have always specified both black or when necessary black and black with a contrasting tracer. Best Regards, Lou Aiken 27106 Palmetto Drive Orange Beach, AL 36561 USA tel 1 334 981 6786 fax 1 334 981 3054
