All You Need to Know About Electrical Wire Color Codes
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Orange, Brown, Pink and Violet Wires
Rounding out the electrical wire color code are orange, brown, pink and violet. In U.S. homes, orange is most commonly used like a red wire, particularly in a 240-volt circuit where two hot wires are needed. You might see orange wires in the fire alarm circuit as well.
Pink and violet are less prevalent but can be used as travelers or switch legs, or as dimming control wiring for lights. Brown conductors are used primarily in three-phase services, but you could certainly see them in your home, too.
If this seems like a lot of colors, you’re right. The NEC doesn’t specify that hot conductors be any certain color. So having multiple recognizable options when running circuits, switch legs and travelers helps electricians stay organized and safe. As always, exercise caution when working with these wires and assume that they’re live.
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