AMD 2 - changes to conductor colour coding

AJJewsbury:

It seems that AMD 2 is introducing yet another big change to colour coding - albeit only for DC systems. +ve is changing from brown to red and -ve from grey to white.


Also functional earths are changing from Cream to Pink.


Anyone know


a) why the change?

b) why the "old" (i.e. brown/blue) colours aren't permitted as an alternative?


(the 2nd question is about being able to comply with two different versions of BS 7671 at the same time - e.g. where legislation demands compliance with an older version but customer requirements are for compliance with the latest version - DC systems being increasingly common in domestic installations - e.g. PV systems.)


   - Andy.

(a) and (b) ... BS EN 60445 has already made the change. It's now harmonized. Conflicting standards have to be withdrawn.


DC systems can have different H&S risks and it's preferable to be able to distinguish between AC and DC conductors for safety.


Functional earth being pink already changed in BS 7671 since in Corrigendum 2018 - 2 years back, for the same reason. Combined protective and functional earth should still be identified green-and-yellow.


Appendix 7 of the DPC has been updated with guidance on "colours to different versions" (to answer 2nd question).

AJJewsbury:

It seems that AMD 2 is introducing yet another big change to colour coding - albeit only for DC systems. +ve is changing from brown to red and -ve from grey to white.


Also functional earths are changing from Cream to Pink.


Anyone know


a) why the change?

b) why the "old" (i.e. brown/blue) colours aren't permitted as an alternative?


(the 2nd question is about being able to comply with two different versions of BS 7671 at the same time - e.g. where legislation demands compliance with an older version but customer requirements are for compliance with the latest version - DC systems being increasingly common in domestic installations - e.g. PV systems.)


   - Andy.

(a) and (b) ... BS EN 60445 has already made the change. It's now harmonized. Conflicting standards have to be withdrawn.


DC systems can have different H&S risks and it's preferable to be able to distinguish between AC and DC conductors for safety.


Functional earth being pink already changed in BS 7671 since in Corrigendum 2018 - 2 years back, for the same reason. Combined protective and functional earth should still be identified green-and-yellow.


Appendix 7 of the DPC has been updated with guidance on "colours to different versions" (to answer 2nd question).