Free guide helps with new cable colours
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3M UK Electro-Telecom Division product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Oct 14, 2004
UK electrical engineers and craftsmen could face serious problems if they are uncertain of the switch to European power cable colour regulations, which came in to force earlier this year.
UK electrical engineers and craftsmen could face serious problems if they are uncertain of the switch to European power cable colour regulations, which came in to force earlier this year.
To help them overcome this, 3M has introduced two initiatives: a range of coloured tapes that they can use as a quick means to correctly identify cable cores; and a free, at-a-glance business-card sized reference guide for storing in wallets and toolboxes.
Both are part of the range of solutions that 3M already provides to the power market, including 3M Cold Shrink products for jointing and terminating cables.
Although the harmonisation of UK power cable colours with the rest of Europe makes considerable sense, it does mean that engineers and craftsmen who are used to the old colours may find it hard to get used to the switch.
Says Allan Russell of 3M: "Even the most experienced person may get confused, because this is such a major change".
"For example, neutral has changed from black to blue, blue becomes grey and yellow changes to black: in three phase applications - confusing".
"Any mistake could be dangerous and expensive".
"This is why we've looked at ways in which we can make the transition from one set of colours to the other much easier".
3M has a range of solutions to help electrical engineers and craftsmen meet the new standards, including: 3M Phase Marking Tape - yellow cloth, preprinted L1, L2, L3 and N; 3M PVC preprinted tapes - also L1, L2, L3 and N; and Scotch 35PVC tapes in brown, black, grey, blue and green/yellow.
The quick reference guide is available free on request to all power engineers.
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