In electrical systems, the choice of tubes and their color play a crucial role in the safety and management of the systems.

The colors of the tubesthey represent a visual languagewhich facilitates the identification and classification of the various components of the system.

This article aims to explore the rules and regulations regarding pipe colors in electrical systems, providing useful information for professionals in the sector and for those who wish to delve deeper into the topic.

Reference Regulations

In Italy, the reference regulations for the choice and use of electrical tubes are established byItalian Electrotechnical Committee (CEI).

The CEI has published numerous normative documents that define the technical specifications, installation methods and safety rules for electrical systems. Among these, theIEC 64-8 standard, relating to low voltage electrical systems, establishes the fundamental rules to follow.

It is also necessary to consider European regulations, such as theLow Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), which regulate the safety and compliance of the materials used.

Meaning of Tube Colors for Electrical Wires

The colors of the tubes in electrical systems follow a standardized coding that makes it easy to identify the specific functions of each tube.

black tube

The black pipe is intended exclusively for the passage of electrical cables. It is essential that the electrical system of your home is made using only black pipes.

brown tube

The brown pipe is reserved for the burglar alarm system.

green tube

The green pipe is a special case, as it is dedicated to the passage of cables for the telephone system, network and TV signals, including satellite systems. It is advisable to separate the pipes for each type of system (one for the TV system, one for the telephone system and one for the data network) to ensure a more orderly and functional installation.

blue tube

This tube is used exclusively for the construction of intercom and video intercom systems.

white tube

White tubing can be used for TV and data transmission systems, but surprisingly it is underused in the industry. Although it is not a commonly used color, it can serve as an alternative to green for data transmission systems.

purple tube

The purple tube is specifically for audio signal diffusion. If you have a sound diffusion or wired diffusion system, or if you need to pass an HDMI cable, it is recommended to use tubes of this color.

Tube Types and Associated Colors

Electrical conduits can be made of different materials, each with specific colors associated with their characteristics and applications:

PVC Pipes: Usually available in white or grey, used for internal systems in dry environments. PVC pipes can also be coloured to distinguish specific applications.

Metal pipes: Often coated with paint, colors can vary depending on the application. Black metal pipes can be used for industrial applications, while galvanized pipes can be gray.

Corrugated pipes: Generally, corrugated conduits for electrical cables are black or grey in color and offer mechanical protection and flexibility.

Choosing Tube Color by Application

The selection of tube color should be made taking into account the specific application. For example:

Civil installations: White or gray pipes are commonly used in household electrical systems.

Industrial plants: Here, you can opt for darker colored tubes for added strength and protection.

Special purpose pipes: For pipes designed for environments with particular conditions (such as fire resistance or chemical agents), a specific colour can be adopted to highlight their properties.

CORRUGATED CABLE CONDUITS

The double-wall corrugated cable duct, produced in high-density polyethylene, is made up of two tubular elements: a corrugated external element to make the product resistant, and a smooth internal element to facilitate the insertion of the cables.
It has the following features:
• Chemical resistance to acidic and basic substances, hydrocarbons, detergents, flammable substances and water
• Thermal resistance from -5 degrees to 60 degrees
• Complies with EN 61386.24 with crushing resistance greater than 450 N

External wall also available in black, blue on request.

Quality Marks
IMQ
Material
High Density Polyethylene
Rules
EN 61386.1, EN 61386.24
Compressive Strength
Greater than 450 N on 5 cm at 23°C
Impact resistance
Type N (normal) at -5°C 5kg/h =variable depending on the diameter
Fire resistance
Not Self-Extinguishing