Ensuring an organized workspace and knowing the functions provided by a specific colored cable are critically important in any electrical setting. Putting the effort into planning out cable management ahead of time is always a good idea. A neat, organized structure makes it much easier to find the cable you are looking for whenever something needs to be unplugged or when trying to simplify knowing which cables perform what operations. Color coding your power cords can ease a complex situation and help you keep your peace of mind when trying to figure out a problem.

Color Coding Methodology

Keeping cords untangled is one thing, but color coding can ensure you always know which cables go where. Using different colors can be as simple as telling the new guy, “Do not unplug the grey one, that powers your computer.” A simple color coding system can ensure everyone knows which cable goes where with a simple glance. An ideal system will be simple, intuitive, and easy to manage.  

It is important to consider the limitations of a color coding system before jumping in too deep. For instance, are the colors being used in familiar ways (for example, a red cord being something you should not touch or could be dangerous)? Is there a chart of the color code somewhere in case people forget it? An organized set-up is good, but an organized set-up with foolproof back-up plans is better.

Along with general usage, color coding could be used to tell you something about the cables themselves. You could establish that 125-volt cables are green while 250-volt cords are red. Or each color could be a different wire gauge (AWG) so people know when to grab thicker cables for higher voltage connections.

For spaces with many connections, the colors could even be generalized like

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