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 standards and regulations governing pipe colors in electrical systems, providing useful information for industry professionals and anyone wishing 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 regulatory documents that define the technical specifications, installation methods, and safety rules for electrical systems. Among these, theCEI 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 the Colors of Electrical Wire Tubes

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

black tube

Black pipe is intended exclusively for electrical wiring. It's essential that your home's electrical system be installed using only black pipe.

brown tube

The brown pipe is reserved for the burglar alarm system.

green tube

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

blue tube

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

white tube

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

purple tube

The purple tube is specifically designed for audio signal transmission. If you have a PA system or wired audio system, or if you need to run an HDMI cable, it's recommended to use 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 pipesTypically available in white or gray, PVC pipes are used for indoor installations in dry environments. PVC pipes can also be colored to distinguish specific applications.

Metal pipesOften 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 gray in color and offer mechanical protection and flexibility.

Choosing Tube Color Based on Application

Pipe color selection should be made taking into account the specific application. For example:

Civil systemsWhite or gray pipes are commonly used in home electrical systems.

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

Special purpose pipesFor 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-walled corrugated cable duct, made of high-density polyethylene, is made up of two tubular elements: a corrugated outer element to make the product resistant, and a smooth inner element to facilitate the insertion of 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 crush 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