Which color of lead wire indicates a circuit voltage of 240 volts, nominal for electric space heating cables?

In electrical practice, color coding of lead wires is a standard method used to convey specific information about the function and voltage level within a circuit. For electric space heating cables, a lead wire color that signifies a nominal circuit voltage of 240 volts is red. This color is commonly associated with hot wires in 240-volt systems, which typically carry the current necessary to power electric heating applications.

Red wires are often part of a two-wire setup where both wires may deliver power at 120 volts, but when combined, they provide the necessary 240 volts for appliances like electric heaters. Using red helps electricians and technicians quickly identify hot wires in a system during installation or maintenance.

Understanding this standard can simplify troubleshooting and installation processes, allowing for clear communication about circuit specifications. Other colors, such as green, blue, and black, have different designations and uses within electrical systems, which is why red is specifically the color chosen for indicating a 240-volt circuit in this context.