Marine Wire Color Code
Marine and boat wire color codes are the recommendations for the colors of the primary wire established by the The American Boat and Yacht Council Association.
Below are the current specifications:
- Red: Positive wires in DC circuits.
- Black or Yellow: Negative ground or return.
- Yellow with Red Stripe: Starting circuit wiring.
- Green or Green with Yellow Stripe: Bonding systems and grounding wires.
- Dark Blue: Cabin or general area lighting circuits.
- Light Blue: Oil pressure senders or instrument wiring.
- Orange: Common feed for accessories.
- Brown: Pump wires (e.g., bilge or freshwater), generator armature, alternator charge light.
- Brown with Yellow Stripe: Bilge blowers.
- Gray: Navigation and anchor light circuits, tachometer.
- Pink: Fuel sender wiring.
- Purple: Ignition switch circuits (ignition on/run), instrument feed.
- Tan: Water temperature sender wiring.
