12 - Volt Wiring Colour Codes Australia

Before any 12V project:

For most 12V applications—like 4WD dual-battery setups, caravans, and boats—the industry standard is to use and Black for Negative . 12 Volt Wiring Colour Codes Australia

| Colour | Permitted Function (12V DC Australia) | Prohibited Function | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Positive (+), switched positive | Negative, Earth | | Black | Negative (–), return path | Positive, Earth | | Green/Yellow | Protective Earth only | Any live or negative | | Blue | Electric brakes, auxiliary signal | Main positive or negative | | Yellow | Left turn signal (vehicle wiring), Alternator B+ (marine) | Earth | | White | Trailer reverse light, Chassis ground (if no black available) | Positive | | Orange | Second battery or memory circuit | Negative | Before any 12V project: For most 12V applications—like

Some DIYers use white or blue for negative because they "ran out of black wire." This is non-compliant. If an electrician or another owner later works on the system, they will assume black is negative. A white negative could cause a lethal short. A white negative could cause a lethal short