What is the standard phase color coding for 120/240V single-phase systems?

In standard electrical wiring for 120/240V single-phase systems, the color coding for conductors follows specific conventions to ensure safety and clarity in identification. The standard phase color coding designates black for the "hot" wire and white for the "neutral" wire. This color coding helps electricians easily recognize which wires to connect for proper operation of circuits and prevents potential mishaps during installation or maintenance.

The black wire carries the electrical current while the white wire serves as the return path, completing the circuit. It is essential to adhere to these color codes to maintain consistency across different installations and ensure that others who work on the system can quickly understand the wiring layout.

This practice is also crucial for safety, as mixing up wires can lead to short circuits, electrical shocks, or fires. Other combinations of colors noted in the options are not standard for 120/240V residential wiring, making them less recognizable and potentially hazardous in the execution and troubleshooting of electrical tasks.