For towing, Australia uses a standardized color code to ensure safety and functionality across different vehicles and trailers. Jim's Test & Tag Left-hand Turn Indicator Service Brakes (Electric Brakes) Earth Return (Ground) Right-hand Turn Indicator Tail Lamps, Clearance, and Side Markers Stop Lamps (Brakes) Reversing Signal Battery Charger / Winch Auxiliaries / Battery Lead Important Warnings Trailer wiring colours australia - Jim's Test & Tag
Let’s apply the code to a real job: installing a 12V LED light strip in a camper van. 12 Volt Wiring Colour Codes Australia
| Colour | Function | Typical Use | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Positive (+), unswitched | Main battery feed, direct-to-battery circuits. | | Black | Negative (–) | Earth return, chassis ground. | | Yellow | Positive, switched | Circuits controlled by ignition or a switch (e.g., fridge trigger wire, stereo memory? No, see below ). | | White | Negative, switched | Return path for switched negative circuits (less common but permitted). | | Green or Green/Yellow | Earth (Chassis Ground) | Connecting metal chassis of appliance to vehicle ground. Crucially, this should NOT be used for 12V negative in a vehicle. | | Brown | Tail/parking lights (Specific to trailers) | Running lights on a trailer or caravan. | For towing, Australia uses a standardized color code
By following these colour codes, you protect yourself, future repairers, and your property. A correctly coloured 12V system is not just a neat job—it’s a legal and safe one. | | Black | Negative (–) | Earth return, chassis ground
: Often used for "switched" power, such as ignition-only accessories.
For most 12V applications—like 4WD dual-battery setups, caravans, and boats—the industry standard is to use and Black for Negative .
| Wire Function | Insulation Colour | Typical Use | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Red | Main battery positive, supply to distribution panel, direct loads. | | Negative (–) | Black | Return path to battery negative, chassis ground (if used as return). | | Earth (Protective Earth) | Green/Yellow | Chassis bonding, safety earth (rare in pure 12V but required in hybrid systems). | | Switched Positive | Red (with trace or label) | Accessories activated by a relay or switch. | | Auxiliary / Second Battery | Red or Orange | Second battery positive in dual-battery systems. |
