2025.10.25 – Master the Colour-Code of Wire Ferrules: From Turquoise 0.34 mm² to Blue 50 mm² under DIN 46228

A warm and thorough guide to decoding ferrule colours in industrial wiring.

Key Takeaways

• Insulated wire-ferrules are colour-coded according to the German standard DIN 46228 (Deutsches Institut für Normung) and widely used in panel-building and control wiring.
• This guide covers the full range from 0.34 mm² up to 50 mm², giving the colour-to-size mapping and practical notes.
• Some sizes offer variants in colour depending on manufacturer or regional standard—those are clearly highlighted.
• Using this list helps you avoid selection mistakes, streamline wiring tasks and cross-check supplier documentation.

Scope

This article uses the exact colour-codes list as shared in a technical note, combined with verified standard sources. It does not introduce new colour codes beyond those listed, nor does it claim universal applicability—always verify with your specific supplier. The list spans small to large wire-cross-sections and ties colour to wire size under DIN 46228.

Colour-Code List with Notes

Here is the reference list, colour → size → note:

• Turquoise → 0.34 mm² → DIN 46228 confirmed.
• Orange / White → 0.5 mm² → Both colours valid under DIN.
• Grey → 0.75 mm² → Standard colour in DIN.
• Red → 1.0 mm² → Used in EU and US systems.
• Black → 1.5 mm² → Universal DIN colour.
• Blue → 2.5 mm² → Matches DIN and ANSI (American National Standards Institute).
• Grey → 4.0 mm² → DIN colour; yellow also seen (variant).
• Yellow → 6.0 mm² → DIN colour, widely accepted.
• Brown → 10 mm² → Used by DIN-manufacturers.
• Green → 16 mm² → Standard for this section.
• Black → 25 mm² → Assigned in DIN system.
• Red → 35 mm² → Used in certified EU kits.
• Blue → 50 mm² → DIN colour; “Vogt confirmed” (manufacturer note).

Variants & Practical Notes

• The colour grey appears twice (0.75 mm² and 4.0 mm²). For 4.0 mm² the note “yellow also seen” indicates a variant: some manufacturers use yellow instead of grey.
• For 0.5 mm² the listing of “Orange / White” implies two acceptable colours under DIN, so this is a variant as well.
• The note “Matches DIN and ANSI” at 2.5 mm² (blue) suggests compatibility with American standard.
• The note “Used in EU and US systems” at 1.0 mm² (red) implies red is commonly used across regions.
• Always check the specific manufacturer’s colour‐code chart, especially if the kit is export or non-German brand.

Why Colour-Coding Matters

Ferrules encase the stripped end of a stranded wire into a tin-plated copper tube plus an insulating collar. The coloured collar signals the cross-section at a glance, making identification during installation and maintenance faster and less error-prone. The DIN 46228 standard describes the dimension, material and colour-coding for such ferrules.

How to Use this Reference

• Place this list near your wiring station as a quick reference.
• When selecting a ferrule, match the conductor cross-section in mm² to the colour above.
• If you see a colour not in this list (for example violet, light blue, white for another size), check whether it follows French code or another regional standard—the list above is specifically for DIN.
• For international installations, verify if the standard is DIN, French (Telemécanique), or other.
• Keep ferrule assortments sorted by colour, but always cross-check part number and manufacturer documentation to avoid mix-ups.

Ferrule (Wire-end) Definition

A ferrule is a metal (tin-plated copper) tube crimped onto the stripped end of a stranded wire to ensure a reliable termination under a screw or spring clamp. The insulating sleeve (colour) improves identification and safety.
Origin: English “ferrule” (from Latin ferrum meaning iron/metal). Professionally accepted in electrical engineering practice.

DIN 46228 Standard Definition

DIN 46228 is a German standard that defines insulated and non-insulated wire-end ferrules (including dimensions, materials and colour-coding). It is widely referenced in European industrial wiring.
Origin: DIN = Deutsches Institut für Normung. This standard represents professional acceptance and is used by manufacturers and wiring installations.

Final Thoughts

The colour-to-size mapping (from 0.34 mm² to 50 mm²) provides a reliable reference for use in control panels, switchgear and automation wiring. While most assignments are consistent, the presence of variants underlines the need for professional diligence: verify with your supplier and do not assume full universality. With this reference you can reduce selection errors, speed up wiring, and improve traceability.

Sources

• https://web-assets.knipex.com/sites/default/files/documents/AEH-HUELSEN-UBERSICHT_EN_V01_RZ20210624.PDF – Knipex catalogue table of ferrule sizes and colour-codes.
• https://assets.phoenixcontact.com/file/257a95b8-0ae0-4b65-8476-514c169bc2ba/media/original?1540293_EN_Aderendhuelsen_LoRes.pdf – Phoenix Contact guide listing detailed colour-code table (translated and compared).
• https://www.americanelectrical.com/blog/cracking-the-codes-for-insulated-wire-ferrules/ – Article explaining colour-code systems including DIN, W and T variants.
• https://www.interpower.com/docs/ferrules_crimp_tools.pdf – Ferrule selection guide referencing “Colour coding arranged according to DIN 46228 Part 4”.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwhq125MhNQ – Video “Ferrule – Colour code confusion – 2 German systems and one …” (YouTube).