Fiber colour codes for fiber sequence

25.05.2023 | Unlike commonly believed, IEC 60304 does NOT specify any fiber sequence. The standard just specifies twelve different colours. The sequence of these colours is specified by other standards which differ from each other.

The colour sequence (aka colour code) is specified by EN 50174-1, ISO/IEC 14763-2, IEC TR 63194 and ANSI/TIA-598 to name a few. IEC TR 63194 lists the various colour codes that are used in different countries. The colour code might also be specified by company standards of telecommunication companies. The good news: Although the sequence of the colours might differ, the colours themselves are the same.

What does that mean for design and installation? The colour sequence shall be agreed upon with the customer. They might go for any standard – but it should be the same standard on BOTH cable ends, otherwise the installation will end up in chaos.