What indicates that a cable is correctly sleeved to identify its function and minimize confusion?

• A. Conductor sleeves or color coding indicating L, N, or E; consistent across all terminations.
• B. The cable has no sleeves or color coding.
• C. All conductors have the same outer jacket color.
• D. Terminations are unlabelled.

Answer: (A)

Clear identification of conductor function through sleeves and color coding is essential for safe and reliable electrical work. Sleeves or color coding on each conductor label the function—live, neutral, and earth—so anyone wiring or servicing can instantly tell which wire is which. Keeping this labeling consistent across all terminations helps prevent cross-connection, miswiring, and accidental energization, and it supports safe testing and maintenance. It also aligns with codes that require visible, standardized markings so the circuit remains identifiable even if equipment is moved or replaced. If there are no sleeves or color coding, the function of each conductor becomes ambiguous, increasing the risk of dangerous mistakes. If all conductors share the same outer jacket color, there’s no visual cue to distinguish their roles, and unlabelled terminations offer no guidance at all. Therefore, using sleeves or color coding indicating L, N, or E and keeping them consistent across terminations is the best practice.