# Explain why the insulation around the three wires in a mains plug is colour coded.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.2.3 Domestic uses and safety · Explain · 4 marks

> A student is wiring a new mains plug for a kitchen appliance. The plug contains a live wire, a neutral wire, and an earth wire.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Correct colour identified for live wire (brown)
2. Correct colour identified for neutral wire (blue) and/or earth wire (green and yellow stripes)
3. Colour coding allows easy/correct identification of each wire
4. Connecting the wrong wire to the wrong terminal would be dangerous / could result in electrocution or the appliance becoming live

## Key terms

- [insulation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/insulation)
- [mains](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mains)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-insulation-around-the-784277c9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.