Ancor Network Color Coding System

Yellow & Black Couplers

All backbone cables and backbone accessories come with a yellow coupler to make identifying the network backbone easy.

Drop cables and accessories that should be connected to drop cables all come with black couplers.

Red Power Drop (Tee)

The red tee of the power tee makes finding the power connection as easy as possible in hard to reach consoles or compartments where batteries may be stored.

Blue Power Isolation

In specialized applications, for example connecting a screen that also has its own power connection, a power isolator is needed to ensure that the NMEA network only has one source of power. This can be managed and easily identified with the blue power isolator. (If you are unsure of the application for this product please contact a NMEA certified installer for more info)

Difference Between Ancor Backbone Cables & Drop Cables

Wire Gauge

Ancor backbone cables are produced with a larger gauge size cable than other cables on the market to help increase network reliability and reduce voltage drop across a network backbone which can at times span long distances. Ancor drop cables, which are typically a much shorter distance, are produced with a smaller gauge wire than our backbone cables allowing them to be routed more easily through bulkheads or behind panels.

Coupler Colors

Backbone cables which are made of the larger gauge wire are easily identified by the yellow couplers on each end which connect to yellow couplers on tee connector. Drop cables and their black couplers then connect to black couplers on the bottom of tees or to other helpful accessories like our 90° elbow, which helps to reduce tight bends in the drop cable which can effect performance.