Can you find any certification marks on it? Looks like Euro reg numbers are in this form... EN61010/A2

The code in the US varies a little between localites - but not too much. Colour codes are static.
120V: One phase from pole transformer used.
        Black = live/hot/active
        White = Neutral/Return/'Grounded Conductor'
        Ground = bare/green/green & yellow

240V: Both phases from pole transformer
       Similar to above - the second phase is normally red, but the code doesn't specify colours for these.

Neutral is the return wire that is connected to ground at your fuse/meter board. This is reffered to at times as 'The Grounded Conductor' - and is not the same as 'Ground'

http://www.mikeholt.com/mojonewsarchive/NECQ-HTML/HTML/NEC_Questions008~20030808.htm
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Q4. What is the NEC color code requirement for 120/208V and 277/480V systems?

A4. The NEC does not contain color code requirement for ungrounded conductors, except 110.15 requires the high-leg conductor from a 120/240 4-wire delta-connected system to be identified with the color orange. 
The grounded (neutral) conductors must be identified with the color white or gray in accordance with 200.6 
Equipment grounding (bonding) conductors must be bare, or identified in the color green, or green with a yellow strip if insulated in accordance with 250.119. 
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cdb wrote:
> Recently I've had to install or replace some 35A equipment that comes 
> from Switzerland with US colour code wiring scheme (how this is legal 
> in Australia is another matter).
>
> Anyhow, the original equipment has been wired by licensed 
> electricians, some use white as active others black, the supplier is 
> not helpful as the schematics actually list.
>
> L1 White
> L2 Brown
> L3 Black
>
> Now in Europe and AUS/NZ the equipment is 230-240Vac and only have 
> active/return/earth and in the US 208Vac (didn't know the US had 208 
> volt supplies).
>
> I've done an internet search and looked up my trusty Tandy everything 
> electronic book (circa 1978) and I'm getting mixed messages most state 
> black as active, but a few websites say white.
>
> So would some one form the country across the pond set me right and 
> help me sort out this shocking state of affairs?
>
> Thanks
> Colin
> Oh yes they're Starbucks coffee machines for the curious.
> cdb,   7/10/2008


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