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An extension cord that you plug into your house is neither positive OR negative. It uses alternating current so there's a live wire and a ground. Only direct currents (like those in cars) have positive and negative. On a two wire extension cord the ribbed side is the neutral. If you look close and it is a moulded plug on the end of the extension cord you will find that the side with the rib is also the same side as the wider blade on the plug. This corresponds to the wide blade hole in the receptacle which is also the neutral side of the receptacle.

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15y ago
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AnswerBot

7mo ago

The ridged wire is typically the neutral wire in an extension cord, not the positive wire. The neutral wire completes the circuit by providing a return path for the current to flow back to the power source. It is important to follow proper wiring and safety guidelines when working with extension cords.

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13y ago

When you are trying to determine which wire is the hot wire then you must assume all of them are. Use a voltmeter to determine which line is hot and which is neutral. Never assume a wire is hot or not because of its identification unless you are very familiar with the circuit.

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Q: Is the ridged wire positive on an extension cord?
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Related questions

Is the ribbed wire on a extension cord the black?

The ribbed wire on an extension cord is typically the neutral wire. The black wire is usually the hot wire. It's important to check the manufacturer's instructions or consult a professional if you are unsure.


How do you re-wire an extension cord green white black?

You can rewire your extension cord by replacing the existing wire with green, black and white wires. In most situations it is safer and cheaper to buy a new extention cord.


Is the ridged wire neutral or hot?

If wired properly the ridged wire is the neutral.


What is the extension cord with 3 prong could be used for?

Depends on the size of the wire in the extension cord. The 3 prong is just the hot, neutral, and ground.


How do you wire up an extension cord with brown blue green wires to standard black white and green circuit?

buy a new extension cord


Can you construct a 3 wire power cord to a 3 wire extension cord?

you need to state more information but in any case yes you can.


What tools and materials used for assembling extension cord?

Materials would consist of extension cord cable, male and female cap ends. The tools would consist of a screwdriver that will fit the termination ends screw configuration and a pair of wire strippers or a knife to strip the extension cord wire.


What are the parts of extension wire?

There are several parts to an extension cord. There is the "female" end where you would plug in the appliance, the cord, and then the "male" end which gets plugged into an outlet.


What size extension cord should you use for your 120 volt 1725 watt iron?

#16 <<>> To load an extension cord to 1725 watts depending on the length of the cord, the bare minimum should be #14. A better size cord and my recommendation would be a #12 wire size extension cord.


How do you make a 30 amp to 15 amp extension cord?

It is not recommended to make a 30 amp to 15 amp extension cord as it can be dangerous and violate electrical codes. Using the wrong amperage extension cord can lead to overheating, fires, or damage to electrical equipment. It is advisable to purchase the appropriate extension cord for the intended purpose.


Why does the current change at an extension plug when connected to a lamp?

Are you saying that you plug in a lamp and another lamp on that extension cord goes dimmer? If so then the extension cord wire is of a smll guage size and causing a voltage drop from the outlet to the cord output.


Is hot wire on the extension cord ribbed or smooth?

The hot wire on an extension cord is typically smooth. The ribbed wire is usually the neutral wire. Make sure to check the cord carefully to confirm the proper identification of wires before handling or using it.