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In alternating-current systems, we don't have a 'positive' and a neutral conductor, but a 'line' and a neutral conductor.

The neutral conductor is connected to the earth and, so, has a potential of approximately zero volts.

The line conductor, on the other hand has a potential of approximately 230 V (in Europe) or 120 V (in North America) with respect to the neutral conductor. For this reason, line conductors are frequently referred to as being the 'hot' conductor.

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How do you determine hot to neutral?

You can determine the hot and neutral wires by using a voltage tester. The hot wire will have voltage present when measured against the ground or neutral wire, while the neutral wire should not have voltage when measured against the ground wire. It is also recommended to consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure.


What is the difference and how to differentiate between neutral and hot wires if both wires have the same color?

The best way to differentiate between neutral and hot wires when they are the same color is to use a multimeter to test which wire is carrying voltage. The hot wire will have voltage, while the neutral wire should not. Exercise caution and ensure proper safety measures are followed when working with electrical wires.


The black wire is hot but there is no current between the hot and neutral wire. There is current between the hot and ground wire?

It sounds like there may be an issue with the neutral wire in your electrical system. The neutral wire completes the circuit, so if there is no current flowing between the hot and neutral wires but there is between the hot and ground wires, it could indicate a problem with the neutral connection. It's important to have this issue inspected and repaired by a qualified electrician to ensure safety.


Why neutral wire does not carry current in closed ac circuit?

The neutral wire is connected to the ground at the service entrance, providing a return path for current. In a closed AC circuit, the neutral wire carries the difference in current between the hot wires, so the net current flow through the neutral wire is minimal. This is why the neutral wire may appear to carry little to no current in a closed AC circuit.


What is difference between 10-2 and 10-3 wire?

The main difference between 10-2 and 10-3 wire is the number of conductors they have. 10-2 wire has two conductors, typically used for a hot wire and a neutral wire. 10-3 wire has three conductors, typically used for a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire.

Related Questions

What is the difference between hot and neutral wires in an electrical circuit?

The hot wire carries electrical current to the device, while the neutral wire completes the circuit by returning the current to the power source.


How do you determine hot to neutral?

You can determine the hot and neutral wires by using a voltage tester. The hot wire will have voltage present when measured against the ground or neutral wire, while the neutral wire should not have voltage when measured against the ground wire. It is also recommended to consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure.


What is the difference and how to differentiate between neutral and hot wires if both wires have the same color?

The best way to differentiate between neutral and hot wires when they are the same color is to use a multimeter to test which wire is carrying voltage. The hot wire will have voltage, while the neutral wire should not. Exercise caution and ensure proper safety measures are followed when working with electrical wires.


What is the permitted difference in amps between a live and a neutral wire?

The correct answer is 120 volts between the hot conductor and neautral in a residential dwelling.You can have 347 volts between the neautral and hot in a commercial space.


What is the difference between a black wire and a white wire in electrical wiring?

The difference between a black wire and a white wire in electrical wiring is that the black wire is typically used as the hot wire to carry electrical current, while the white wire is usually used as the neutral wire to complete the circuit and return the current to the power source.


The black wire is hot but there is no current between the hot and neutral wire. There is current between the hot and ground wire?

It sounds like there may be an issue with the neutral wire in your electrical system. The neutral wire completes the circuit, so if there is no current flowing between the hot and neutral wires but there is between the hot and ground wires, it could indicate a problem with the neutral connection. It's important to have this issue inspected and repaired by a qualified electrician to ensure safety.


Is the white wire hot or neutral in the electrical circuit?

In an electrical circuit, the white wire is typically used as the neutral wire, not the hot wire.


Why neutral wire does not carry current in closed ac circuit?

The neutral wire is connected to the ground at the service entrance, providing a return path for current. In a closed AC circuit, the neutral wire carries the difference in current between the hot wires, so the net current flow through the neutral wire is minimal. This is why the neutral wire may appear to carry little to no current in a closed AC circuit.


What is the difference between black and white wires in electrical circuits?

The black wire is typically used as the hot wire to carry electrical current, while the white wire is used as the neutral wire to complete the circuit and return the current to the source.


Will an arc fault breaker work without a ground?

Yes a GFCI will work without a ground wire. A GFCI looks for a current differential between current in on the "hot" wire and current return on the neutral wire. Since current is the same throughout the circuit, no difference, no trip. If the load grounds out or shorts out, the current then takes the path of least resistance through the ground and not the neutral. This creates a difference between the "hot" and return neutral current and the device trips the circuit open.


Is the ridged wire neutral or hot?

If wired properly the ridged wire is the neutral.


How can one identify the neutral wire in an electrical circuit?

The neutral wire in an electrical circuit is typically identified by its color, which is usually white or gray. It is also connected to the wider prong on a plug and is often labeled as "N" on electrical outlets. Additionally, a voltage tester can be used to confirm the presence of a neutral wire by checking for a voltage difference between the neutral and hot wires.