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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A neutral wire carries current back to the power source and is connected to the grounded center point. A hot wire carries current to the load and is the live conductor in an electrical circuit.
a hot wire is a living wire or positively charged wire and a neutral is the ground or negative
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.