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In a standard 15 or 20 amp receptacle (plug), with the ground in the bottom position, the neutral wire goes to the left side of the receptacle as you look at the front of it. The hot wire goes on the right side.

Note: the screws to clamp the wire are colour coded. The neutral goes to the silver coloured screw and the hot goes to the brass coloured screw.

The silver/brass colour coding does not apply in the UK, but the neutral pin is still on the left.

With the ground in the bottom position, notice the heights of the two parallel slots of the receptacle. The taller (or wider) one - on the left - is the neutral, and the shorter one is the hot side. Think of it from a safety point of view: a person is more likely to accidentally touch the bigger slot, so make that one safer than the shorter one.

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8y ago
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5mo ago

The wider prong of a polarized plug is the neutral leg. It is intended to ensure the correct orientation of the plug when inserted into an outlet to maintain safety and proper functioning of the connected device.

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Q: Which leg is neutral in a polarized plug?
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Related questions

What is the wide spade on a polarized plug called?

The wide spade on a polarized plug is called the neutral prong. It helps ensure that the plug is inserted into the outlet in the correct orientation to maintain the electrical circuit properly.


Polarized plug which wire is hot?

In a polarized plug, the wider prong is the neutral wire and the narrower prong is the hot wire.


What is a polarized electrial outlet?

In the US the larger prong is Nuetral and the smaller is Live or Positive.


Is the wide part on a plug positive?

What you are refering to is a polarized plug. The wide connector forces the proper orientation in the outlet. This is so that the hot and neutral connectors in the plug, match the hot and neutral (cold) prongs on the plug. This forces a switch to operate on the "live" or hot wire. If a switch interrupted the flow of electricity in the neutral wire, the appliance would still shut off but the plug itself will remain "hot" whcih is a shock hazard. No, the wide blade on a plug is the neutral connection.


If you wire a plug in reverse by mistke with the hot lead on the thick side of the polarized plug will it cause a problem?

Yes, wiring a plug in reverse with the hot lead on the wrong side can cause a problem. It can create a risk of electric shock and damage to electrical devices because it disrupts the intended flow of electricity through the plug. It is important to always follow proper wiring instructions to avoid such issues.


This is a 2 prong polarized female. However a 2 prong unpolarized male will easily plug into a 2 prong polarized female. just not the other way around.?

This is a 2 prong polarized female. However a 2 prong unpolarized male will easily plug into a 2 prong polarized female. just not the other way around.


How does a polarized plug prevent reverse polarity?

A polarized plug allows connection in only one direction. This ensures that electrical components with a higher risk of user contact, such as the shell of a lamp socket, as opposed to the center pin, is connected to neutral, and thus not presenting an electrocution hazard.


How does a phase leg connect to a neutral in an electrical circuit?

A phase leg connects to the neutral through the connected load.


On a two prong plug which side is neutral?

The wider slot is typically the neutral side on a two-prong plug. However, it's essential to note that the prongs can vary based on the country's electrical standards, so it's always best to consult with a qualified electrician for guidance.


Does the ribbed wire connect to the positive or negative on a light fixture?

On a molded 2- or 3-wire line cord the ribbed conductor is the neutral conductor. On a polarized 2-prong plug it will be connected to the wider blade. On some line cords the neutral conductor may have a white stripe instead of ribs.


What color is the neutral in a plug?

In the UK the neutral wire is 'blue'.


What is the purpose of polarization?

A polarized plug allows connection in only one direction. This ensures that electrical components with a higher risk of user contact, such as the shell of a lamp socket, as opposed to the center pin, is connected to neutral, and thus not presenting an electrocution hazard.