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In North America, the black wire is typically live, while the red wire is often used as a secondary live wire in 240-volt circuits or in three-way switch setups. However, wire colors can vary based on location and local electrical codes, so it's always best to use a voltage tester to accurately determine which wire is live.

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3mo ago
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3mo ago

In North America, the black wire is typically live, while the red wire is often used as a secondary live wire in 240-volt circuits or in three-way switch setups. However, wire colors can vary based on location and local electrical codes, so it's always best to use a voltage tester to accurately determine which wire is live.

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15y ago

Generally, black wires are live and white are grounded. However, it's a good idea to test this theory with a multimeter, not your fingers. In a Home/Residential environment, say a 120V outlet, there are three wires. Black is "Live" or "Hot". On an electrical outlet, it's the shorter pin on the right. White is "Neutral" it's the wider pin on the left. Green is always ALWAYS ground and it's the round-ish pin below the two flat pins.

Now, on a 240V outlet, such as an electric dryer, both wires are black, and both are live. This is because the alternating current on each wire is 120V relative to Neutral, but 240V relative to each other. (The voltage is 180 degrees out of phase). Both 120V and 240V are considered "Single Phase" power.

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14y ago

In a DC system, red = positive, black = negative.

A DC system can be negative ground, positive ground or isolated from ground.

So... "live" takes on different meaning, depending on the way a system was engineered.

Most automotive systems are negative ground; haven't seen a positive ground for many years.

Without additional information, you're on your own.

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12y ago

When you encounter a red wire in house wiring, it may be live or may be neutral.

Commonly used in wiring 2-way switched lighting, that red wire in a 4-wire bundle is switched by the 2 switches in some wiring arrangements so that it can be hot with the switches set one way, and neutral with the switches set another way.

In 220v circuits, both the black and the red wire are HOT.

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15y ago

Canada and US - The colour of live wires in home wiring are red and black. The neutral is white. Ground is bare when in a cable set like loomex. Ground is green when associated with fixtures and appliances.

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15y ago

The black wire should be the "hot" conductor and the neutral is the white wire. (assuming it is wired correctly in the panel which it likely is.

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Q: Is a red wire live or the black wire?
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White wire a black wire a red wire and a bare wire?

The white wire is typically neutral, the black wire is usually hot or live, the red wire may be a secondary live wire or used for a separate function, and the bare wire is typically the ground wire for safety purposes in an electrical circuit.


What is the red wire and what wire does it go with when there are three wires black red and white?

The red wire is typically used as the live wire in an electrical circuit. In a three-wire setup with black, red, and white wires, the black wire is usually the hot wire, the red wire is also a hot wire, and the white wire is the neutral wire. The red wire can be paired with the black wire to supply power to a specific device or component.


12 volt pump with red and black wire which is live?

The red wire is typically the live wire for a 12 volt system, while the black wire is the ground wire. Always consult the pump's manual or manufacturer specifications to confirm the correct wiring for your specific pump.


What is significance of red black and green wire in three pin plug?

The significance of the red, black, and green wires in a three-pin plug typically corresponds to their functionality. The red wire is usually the live wire, the black wire is the neutral wire, and the green wire is the earth wire. These colors help to identify and properly connect the wires for safe and correct electrical wiring.


What is the color of live wire neutral wire and ground wire in Bangladesh.?

In Bangladesh, the live wire is typically red, brown, or black; the neutral wire is typically blue or black; and the ground wire is typically green or green with a yellow stripe. It is important to consult with a local electrician or electric code regulations for accurate information.

Related questions

White wire a black wire a red wire and a bare wire?

The white wire is typically neutral, the black wire is usually hot or live, the red wire may be a secondary live wire or used for a separate function, and the bare wire is typically the ground wire for safety purposes in an electrical circuit.


What is the red wire and what wire does it go with when there are three wires black red and white?

The red wire is typically used as the live wire in an electrical circuit. In a three-wire setup with black, red, and white wires, the black wire is usually the hot wire, the red wire is also a hot wire, and the white wire is the neutral wire. The red wire can be paired with the black wire to supply power to a specific device or component.


Is there a difference between black wire and red wire?

Yes, the red wire is a positive wire (+) and the black wire is a negative wire (-) :D


12 volt pump with red and black wire which is live?

The red wire is typically the live wire for a 12 volt system, while the black wire is the ground wire. Always consult the pump's manual or manufacturer specifications to confirm the correct wiring for your specific pump.


What is significance of red black and green wire in three pin plug?

The significance of the red, black, and green wires in a three-pin plug typically corresponds to their functionality. The red wire is usually the live wire, the black wire is the neutral wire, and the green wire is the earth wire. These colors help to identify and properly connect the wires for safe and correct electrical wiring.


Is the white wire in the thermotat a neutral?

the thermostat has a black(line) wire to it, and a red wire going to it. the red wire then connects to the neutral wire. the black and red are like a leg switch.


What is the color of live wire neutral wire and ground wire in Bangladesh.?

In Bangladesh, the live wire is typically red, brown, or black; the neutral wire is typically blue or black; and the ground wire is typically green or green with a yellow stripe. It is important to consult with a local electrician or electric code regulations for accurate information.


Does the red wire go on the plus sign on a battery or the minus?

The red wire is Positive, (+) and the Black wire is Negative. (-)


What color is live wire in old plugs?

In the UK, the old wiring colours were... Live = red, Neutral = black, Earth = green.


What electrical wire goes with the red and black in your ceiling?

The red wire is typically used for the live or hot wire, and the black wire is commonly used for the neutral wire. The specific wire connections may vary depending on the electrical circuit, so it's important to consult a professional electrician for proper installation.


How do you connect timer white and black house wire with red black and white wires?

To connect a timer to a white and black house wire with red, black, and white wires, typically the black wire from the timer connects to the black house wire, the white wire from the timer connects to the white house wire, and the red wire from the timer connects to the red wire from the house. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and turn off the power before installation.


How do you wire a light switch with only black and red wires?

The black wire is typically the hot wire that carries the electrical current, while the red wire is often used as a traveler wire. Connect the black wire to one terminal of the light switch and the red wire to the other terminal. Make sure to turn off the power before wiring the switch to avoid electrical shock.