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In order for current to flow in a circuit, it must have an "input" wire, and a "return" wire. So "what goes in, has got to come out" of a circuit. The "hot" wire in a home appliance connects to the "hot" wire in an electrical outlet (which in turn is connected to the black color coded wire supplying power to the outlet).

The "neutral" wire provides the return path to the outlet (white color coded wire, and "wider" blade of the outlet) for the current. In a typical, properly wired system, both the "neutral" and "ground" wires are connected to an actual "earth" ground by means of a long (6 to 12 ft.) rod driven into the earth at the power inlet to the home

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As to the "ground" wire (usually a bare wire when "unsheathed" in an outlet box), while it generally IS connected to the "neutral" wire in the distribution panel, and would carry the "return" current, it's intended only as a safety measure to: (1) provide a return current path should the "neutral" wire open or become disconnected, (2) provide a "grounded" current return path should the "hot wire in the appliance be shorted (or develop a low current path) to the frame or outer portions of the appliance.

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Leo Bergnaum

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2y ago

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