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.
If there happens to be a fault on that appliance the ground wire is the faults path back to ground.
You should never switch the neutral wire. The neutral of the appliance should be connected directly to the neutral wire leading to the service panel neutral bar.
the safest position for a switch is on the live wire and not on the neutral wire
The blue wire is typically used as the neutral wire in electrical wiring systems, providing a return path for the current. The brown wire is usually used as the live wire, carrying the current to the appliance or device.
No current flows in the circuit when the circuit is open, as in when the appliance is switched off. The voltage is on the "hot" side of the switch when it is in the open position but the neutral is not energized until the switch is closed.
The black wire is the hot wire through which the electrical current flows to the appliance. The left over voltage which is usually zero flows back to the main circuit panel through the white neutral wire where it flows to ground.
The wire that is at or near 0V and conducts an electric current whenever the appliance is switched on is the neutral wire. This wire completes the circuit and provides a return path for the current to flow back to the source.
The purpose of the white wire in an electrical circuit is to serve as the neutral wire. The neutral wire completes the circuit by providing a return path for the current to flow back to the power source. It is connected to the ground at the electrical panel to ensure safety and proper functioning of the circuit.
The purpose of a white wire with a black stripe in electrical wiring is to indicate that the wire is being used as a hot wire, carrying current to power a device or appliance.
When using a two-wire cable to feed a 240-V appliance that does not require a neutral wire, you typically connect both hot wires to the appliance's terminals. This setup provides the necessary voltage and current while eliminating the need for a neutral return path. It's important to ensure that the circuit is properly protected with a suitable circuit breaker or fuse to handle the load. Additionally, verify that local electrical codes and regulations are followed for safety and compliance.
Assuming inside the lighting/distribution panel, the Neutral bar is "bonded" to the ground bar. Then the neutral prong (usually larger) of the receptical is then directly wired to the Neutral bar in the panel. The above technique keeps the NEUTRAL at GROUND potential, however, the metalic frame of the appliance remains UN-GROUNDED if the supply cord is only 2-wire. The NEUTRAL connection inside the appliance is not allowed to be bonded to the frame of the appliance. Therefore, the un-grounded metal frame of the appliance can become a shock hazard if there is a fault in the appliance's internal wiring
To avoid a shock if the hot wire in the appliance should come in contact with a metal appliance part that the user could touch.