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For a flexible lamp cord:

If it is in the US, Canada or other countries using the similar wiring codes, if the insulation on the wires is colored then White is intended for the "Neutral", Black for the "Hot" or "Live" and - if there is one in the cord - Green should be used only for the protective safety "Ground" wire.

On lamp cords which are fitted with only a 2-prong plug, it does actually matter which way round the hot and neutral are connected. Except for very old style appliances or lamps because the plug can be inserted into a socket outlet only one way on modern devices.

One kind of plug which has 3 prongs - for separate hot, neutral and ground wires - can be inserted in only one position to ensure that correct connections are made for each of those wires. Another kind is a polarized plug where one prong, the neutral prong, is wider than the hot prong.

If the lamp cord is clear or a solid color, and has only 2 wires, one side may have a raised ridge and the other side will be smooth. The ridged side is intended to be used for the Neutral and the smooth side for the Hot. The National Electrical Code requires the neutral wire be identified.

Only do this if the device you are testing is unplugged: take a multi-meter, set it on ohms and check for continuity between the ridged wire (or wider prong) and the outermost metal part inside of the light socket, to confirm the lamp is wired correctly if it is you will get a reading close to or zero ohms.

The reason for this is if one accidentally touches the metal shell of a light bulb while unscrewing it, he or she will not be in contact with a hot wire and not get a shock. The hot wire is the switched wire and always the center contact in screw in light socket.

Note re. lighting cords in the United States: most of UL-approved 2-prong power cords have a polarized plug. The bigger prong is for the Neutral and the other prong is for the Hot.

If it is in a country in Europe or other places around the world using similar wiring codes, the Neutral wire is colored Blue, the "Hot" or "Live" wire is Brown and the Ground wire, if there is one in the cord, is colored Yellow and green.

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Old style lamp cords do not have a ground wire in the two wire set. It just has a hot and neutral wire. The neutral conductor has a raised rib for identification.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

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What is the amperage rating of lamp cord?

Lamp cord is #18 in size and is rated for 10 amps. This type of wire is strictly for use on lamps only and not to be used for power wiring.


Does a 3-wire prong range cord have a built in ground?

Yes, a 3-wire prong range cord typically includes a built-in ground wire. The ground wire is important for safety to prevent electrical shocks and fires. It is recommended to always ensure that the range cord is properly installed and grounded according to manufacturer's instructions.


What would happen if the ground wire was cut off of the grass trimmer or the entension cord?

If the ground wire is cut off from the grass trimmer or extension cord, it can create a safety hazard. The ground wire is designed to protect users from electric shocks by providing a path for the electricity to ground if a fault occurs. Without the ground wire, there is an increased risk of electric shock or device malfunction. It is important to replace or repair the ground wire immediately.


Can a 220 volt lamp be converted to 110 volts without replacing the wiring?

Yes, lamp cord is rated in the 300 volt wire classification. This means that the cord is approved for use up to a maximum of 300 volts.


Which wire goes on wide spade of cord?

The identified conductor on a two wire lamp cord cable will be the neutral wire. The identification will be a raised rib or on some the wire identification data will be used to identify the neutral. This wire connects to the wide blade, using a silver coloured screw on the plug (cap) as a connection point.

Related Questions

Which wire on a lamp cord is known as the hot wire?

The wire on a lamp cord that is known as the hot wire is typically the black wire.


Which wire is hot on a lamp cord?

The wire that is hot on a lamp cord is typically the one that is black or red in color.


What type of conductors shall be used for wiring on fixture chains?

The type of wire you are looking for is called lamp cord. It comes in different colours usually to match the fixture. Fixtures hanging from chains use a clear insulation so as to blend in with the fixture chain colour. Remember that the smooth wire of the lamp cord connects to the hot wire and the ribbed wire on the lamp cord connects to the neutral wire in the ceiling junction box.


What is the lamp black wire with white stripe?

If you are asking about the electrical cord on a lamp, the black wire with the white stripe is the neutral conductor.


Which is hot ribbed wire or smooth wire?

In North America the neutral has to be identified as such. On a lamp cord the ribbed insulation side is the identification of the neutral wire. The "hot" conductor of the lamp cord is the smooth insulation.No. Screw material is no safe indicator because they would be too easy to swap round.


Why does the current change at an extension plug when connected to a lamp?

Are you saying that you plug in a lamp and another lamp on that extension cord goes dimmer? If so then the extension cord wire is of a smll guage size and causing a voltage drop from the outlet to the cord output.


What is the amperage rating of lamp cord?

Lamp cord is #18 in size and is rated for 10 amps. This type of wire is strictly for use on lamps only and not to be used for power wiring.


Is green ground in an extention cord?

Yes, the green conductor is the colour of the ground wire in an extension cord. The black wire is dedicated to be the "hot" and the white conductor is the neutral.


Does a 3-wire prong range cord have a built in ground?

Yes, a 3-wire prong range cord typically includes a built-in ground wire. The ground wire is important for safety to prevent electrical shocks and fires. It is recommended to always ensure that the range cord is properly installed and grounded according to manufacturer's instructions.


What wire color is ground on a 4 wire 220 volt cord The I know the green is and what red black or white?

Depending on the configuration of the cord cap, the green wire is ground, the white wire is the neutral and red and black wires are the 220 volt source.


What would happen if the ground wire was cut off of the grass trimmer or the entension cord?

If the ground wire is cut off from the grass trimmer or extension cord, it can create a safety hazard. The ground wire is designed to protect users from electric shocks by providing a path for the electricity to ground if a fault occurs. Without the ground wire, there is an increased risk of electric shock or device malfunction. It is important to replace or repair the ground wire immediately.


Can a 220 volt lamp be converted to 110 volts without replacing the wiring?

Yes, lamp cord is rated in the 300 volt wire classification. This means that the cord is approved for use up to a maximum of 300 volts.