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The wire gets hot because it is too small to carry the rated current. The wire does not have zero impedance (ohms). It may be very, very close to zero, but no wire is truly zero ohms. If you pass a current through a wire of non-zero ohms, you develop a voltage across that wire. (Ohm's law: Voltage = Amps * Ohms) That developed voltage represents power. (Watts = Amps * Voltage) If the power is great enough in comparison to the power dissipation rating of the wire, it gets warm. (Or hot, or melts, or causes a fire, depending on how much power) Typical NEC requirements, which include margins of safety, specify, for instance, that a 15 Amp circuit require a 14 AWG wire, or a 20 Amp circuit require a 12 AWG wire. Try to pass 60 Amps through a 14 AWG wire, which I have actually seen done, and you are just looking for trouble.

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Why current carrying wires become hot?

Current carrying wires become hot due to resistance in the wire. As electric current flows through the wire, resistance causes some of the electrical energy to be converted into heat. This heat energy accumulates over time, causing the wire to become hot.


Why does ac power have a hot wire and neutral wire?

The hot wire carries current from the source to the electrical device, while the neutral wire carries current back to the source. This completes the circuit and allows electrical devices to function properly. The distinction between the two ensures proper functioning and safety in the electrical system.


Can you switch hot and neutral in a 110 situation?

No, you should never switch the hot and neutral wires in a 110V electrical circuit. The hot wire carries the current to the load, while the neutral wire carries the return current back to the source. Switching them can create a safety hazard and damage appliances or equipment connected to the circuit.


What wire carries the current away from the appliance?

for safety purposes the safety ground in normal operation, both the hot and neutral alternately


When you are wiring up a lamp what does the grooved wire mean and what does the smooth wire mean?

The grooved wire is the neutral wire, which carries the current back to the power source. The smooth wire is the hot wire, which carries the current from the power source to the device, in this case, the lamp. It's important to connect them correctly to ensure the lamp functions properly and safely.

Related Questions

What is black wire use for?

In household wiring it is the "hot" wire that carries current to the load.


Which wire is the hot wire in an electrical circuit?

The hot wire in an electrical circuit is the wire that carries the current from the power source to the device or appliance.


Which wire is hot in the electrical circuit?

The wire that is hot in an electrical circuit is the wire that carries the current from the power source to the device or appliance.


Is the common wire the hot wire in electrical wiring?

No, the common wire is not the hot wire in electrical wiring. The common wire, also known as the neutral wire, carries the current back to the power source and completes the circuit. The hot wire, on the other hand, carries the current from the power source to the device being powered.


What is the definition of hot wire in electricity?

A hot wire in electricity refers to a wire that carries an electric current and becomes hot due to the flow of electricity through it.


Will you get shocked if you touch just the hot wire?

Yes, you can get shocked if you touch just the hot wire because it carries electrical current.


What is the difference between a hot wire and a load wire in electrical circuits?

In electrical circuits, a hot wire carries the electrical current from the power source to the device, while a load wire carries the current from the device back to the power source. The hot wire is typically black or red in color, while the load wire is usually white or gray.


What is the difference between a hot wire and a load wire in electrical wiring?

In electrical wiring, a hot wire carries the electrical current to the device, while a load wire receives the current from the device. The hot wire is typically black or red, while the load wire is usually white or gray.


What is the difference between hot and neutral wires in an electrical circuit?

The hot wire carries electrical current to the device, while the neutral wire completes the circuit by returning the current to the power source.


What are the differences between a load wire and a hot wire in electrical circuits?

In electrical circuits, a load wire carries the electrical current to the device being powered, while a hot wire supplies the electrical current to the circuit. The load wire is connected to the device, while the hot wire is connected to the power source.


Why current carrying wires become hot?

Current carrying wires become hot due to resistance in the wire. As electric current flows through the wire, resistance causes some of the electrical energy to be converted into heat. This heat energy accumulates over time, causing the wire to become hot.


Is the common wire hot in electrical wiring systems?

No, the common wire is not hot in electrical wiring systems. It is typically the neutral wire that carries the return current back to the power source.