What’s the Difference Between a Positive and Neutral Wire?What’s the Difference Between a Positive and Neutral Wire?
What’s the Difference Between a Positive and Neutral Wire?
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Knowing the difference between a positive and neutral wire is essential for anyone working with electricity in the home or workplace. Positive and neutral wires are two of the three wires found in an electrical circuit. Understanding their purpose and how they work is critical for anyone working on electrical projects. The positive wire, also known as the “live” wire, carries the electrical current from the power source to the electrical device. This wire is usually colored red or black and is marked with a “+” or “hot” symbol. The positive wire will have a higher voltage than the neutral wire. The neutral wire is the second wire in the electrical circuit. It carries the current back to the power source in order to complete the circuit. This wire is usually colored white and is marked with a “–“ or “neutral” symbol. It typically has a lower voltage than the positive wire. It is important to note that the neutral wire should never be exposed because it is live with electrical current. It should be properly insulated to protect anyone who may come into contact with it.