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The AC wide prong is the neutral. An AC voltmeter measuring from narrow prong to ground should show line voltage; measurement from wide prong to ground should show zero. In a two-conductor power cord (and some three-conductor cords), the ridged side should be the neutral. In any light-bulb socket, the outer ridge should be wired to neutral.

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17y ago
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6mo ago

The wider prong on an AC plug is typically for the neutral wire.

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Q: Is the AC wide prong for hot or neutral?
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Why neutral wire does not carry current in closed ac circuit?

The neutral wire is connected to the ground at the service entrance, providing a return path for current. In a closed AC circuit, the neutral wire carries the difference in current between the hot wires, so the net current flow through the neutral wire is minimal. This is why the neutral wire may appear to carry little to no current in a closed AC circuit.


A system has 220v ac L and neutral can be possible two hot leg 120v ac be used?

Yes, in a split-phase electrical system, a 220V AC supply can be achieved by using two 120V AC hot legs (phases) and a neutral wire. The two hot legs are 180 degrees out of phase with each other and together create a 220V potential difference. The neutral wire is used as a return path for current flow.


Does the AC outlets have a positive and negative terminals?

No, AC outlets do not have positive and negative terminals like DC outlets. AC outlets have hot and neutral terminals, with the hot being the live current-carrying wire and the neutral being the return path for the current.


Can a red wire be neutral?

In ordinary circumstances, a red wire is a secondary hot wire in an AC circuit, or the positive power leg in a DC circuit. Red should not be used as a neutral. If it is used for something other than a hot wire it must be labeled on the wire at all connection points- and would STILL be a bad idea.


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.

Related questions

On a standard three prong AC outlet what should the AC voltage measure between neutral and hot?

Nominally 120 Volts.


Can a system has 220v ac L and neutral can be possible two hot leg 120v ac be used?

yes. on most marine and offshore rigs you can connect 22volt rated system L and neutral to 2 hot connection. 110v on L and 110v on neutral.


On a standard three prong AC outlet what should the AC voltage measure between neutral and ground?

Zero, or very close to it. If there is a large neutral current flowing, voltage drop on the neutral leg could cause a volt or so to read between the two. If you read full line voltage, the outlet is wired wrong!


Why neutral wire does not carry current in closed ac circuit?

The neutral wire is connected to the ground at the service entrance, providing a return path for current. In a closed AC circuit, the neutral wire carries the difference in current between the hot wires, so the net current flow through the neutral wire is minimal. This is why the neutral wire may appear to carry little to no current in a closed AC circuit.


Does an outlet still operate with a failed neutral wire?

The ordinary household AC power requires "hot" and "neutral" wires to both function properly. A failed neutral is a potentially dangerous condition.


A system has 220v ac L and neutral can be possible two hot leg 120v ac be used?

Yes, in a split-phase electrical system, a 220V AC supply can be achieved by using two 120V AC hot legs (phases) and a neutral wire. The two hot legs are 180 degrees out of phase with each other and together create a 220V potential difference. The neutral wire is used as a return path for current flow.


Does the AC outlets have a positive and negative terminals?

No, AC outlets do not have positive and negative terminals like DC outlets. AC outlets have hot and neutral terminals, with the hot being the live current-carrying wire and the neutral being the return path for the current.


Is the small prong positive or negative?

POSITIVE and NEGATIVE are Direct Current (DC) terms In Alternating Current (AC) terms it is: HOT-LEG (brass colored screw) and NEUTRAL (silver colored screw) On polarized plugs 120volts, the larger prong is the neutral


Does a 220 volt ac contact get a positive and a negative?

A 220 vac circuit has 2 hot wires and a neutral. The neutral stays at 0 volts and the hot wires vary between positive and negative. When one is positive, the other is negative.


How can the flow of electrons in an electrical circuit change without the neutral becoming hot ex. AC Power?

The neutral conductor is bonded to ground, and is therefore always at earth potential, which is the zero-reference for voltage.


Can you use an ac neutral on a coil powered by dc?

A neutral line can carry both AC and DC. Just make sure that the AC or DC is unable to pass through any components connected to the neutral line.


Can cross-wiring an electrical outlet cause a household fan motor to smell like it is burning?

I think by 'cross wiring' you mean reverse polarity. This means the hot wire is connected to the neutral screw and the neutral wire is connected to the hot screw. This shouldn't have any impact on an AC motor, since AC voltage already changes polarity 60 times per second.