It provides the return path for the current provided by the hot wire. On outlets in the middle of the circuit the neutral wire makes it possible for the current to move through the outlet to other outlets on the circuit and back to your service panel.
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How to find neutral wire. How to identify live wire with mulitmeter. There are a few hardwired automated switches that dont need a neutral wire but these are in the minority. Why is this so important though. How to identify hot wire. On an outlet or fixture thats on the end of the run the neutral wire sends the current back to the source. How do you find out which wire is hot or the black wire.
Essentially it allows power to return to its original source. Power comes from the service panel along the black hot wire through other outlets switches and light fixtures on the circuit and begins its return to the source through the white neutral wire attached to this outlet. In the course of replacing this light receptacle i came across two white wires. Its not just insteon switches and dimmers but most smart lighting in general that call for this neutral wire. Common house wiring colors. We will discuss the purpose of the neutral wire a bit later.
Why we do not join ground wires and neutral wires together downstream of the service equipment. Charles buell 1055368 views. Tour start here for a quick overview of the site help center detailed answers to any questions you might have meta discuss the workings and policies of this site about us learn more about stack overflow the company. The white wire is the neutral wire. Wire and cables deliver electricity from your main breaker panel or fuse box to electrical outlets appliances televisions stereos light fixtures audiovisual equipment and more inside and outside your home. How to identify a hot neutral and ground wires using digital multimeter and a probe.
How to identify neutral and ground wires. When theres only one cable entering an outlet box it means the outlet is the last fixture on the circuit. The copper wire is called the ground wire because it is connected to the earth either directly or through another grounded conductor. A neutral wire is a type of wire in which carries currents back to the source of power and or regular voltage.