Wire Color Standard
- White - Neutral ..... (grounded conductor, neutral conductor, neutral point) conductor with continuity to the electrical system's center tap of the power company transformer.
- Black - Hot 110v / 120v ..... (positive, live wire) not grounded, the active wire which is most likely to electrocute a person. This is the dangerous wire!
- Bare - Ground ..... (grounding wire, earth ground) a conductor with continuity to earth, may be bare or identified insulated wire of green or having green stripes.
- Red - Hot 110v / 120v
Electricity flows along the black "live" wire, feeding whatever is required and then returns along the white "neutral" wire to its local transformer. The flow can be interrupted by a switch installed on the black "live" wire for most common household applications.
Standard Wire
Earth Ground
A true earth ground, as defined by the National Electrical Code, physically consists of a conductive pipe or rod driven into the earth to a minimum depth of 8 feet.
Switch and Receptacle Mounting Tips
The height from the floor for the following:
- Electrical Outlet is 12"
- Light Switch is 48"
- Thermostat is 60"