What color wire indicates a hot conductor in residential wiring?

In residential wiring, the standard convention for identifying hot conductors is to use black or red colors. Hot conductors are those that carry electrical current and are thus critical to recognize for safety and proper functionality in electrical systems.

Black wires are commonly used to connect to the power source and can feed power to devices, while red wires may be utilized for secondary hot connections, such as in 220-volt systems or switch legs. Recognizing the black or red wires as hot conductors is vital for troubleshooting, installation, and safety measures within electrical systems.

The other colors mentioned, such as green or yellow, typically indicate ground or grounding conductors, while blue or white are usually reserved for neutral or switched conductors. Gray or brown wires may also serve specific purposes but are not standard colors for hot conductors in residential settings. Understanding these color codes is essential for ensuring a safe and effective electrical installation and maintenance.