What color must neutrals be in standard electrical wiring?

In standard electrical wiring, the neutral wires are typically color-coded white. This color designation is part of the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States, which establishes safety standards for electrical installations. The use of white for neutral wiring helps to easily identify it among other types of wires—such as black, which is usually used for hot wires, and green, which is reserved for grounding.

By standardizing the colors of electrical wires, it enhances safety and reduces the risk of confusion when installing or troubleshooting electrical systems. Having the neutral wires consistently marked with white allows electricians and anyone working with electrical installations to quickly and accurately identify the function of the wire, thus minimizing the potential for electrical accidents.