What color typically indicates a hot wire in electrical systems?

In electrical systems, the color that typically indicates a hot wire is red. This colorcoding standard is widely recognized in electrical wiring practices. Hot wires are those that carry current from the power source, and it’s essential to identify them correctly to ensure safe installations and prevent electrical hazards.

Red is one of the colors used for secondary hot wires in many systems, while black is commonly used for primary hot wires. This standard color scheme assists electricians and anyone working with electrical systems in quickly differentiating between hot wires, neutral wires, and ground wires, thereby enabling safer and more efficient work.

Green, on the other hand, is reserved for ground wires, while white typically designates neutral wires. Blue is primarily used for traveler wires in three-way switch configurations or as a secondary hot, depending on the system, but it's not the standard color for hot wires. Understanding these color codes is crucial for compliance with electrical codes and for maintaining safety in electrical installations.