How to Identify Neutral Wire on Lamp Cord if It Is Clear

How to Identify Neutral Wire on Lamp Cord

Electrical equipment is not much complicated when you use them. Although the functions might seem to be different from one to another, you get hold of it. 

But the thing that bugs us all is their wiring. Especially if you are hanging a chandelier or lamp by yourself. 

The wiring in particular is the most confusing part. If you wire them incorrectly, the bulb might go out instantly. Which is not a pleasant experience. 

This is why you will need to identify the neutral line from the hot one. But how to identify neutral wire on a lamp cord, may boggle you. 

Today we are going to tell you a few things that will make you find the neutral every single time. 

How to Identify Neutral Wire on Lamp Cord | 2 Ways

Electrical wires come in various colors. Red and black being the most common, you will also find green, brown, blue and even clear ones. 

All of them represent different types of plugging and electrical system. Depending on how your house is wired, you can identify that. 

But for a lamp cord wire, you will usually find two wires. No matter what the color is, you can tell which one is the neutral one and which one is the hot one. 

There are two ways you can do that

1. Color Coding

Hot wires will have an overall the same color without any strips on them. The neutral wire, on the other hand, will have a strip on them. And this is the most common way to tell which wire is neutral. 

2. Rough Edges

You will also come across wires that don’t have a color strip on them. Especially clear ones. Which will leave you scratching your head. But if you try to feel both of the wires, you will see the neutral one has a rough edge or embarking on them. The hot wire is smooth and clear. This is how electricians can tell which one is hot and which one is neutral even if there is no color code. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which is the neutral wire on a lamp cord?

To identify the neutral wire on a lamp cord, look for color coding. The neutral wire will have a stripe on it while the hot wire will be in solid color. If there are no color coding strips, then the edge will be rough on the neutral wire. The hot wire will be smooth. 

Which wire is positive on a lamp cord?

The positive wire often referred to as hot wire is the smooth solid color one on a lamp cord. While this negative wire will have rough edges and color strips on them, they are referred to as neutral wire. 

Which side of the lamp cord is black?

If you are confused about which lamp cord to connect to your black house wire, it will be the smooth and solid color one. The one with the edge and strips will connect to the white side being the negative side. 

Conclusion 

Wires are wired and confusing. We all have to deal with them now and then in our homes. The best way to identify the negative and positive is with their edge structure and color strips. And you won’t mistake them ever again. 

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