What is the standard color for hot wires in electrical circuits?

In electrical wiring, the standard color for hot wires is typically black or red. These colors are widely used to identify wires that carry current in a circuit. Hot wires are responsible for delivering electricity from the power source to the load, and using these specific colors helps to quickly identify them during installation, troubleshooting, or maintenance.

For example, black is commonly used for primary hot wires, while red may be employed for secondary hot wires, such as in a 240-volt circuit where two hot wires are involved.

Other colors, like green, are designated for ground wires, which serve a different purpose by providing a safe path for electricity to prevent shock hazards. Brown and blue may be used in different wiring systems, particularly in European standards, but do not hold the same universal recognition as black and red for hot wiring. Understanding these color codes is essential for safety and compliance with electrical codes.