Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

What color is commonly used for hot wiring in electrical systems?

1. White

2. Green

3. Black

4. Red

The correct answer is: Black

In electrical systems, the color commonly used for hot wiring is black. This color convention is part of the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States, which establishes standards for electrical wiring to promote safety and consistency. Black wires are typically utilized to designate the hot or live wires, which carry electrical current from the power source to the load. Using black for hot wiring is significant because it helps identify the potential hazards associated with these wires; anyone working with or around electrical systems can recognize that black wires are live and should be handled with caution. While other colors such as red can also indicate hot wires in some configurations, particularly in three-phase systems, black is the most universal identifier for hot wiring in standard electrical practices. Understanding this color coding is crucial for anyone involved in fire investigations, as it aids in recognizing potential electrical causes of fires.