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Question – Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 1


I think a hardware store employee gave me wrong advice about cords. One side is smooth, one is ridged; which is which?



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Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
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Regarding an electric cord that is all one color: Covering on wire is smooth on one side, and ridged on the other side…. Is the “ridged” side the HOT and the “smooth” side the NEUTRAL ??? IF true then it would also mean “ridged” side would go to the brass screw and “smooth” side of the wire to the silver screw on a plug ??

[ad#block]Let’s solve the Cord Mystery:
The smooth side is for hot and this attaches to the brass screw and the ridge side is for neutral which attaches to the silver screw.

If the cord has three wires, or if the two prongs are keyed, that is one bigger than the other, then you can do a quick check by looking at the receptacle and you’ll notice that the smaller blade is for the hot which is the brass side, and – well you get the rest.

Don’t ever plug in a cord that is not connected to anything – that’s dangerous!

Cords & How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 2

Cords & How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 3


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Identifying Wires Questions and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Question – Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 2 Question – Dimmer Switches – Part 1