ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable


Why a Neutral Electrical Circuit Wire May Be Hot

What could be causing the copper ground and neutral wire be hot? Power went out in bathroom and I checked the circuit breaker, and the GFCI and it seems fine.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

Check out my YouTube Channel and Subscribe to my Videos
» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Causes of Neutral Wires to Have 120 Volt Readings
Question:What could be causing the copper ground and neutral wire be hot?

Power went out in bathroom and I checked the circuit breaker, and the GFCI and it seems fine. When I investigated power and wiring in light switches and outlets, I found the ground (copper wire) and the neutral (white) has 120v.  Everything I have checked seems ok, even making sure the ground into the house looks good. What could be causing the copper ground and neutral wire be hot? Is there anything I need to check?

This electrical question came from: Daniel, a Handyman from Mount Vernon, Washington.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Daniel.

Understanding the Neutral Electrical Wire

Daniel, depending on the circuit wiring and the circuit components, it is common to get a 120 volt reading on a neutral wire that is tested to ground. Such is the case with a lighting circuit where there are fixtures with standard incandescent light bulbs. A 120 volt reading will be noticed if voltage tester leads are placed between either two hot wires or two neutral wire when the circuit is on and under load. (It is not recommended that this procedure is performed unless you understand what you are doing, because getting in the middle of any live circuit can cause an electrical shock which could be fatal.) Readings of 120 volts on a neutral may also be due to one leg of the electrical service or a circuit that has been lost, therefore a voltage feedback is occurring through other devices with the electrical circuit. When such conditions have been detected, it is best to contact a qualified electrical contractor who will identify the problem and then perform the necessary repairs.

More about Electrical Wiring

electrical outlet wiring
outlet-wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

electrical circuit
home-electrical-circuits
Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

circuit breaker
2-pole-circuit-breaker
Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

electrical wire
electrical-wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring
electrical-wiring
Bathroom Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

For more information about Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
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
How to 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 Hot Neutral Wires and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous Next »
Understanding Cable Size for Home Wiring Allowed Conduit Type for a Home Electrical Panel


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Why a Neutral Electrical Circuit Wire May Be Hot”
  1. Junior says:

    Installing a new light fixture run through switch. When the switch is turned on the neutral wire becomes hot along with hot wire and the light does not work. Any ideas?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Junior,
    Double check the wiring connections, voltage ratings etc.
    On certain types of light fixtures, such as incandescent or halogen, the neutral wire will show voltage while the light is on when testing to the ground wire.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave