6 Ways To Tell Which Wire Is Hot When Both Are Same Color

While dealing with electrical wirings, it is crucial to understand the different wires and their roles. It is challenging to tell them apart if you are a beginner. Color codes always do not help, as manufacturers sometimes use a different color for the hot wires. 

In general, the black or red wires are the hot wires. But identification becomes complicated when hot and neutral colors are the same. A multimeter or a voltage tester will help as the hot wire shows high readings, whereas the neutral wire shows a reading near zero. 

If you do not have a multimeter, build a tester yourself. If you are a beginner with electrical wiring, read this guide until the end to learn how to identify the hot wire in several methods. 

Overview of identifying the hot wires

In an electrical circuit, the hot wires carry current from the main power source to the outlet, and the neutral wire returns it to the power source. 

Identifying the hot wire is important because it always carries a high-voltage current and should not be touched with bare hands. 

The hot wire is generally identified by its black color casing. 

But it varies based on the country and the manufacturer. 

The hot wires in the US and Canada are mostly black or red, and the neutrals are white or gray. 

The ground wires are green or bare copper wires. 

The wire color also changes based on the current type:

• In the direct current, the red wire is positive, and the black wire is negative.
• In the alternating current power, the black wire will be the phase 1 hot wire, the red wire will be the phase 2 hot wire, and the white wire will be neutral.

If the wires are exposed, the copper strands are positive, and the silver strands are negative wires.

The color codes can differ. Check the wire with the help of a tester to confirm which wire is the hot wire. 

The number in the multimeter will be the voltage. 

The positive (+) sign indicates a positive current, and the negative (-) sign indicates a negative current. 

Be careful while dealing with electrical wires. 

Always turn off your power at the main panel before you start working on any electrical work. 

Consult a licensed electrician instead. 

Importance of accurately identifying the hot wire

Identifying the hot wire is essential as it always carries current. 

Mishandling the wire can lead to electrocution or short circuits. 

So, specifying it right should keep you safe and secure.

Other reasons behind the importance of identifying the hot wires include the following:

• The circuits and panels should be wired correctly. So identifying the hot wire will ensure that you are connecting the wires to the right components of the circuit.
• During troubleshooting, determining the faults in the electrical wiring and fixing them becomes easy when you know the wire roles. 
• The building codes need the circuits and terminals connected to the right wire. Wrong identification can cause a reverse connection, short circuits, and fire hazards. 

Basic principles of electrical wiring 

In electrical wiring, you should be careful about all the connections.

To remain safe, there are a few basic principles to follow:

• Keep the wire length to a minimum to avoid excessive voltage drops and higher resistance. 
• Always connect the wires tightly to the panels, breakers, and switchboards. 
• You must select the proper size and type of wire to match the current-carrying capacities of the breakers and panels. Copper conductors are considered the best for carrying enough electricity without overheating issues.
• Proper grounding of the wires is very important to remain safe from electrocution and short circuits. 
• Planning is important before you start working on any electrical projects.

Tools and equipment required for identifying the hot wire

The color codes of the wires are enough to identify the hot wires. 

But sometimes, it does not work. 

In such a condition, you need a few things for several identification processes:

• A non-contact voltage tester
• A multimeter 
• Gloves and protective gear
• A bulb and a socket 
• Ultra-wideband
• A tester screwdriver

Let’s look at a few ways to identify the hot wire. 

1. Visual clues to identify the hot wires

Identifying the hot wire through visual clues involves color codes. 

In most cases, the wires with a black casing and plain surface are the hot wires. 

Sometimes, the hot wires will also have red insulation. 

Different countries provide guidelines about the color which represents the hot wire. 

But, the manufacturer can easily decide and change the color code to white or red for the hot wire. 

Since there are several wires, identifying the hot wire is difficult if multiple wires are the same color. 

Look at the wires closely to identify the hot wires when both hot and neutral are the same color. 

The hot wire will be plain black, and the neutral wire will have white stripes on its surface. 

2. Identifying hot wire through the texture

If the neutral and hot wires are the same color, feel the wire texture to identify the hot wire. 

The hot wires are plain and smooth on the surface. 

But the neutral wires will have ridges and lines along them. 

But manufacturers play a huge role behind the wire structure. 

Sometimes, they use the rough-surfaced wires to be the hot wires. 

In that case, try a multimeter.

3. Using a multimeter to identify the hot wire

Using a multimeter is one of the fastest ways of identifying the hot wire when both hot and neutral have the same wire colors. 

The process is simple.

Set the multimeter to the highest voltage, and place the red probe on one of the black wires and the black probe on the ground. 

If the reading is high, the wire is black. 

The process may seem straightforward, but there are more, and below is a detailed version:

Step 1: Take protection 

When you test the wire for the hot connection, the current will run through it. Getting electrocuted is something you won’t enjoy. 

So, wear protective gloves, like rubber or insulated gloves, to prevent electrocution. 

Wear goggles to remain safe from sparks. 

Keep your hand over the rubber or plastic part of your multimeter probes. 

Prevent the wires from touching each other during testing. 

Practice with the dead wires first before checking the live wires. 

Step 2: Set the multimeter 

The home appliances use alternating current voltage. 

So, set your multimeter to the highest possible range. 

Generally, it should be 250 VAC as 240V is the highest voltage reading from the house appliances and the outlets. 

Step 3: Open the outlet 

To test the hot wires, open the outlet where you want to identify the hot wire connection. 

Remove the screws holding the outlet and bring the wires out. 

You will find 3 wires – hot, neutral, and ground wires. 

Step 4: Place the probes on the wires

If there are two black wires, one will be neutral. 

Place the red (positive) probe on one of the same colored wires and the black (negative) probe to the ground or the housing of the socket. 

The housing socket will act as the grounding. 

So, once you connect to the hot wire, the current will be delivered to the ground to avoid damage to the multimeter and you. 

Step 5: Check the readings

If the wire in the red probe shows high readings or 120V or 240V, the wire is hot. 

If the reading is near zero, it is the neutral or the ground wire. 

The wire you wish to check should always be connected to the red probe. 

The black probe must remain grounded. 

If you do not get a reading of any wires in the multimeter, there is some issue with the wires, or you don’t have power.

Some good multimeters

• Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter, Digital Auto Ranging, AC/DC Voltage, Current, Capacitance, Frequency, Duty-Cycle, Diode, Continuity, Temp 600V.
• KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 Counts Voltmeter Auto-Ranging Fast Accurately Measures Voltage Current Amp Resistance Diodes Continuity Duty-Cycle Capacitance Temperature for Automotive.
• INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter, Red & Black.
• Crenova MS8233D Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter Voltmeter Ohm Volt Amp Tester with Backlight LCD Display Test Leads.

4. Using a non-contact voltage tester to identify hot wires

In a multimeter, you need to contact the wires to the probes and then read the readings to identify the wires.

But in a voltage tester, you do not have to contact the wires to identify the wires. 

The tester will beam or make a beeping sound when it reaches the tip of the hot wire. 

To identify and test the hot wire, place the tip of the voltage tester on the wire or the outlet port. 

If a red light lights up, the wire or the port is hot. 

The light doesn’t have to be red. It can be of any color based on the tester type. 

Some testers will make a beeping sound when it is near the voltage. 

Though the voltage testers are considered safer due to their non-contact quality, multimeters are an all-rounder for wire testing. 

5. Identifying hot wire without a multimeter or voltage tester

If you do not have a multimeter or a voltage tester to identify the hot wire and don’t trust the visual clues, build your own tester. 

You can use any method for testing. For example, take a bulb and a socket and connect the wires to it. 

Connect one wire to the ground or the neutral and the other to the wire you want to test. 

Here are the steps in detail:

Step 1: Remove the box cover

Unscrew the box of the outlet where you want to identify the wire. 

Be careful not to touch any wire with bare hands. 

Based on the current intensity, the injuries can be critical. So, be very cautious and always wear protective gear. 

Step 2: Leave the wire connections

The home wiring follows the standard color codes. 

If the black wires are considered hot wires, do not change this standard if you ever repair or change the wires. 

Step 3: Connect the tester

Connect one of the wires attached to the lamp to the ground and another to the wire you wish to test.

If the lamp lights up, the wire is the hot wire. 

You should test the lamp on the socket of your wall to know if it is working. 

6. Identifying a hot wire with a tester screwdriver

You can try another option if you do not have a multimeter or a voltage tester. 

A tester screwdriver can help you detect a hot wire with the following steps:

• Uncover or unscrew the wire to access the wire if the wire is behind any cover.
• Touch the screwdriver to the bare wire, not the insulation. 
• Before using the screwdriver, make sure the handle of the screwdriver is properly insulated. Otherwise, you will get electrocuted.
• Touch the screwdriver’s metal part to the bare wire. If the neon light in the screwdriver lights up, the wire is hot.
• If the light does not light up, the wire is neutral or ground wire. 
• You must ensure that the screwdriver is working and not faulty. Otherwise, there will be a wrong wire recognition while testing.

Contacting a professional electrician for assistance 

If you feel hesitant, hire a professional to test the wire. 

A professional will help you detect the correct hot wire without any doubt. 

Working with electrical wiring can be very dangerous, especially for people without experience. 

Professionals will have proper training and experience with electrical wires. 

So they will correctly identify the wire and make the necessary connections. 

The experts will also own proper tools and equipment for wire testing and connections. 

It makes the work easier and faster without any silly mistakes. 

When you call and hire an electrician, give them as much information as possible so they can understand the problem to the core and solve it accurately and quickly. 

Calling an electrician may cost a few bucks. 

Still, it is always best to remain safe while dealing with electrical wirings.

Don’t handle yourself if you have never attempted electrical work before.

Common mistakes to avoid when identifying the hot wire

You should avoid a few mistakes when identifying the hot wire as a beginner. 

Below are a few common mistakes that I made while testing a wire while wiring a light fixture:

• Though the black or red wires are always considered the hot wires, do not rely on the color codes. The manufacturers can use a different color of wire for the hot connection. 
• Even if the wire colors are different, you should once check it with any tester you have. 
• Do not ignore wearing protective gloves and goggles while working. Even if you have experience, you must wear them.
• Refrain from misidentifying the wires because you need to connect them correctly or end up with short circuits. 
• Along with the wire colors, you should be familiar with the terminals where you connect the wires. Don’t ignore them just because you know the wires.
• Avoid keeping the power on while wiring any appliance. 

Safety considerations when working with the electrical wiring 

While working with the electrical wirings, follow some safety tips to remain safe:

• Always turn off your power at the breaker before dealing with electrical wiring. 
• Wear protective gloves and goggles before you start working to avoid accidents. 
• Use the right tools depending on the kind of electrical work. 
• Use a multimeter or a voltage tester to determine whether the wires have any voltage. Test the wires to identify the right wire. 
• While using a multimeter, always connect the testing wire to the red probe and the black probe to the ground or housing socket.
• Avoid overloading the circuits with too many appliances. Use dedicated circuits for heavy-duty appliances if needed.
• Do not touch any wires with bare hands. Always make contact with the wire insulation and not the exposed wires.
• If you ever want to identify a wire by touching it, touch it with the back of your hand. If the wire is hot, your hand will move away from the live wire. 
• Cover the switches and breakers to inform people you are working, and no one should turn them on.

Final thoughts

Identifying a hot wire is easy if only one black or red wire exists. It becomes complicated when you have multiple wires of the same color. Some outlets will have two black wires. You can feel the texture to identify it. The plain wires are mostly hot. 

If you still cannot identify the hot wire, use a multimeter, a non-contact voltage tester, or a tester screwdriver. Make a tester with a lamp and a socket if you have none. 

Contact professionals for help if you feel hesitant to test the wires yourself. They can help you identify the hot wire with the right tools easily and fast. Avoid common mistakes and follow the safety measures I have shared.

Reference: Hot-wiring Wikipedia.

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