What color is usually used to identify a live (hot) wire in standard wiring systems?

In standard wiring systems, black or red wires are primarily used to indicate a live (hot) wire. This color coding is crucial for distinguishing between different types of wires within an electrical system. The black wire is often used for the primary hot conductor, while red may be used for a secondary hot wire or for certain specific applications, such as in three-phase systems.

The identification of hot wires is vital for safety reasons. Properly recognizing the color of the wires helps electricians safely connect and disconnect circuits without risk of electric shock. It's essential to rely on established color codes to avoid mistakes that could result in dangerous situations.

Green is typically used for ground wires, white is reserved for neutral wires, and yellow may indicate traveler wires in a circuit or be used in different applications but is not standard for identifying hot wires. Thus, recognizing that black or red is used for live wires helps ensure safe and effective electrical work.