US Cord Convention

[SDL]

Which wire is considered the hot wire (Live) on US power tools Black or White. I purchased some tools on vacation in the US and I am about to cut the American plug off and fit UK 110V site plugs.

Thanks

Steve Larner

[Duffy]

US and Canadian systems are harmonized at least for 110 volts. Black is live, White is neutral, and Green,in a three wire cord is ground, (earth to you.)

[SDL]

Thanks

Steve Larner

[fixxit]

An easy way to remember which color is "hot"

Black = Death

[JoeFin]

and your not on 220v grounded system?

[SDL]

and your not on 220v grounded system?

Yes House is 230 V LN&E, but we use 230 to 110V isolating transformers for site work these are centre tapped using 55-0-55. So every time I go to USA I take back a Hitachi power tool from lowes. Typically a third of the UK price.

Steve Larner

[ERBenoit]

An easy way to remember which color is "hot"

Black = Death

I am not an electrician. The way I remember is, Black is hot, White is not. (Supposed to be anyway.)

Yes, there is code as to what color the insulation on the wire should be be when used as hot, neutral or ground. Codes are not always followed.

A friend of mine whom IS an electrician has white, red, black, blue, yellow, grey, green, brown, orange, etc. leading out of breakers in his shop. He put it in, and always checks any circuit anywhere before working on it.

He told myself, and it is true, electricity does not recognize color. So, any color wire could be live, neutral, ground or anything else.

Be careful.