The hot side of a standard 110V outlet is the narrower of the two vertical slots.
Understanding Outlet Polarity
Electrical outlets are designed with different sized slots to ensure proper polarity, which is crucial for safety and proper functioning of electrical devices. This difference in size helps prevent accidentally plugging a device in incorrectly.
- Hot (Narrow Slot): This side carries the electrical current from the power source to the appliance.
- Neutral (Wider Slot): This side returns the current back to the power source, completing the circuit.
- Ground (Rounded Hole): This provides a safe path for electricity in case of a fault, helping to prevent electric shock.
Why is Polarity Important?
Proper polarity ensures that switches control the hot wire, preventing a situation where an appliance is always "live" even when switched off. This reduces the risk of electric shock when working on or near the appliance.
Identifying the Hot Side
Visually, you can identify the hot side by:
- Slot Size: The hot side is the smaller, narrower slot.
Important Note: While the smaller slot is typically the hot side, wiring errors can occur. If you are unsure, use a non-contact voltage tester to verify which side is hot before working on any electrical outlet.
