The reference material provided doesn't explicitly state whether a gold screw is hot. However, it implies that the gold-colored prong on a polarized plug is the "hot" prong. Therefore, it is not the screw that is hot, but rather the prong connected to it.
Here's a breakdown:
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Polarized Plugs: These plugs have one prong wider than the other.
- Neutral: The wider prong is the neutral prong and is usually silver-colored.
- Hot: The narrower prong is considered the "hot" prong and is often gold-colored.
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The Term "Hot": In electrical wiring, "hot" refers to the wire or connection that carries the electrical current. It is the active conductor.
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Therefore: While the gold screw itself isn't generating heat, it is likely connected to the "hot" or current-carrying wire or prong in an electrical application. This hot prong is considered the active side of the circuit and is capable of delivering an electric shock.
In Summary: The gold-colored prong on a polarized plug is associated with the "hot" side of the circuit. The reference implies this "hot" prong is connected to a screw terminal. Therefore, while the screw itself is not hot in terms of temperature, it is part of the energized, or "hot," side of the electrical connection.
