What happens if you mix the hot and neutral wires?

This happens when the hot and neutral wires get flipped around at an outlet, or upstream from an outlet. Reversed polarity creates a potential shock hazard, but its usually an easy repair. One of these wires is connected to the earth, or grounded, so this wire is called the grounded conductor.

Are hot and neutral interchangeable?

The hot and neutral wires are interchangeable as far as the equipment is concerned. Both are power carrying wires. In the 5-wire system, there are 3 hot wires, 1 neutral wire, and 1 grounding wire. The common 3-wire receptacle uses only one of the 3 hot wires.

Is it bad if hot and neutral are reversed?

One common issue with electrical outlets is reverse polarity, also known as hot-neutral reversed. In this condition, the outlet has been wired incorrectly, altering the flow of electricity. While the outlet will still be able to provide power to your electrical items, it is also present a greater shock hazard.

How do you know if neutral and hot are reversed?

Measuring hot-neutral by itself does not tell you if theyve been switched. You have to measure neutral-ground or hot-ground. If neutral-ground voltage is about 120 V and hot-ground is a few volts or less, then hot and neutral have been reversed.

What will reverse polarity do?

An outlet with reverse polarity can cause some items to be electrically charged at all times. In a correctly wired outlet, electricity will flow to the switch; with reversed polarity, it will be present in the item itself even when it is not turned on.