USA Mains Plug 

Looking end on

Many appliances are are un-grounded and use a two-wire power cord and a simple 2-pin moulded plug.

 

Two-pin plugs, sockets and extension cords are usually polarized - the smaller pin is the power 'hot' (live) and often brass coloured. The 'low' (neutral) side is the larger white-metal pin.

USA and European Mains Plugs

The introduction of more stringent FCC rules concerning EMC radiation and NEMA safety regulations has resulted in an increasing use of 3-pin plugs and 3-wire power cables.


Grounded Plug -
looking at the blades. An easy way to remember polarity:

 

Brass pin/screw = Black wire [Hot]
White pin/screw = White wire
Green pin/screw = Green wire

Usually moulded onto Cable


 Black = Live [Hot]
 White = Neutral [Cold]
 Green = Earth [Ground]

Same rules apply for cable selection as the UK standard loads for cables

D i s c l a i m e r

Whether you're starting a fresh or a competent electrical person, be sure to read and study the following pages, however if your not sure please contact sparky@homewiringguide.com or consult a qualified electrician, it's better safe than sorry -

Don't forget - Electricity KILLS....