How can you identify a hot wire in a standard electrical circuit?

Identifying a hot wire in a standard electrical circuit primarily relies on color coding. In most residential wiring, the hot wires are commonly color-coded black or red. This color scheme is a safety measure intended to help electricians and individuals working with electrical systems quickly identify the wires and prevent accidents, such as touching a live wire.

While thickness and location can sometimes give clues about a wire's function, they are not reliable methods for identification. For example, wire thickness can vary depending on the circuit's amperage requirements, and location alone doesn’t consistently indicate whether a wire is hot, neutral, or ground.

Using a multimeter is a valid method to confirm the status of a wire—it can test for voltage and identify if a wire is live. However, this tool requires knowledge of how to use it safely and correctly, which may not be practical for everyone. Therefore, relying on color coding is a fundamental and straightforward approach to identifying hot wires in residential electrical systems.