Title: How to connect live and neutral wires
In home circuit installation or repair, correctly connecting the live and neutral wires is a key step to ensure electrical safety. This article will combine the hot topics and content of the entire network in the past 10 days to introduce you to the connection methods of live and neutral lines in detail, and provide structured data for reference.
1. Basic concepts of live wire and neutral wire

Live (L) and neutral (N) are the two main conductors in a home circuit. The live wire carries the current and the neutral wire is used for the return circuit. It is crucial to correctly differentiate and connect the two, otherwise it may result in electrical damage or risk of electric shock.
| Name | Color (Chinese standard) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Live Line (L) | red or brown | carry current |
| Zero line (N) | blue | form a loop |
| Ground wire (PE) | Yellow-green | Security protection |
2. Steps to connect live wire and neutral wire
1.Power off operation:Be sure to turn off the power before operation to ensure safety.
2.Distinguish wires: Distinguish live wire and neutral wire according to color. If the color is blurry, you can use an electric test pen to test (the live wire will make the electric test pen light up).
3.Wiring steps:
| steps | Operation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Strip about 1cm of wire insulation |
| 2 | Connect the live wire to the L terminal of the switch or socket |
| 3 | Connect the neutral wire to the N terminal |
| 4 | Connect the ground wire (if any) to the PE terminal |
| 5 | Tighten the screws to ensure good contact |
4.check test: After the wiring is completed, use a multimeter to test whether there is a short circuit, and then turn on the power after confirming that it is correct.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
1.What will happen if the live and neutral wires are connected reversely?
It may cause electrical appliances to fail to work properly and even cause safety hazards. For example, when the switch controls the neutral line, the electrical appliance is still charged, which can easily cause electric shock.
2.How to avoid wiring errors?
It is recommended to use clearly colored wires and label them well. If you are unsure, consult a professional electrician.
| Wrong operation | risk |
|---|---|
| Live and neutral wires reversed | Electrical abnormalities and risk of electric shock |
| Ungrounded wire | Leakage without protection |
| Loose wiring | Heat and fire hazard |
4. Safety precautions
1. Non-professionals are advised not to operate it by themselves, especially on high-voltage circuits.
2. Use insulated tools and wear protective gloves.
3. Check home circuits regularly to avoid aging or looseness.
Through the above steps and precautions, you can complete the connection of live and neutral wires more safely. For further assistance, please refer to professional electrician guidance or related video tutorials.
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