ELI5-Why live wire called live when it’s AC current?

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If it’s AC current neutral can be live too and live can be neutral too. Isn’t it?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

No. Neutral is always 0V, typically referenced to ground and that’s why it’s safe to touch. The live wire alternates between 240 and -240V and that’s why it’s called live.

That’s also why you have to respect polarity in things like ac motors otherwise they run in reverse.

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