Which wire is most likely to be energized in an electrical circuit?

In an electrical circuit, the live wire is the one that carries the voltage from the power supply to the appliance. This wire is energized, meaning it has a high potential difference and can deliver electrical current, making it essential for the functioning of electrical devices. The live wire is typically insulated and is colored brown in UK wiring standards.

The neutral wire provides a return path for the current back to the power supply and is normally at or close to ground potential, thus it is not energized in the same way as the live wire. The earth wire, often green and yellow, is a safety feature that redirects electrical current away from users in case of a fault, while the ground wire serves a similar purpose but might have different specific applications depending on the region.

For these reasons, when identifying which wire is most likely to be energized within an electrical circuit, the live wire is the correct and most relevant choice.