
Residential electric outlet basics
In a standard 110-volt household electrical outlet in the United States, there are typically three ports:
- Hot (Live) Port:
- Description: This port is usually on the right side of the outlet (when the ground pin is on the bottom) and is slightly smaller than the neutral port.
- Purpose: It delivers the electrical current from the power source to the appliance or device.
- Wire Color: Black (or sometimes red in certain configurations).
- Neutral Port:
- Description: This port is usually on the left side of the outlet and is slightly larger than the hot port.
- Purpose: It completes the electrical circuit by returning the current to the power source.
- Wire Color: White.
- Ground Port:
- Description: This is the round or U-shaped port located below the hot and neutral ports.
- Purpose: It provides a safe path for electricity to follow in the event of a short circuit or fault, reducing the risk of electric shock.
- Wire Color: Green or bare copper.
Safety Note
When working with electrical outlets, always ensure the power is turned off at the breaker box before starting any work. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the outlet is not live before touching any wires. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with electrical work, it is best to consult a licensed electrician.
Here’s a simple diagram to visualize the typical layout:

- The left slot is the neutral port.
- The right slot is the hot (live) port.
- The bottom round hole is the ground port.
Additional Details
- Hot Port (Black Wire): This is where the power comes into the outlet. It is connected to the circuit breaker in your electrical panel.
- Neutral Port (White Wire): This port is connected to the neutral bus bar in your electrical panel. It allows the current to return to the power source.
- Ground Port (Green/Bare Wire): This is connected to the grounding system of your house, which is typically tied to the earth through a grounding rod or the metal casing of your home’s plumbing system.