HAAG Certified Reviewer

How many hot legs are there in a 3 wire electrical line?

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 4

The correct answer is: 2

In a standard 3-wire electrical line, there are typically two hot wires and one neutral wire. The hot wires carry electrical current from the power source to the load, while the neutral wire provides a return path. The configuration allows for the delivery of power to devices and equipment, offering two phases of electrical supply for higher efficiency and potential for more power consumption. While there can be variations in some systems, the most common interpretation of a 3-wire electrical line in residential and commercial settings usually aligns with the presence of two hot wires. This arrangement is often used in split-phase systems, which is standard in many regions. The presence of just one hot wire would not adequately support the usual load needs, hence the definition of a 3-wire configuration includes two hot legs.