Which color is commonly used for neutral conductors in the US?

• A. Green.
• B. Blue.
• C. Black.
• D. White.

Answer: (D)

Neutral paths are identified by white insulation in US wiring, a standard set by the National Electrical Code. This color tells you at a glance that the wire is a return path and not a live (hot) conductor, which helps prevent mistakes and increases safety. Green is reserved for grounding, while black (and sometimes red or blue) is used for hot conductors or travelers. Because of this convention, white is the commonly used color for neutral. If a white wire is ever repurposed as a hot, it must be re-identified with tape or paint.