A number of other more conversational terms are also used to describe the same thing, such asincomingvs.outgoingwires orupstreamvs.downstream.
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What Is a Line Wire?
The two terms are used in the context of a single equipment and electrical box.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
What Is a Load Wire?
Conversely, the wires passing onward to other devices are described asload, downstream,oroutgoingwires.
What Is the Difference Between Line and Load Wiring?
The incoming feed from the utility company comes into theline sideof an electric meter.
It leaves the meter from theload sideand then feeds theline sideof a disconnect orelectrical service panel.
Load wires tend to be positioned near the top of outlets and switches.
Wire Color
Line wires are usually are black, and load wires are usually white.
However, this is not always the case.
Consider multiple factors and not just color when identifying which wire is which.
When Do you gotta Determine Line Wire From Load Wire?
The same meaning can apply to the gadget itself.
Thelineside of an outlet is where you connect the incoming source power.
Theloadside is where the power leaves the equipment (or electrical box) and travels down the circuit.
GFCI Outlets
Line and load have special meaning when wiringground-fault circuit-interrupter(GFCI) outlets.
Connecting to the line terminals only results in the outlet providing GFCI protection only for that outlet.
