off topic electrical question

I figured if a Volkswagen person didn't know the answer to this question no-one would!! When looking at power and ground wires for just about anything,which one is the ground----The black one with the stripe or the plain black one ??? Trying to solve an argument with a general post topic.

Thank you, Rick

Reply to
Burnett
Loading thread data ...

Usually the one with the stripe is the positive one. So I guess which is ground depends on whether you have positive ground or negative ground - hahahahaha.

Take the covers off to send email

Reply to
Oldbie

If you're talking about devices like power adapters (wall wart), you simply can't tell. Mfr's used every combination apparently.

For US household appliances (120V), the stripe (or ridge) is *always* the Neutral wire. It's called the "Identified" conductor.

Speedy Jim

formatting link

Reply to
Speedy Jim

And the one that tests continuity to the positive pole of the appliance is the one that's positive,......say on a radar detector or something,........................test to center post or tip is usually the positive....................there is one model(radar detector), and I can't remember for the life of me that uses the outer as the positive pole on a voltage adapter..................COBRA?.............FUZZBUSTER?...............I can;t remember.

It would help to know what the appllication of the discussion is though.

12V or other?

Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply MUADIB®

formatting link

Reply to
MUADIB®

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.