Does the hot wire in an electric box always come in on the right side.?

Question

I am trying to install a new thermostat but I want to make sure that I am doing this correctly. Does the power or hot wire always come through on the right side of an electrical box?

Answer 1

Usually, but that isn't quite the right question. I infer from the question that you have electrical resistance heat, which is controlled by a thermostat carrying 120 or 240 volts, through 12 or 14 gauge wire. In such installations, North American standard is that the black wire is always the hot wire, the white wire is a neutral wire (unless the installation is 240 volts, when it will also be a hot wire). The thermostat, if it contains two connecting screws, connects the black supply wire to the black wire to the heater(s), the white wires are linked with a wire nut. If the thermostat contains four connecting screws, check the labeling carefully: one pair will be for black supply to black load, and the other pair will be for white supply to white load. (Such thermostats may be used only on 240 volt circuits -- interrupting a neutral connection is contrary to code.)
Thermostats for gas heaters, or heat pumps, are a different matter altogether. These use much smaller wire (18 gauge is standard), with a red, a white, and possibly other conductors in a cable. You will need to follow the instructions that come with such a thermostat to install it properly.

Answer 2

Listen, from personal experience...DO NOT under any circumstances try this just "right off the bat." For a few reasons:
1) Your right may be someone else's left...depending on who you ask. You know?
2) You never know. I tried installing a simple light fixture and the electrical box looked simple, but I blew the entire circuit for the house.

What you should do?
I would suggest simply asking someone knowledgeable...like someone at Home Depot; in that department. They would know. You could even take a picture with a camera phone or jot down what the box looks like. Real Simple and just show them. This way you save yourself from blowing a switch, circuit, or loosing heat ;)


GOOD LUCK THOUGH! I like "do-it-yourselfers"!!!

Answer 3

No. Check the color codes of the wire. I think black or red are hot (read the manual) or get a simple voltage checker to see which is hot.

Answer 4

does not make any difference
your t_ stat should wire as follows
red - hot ( 24v)
yellow -should be cooling
green is common or grd
black is heat

Answer 5

no there is no peticular side it come in on its based on the color...try the manual and see if it says anything about that

Answer 6

nope

Answer 7

lol no. its usually red or black , green s ground white is nuetrul.

Answer 8

PLEASE, FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN. IT ONLY TAKES ONCE. DON'T DO IT.