Which color is standard for a neutral conductor in most residential wiring?

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

Answer: (B)

In residential wiring, colors are used to identify each conductor’s purpose. The neutral, which returns current to the panel, is identified by a light-colored insulated conductor, with white as the standard identification today. This makes it easy to distinguish from hot conductors (typically black, red, or other colors) and from the grounding conductor (green or bare). Green is reserved for grounding, not neutral, and black is commonly used for hot or live conductors. Gray might appear in older setups, but white is the standard for neutral in most modern residential wiring.