What if live and neutral are reversed?

If the live and neutral wires are reversed, several consequences can occur:

1. Incorrect Wiring: The electrical circuit will be incorrectly wired, which could lead to various issues and potential dangers.

2. Safety Hazard: Reversing the live and neutral wires can create a safety hazard. When a circuit is properly wired, the live wire is connected to the switch, and the neutral wire is connected to the appliance. If these connections are reversed, it can cause problems such as appliances receiving a constant live current even when the switch is turned off.

3. Damage to Appliances: Incorrect wiring can damage appliances connected to the circuit. Since the live and neutral wires serve specific purposes, reversing them can cause appliances to malfunction or even get damaged.

4. Shock Hazard: If the live wire is accidentally exposed or touched due to reversed wiring, there is an increased risk of electric shock. This can be especially dangerous when someone assumes the circuit is off because the switch is turned off, but in reality, the live wire is still carrying current.

5. Short Circuits and Fires: Reversing the live and neutral wires can increase the chances of short circuits occurring. A short circuit happens when the live wire and neutral wire come into direct contact, causing a high current flow and potentially leading to overheating, sparks, and even fires.

6. Malfunctioning Switches and Outlets: With reversed wiring, switches and outlets may not function correctly. For instance, the light may remain on even when the switch is turned off, or an outlet may not provide power to plugged-in devices.

To ensure safety and proper functioning of electrical circuits, it is crucial to have live and neutral wires connected correctly. If you are not confident in electrical work, it's best to consult a qualified electrician to handle any electrical wiring or repairs.