Neutral

In most home circuits, the neutral is the return path for current. The DOE handbook describes the grounded (neutral) conductor as the one that carries normal neutral current, or ground fault current if a ground fault develops on a hot phase conductor. Oncor's service guidelines say the neutral conductor is marked white or bare, and the phase conductors have black insulation.

A neutral still carries current under load, so it is not safe to touch because of its name. Mix-ups between neutral and hot wire cause shocks and damaged devices. The equipment grounding conductor is a separate wire. Call a licensed electrician.