What is the technical name for the black wire in a 120-volt circuit?

The black wire in a 120-volt circuit is referred to as the hot conductor. This wire carries the electrical current from the power source to the load, which powers devices and appliances. In the context of electrical systems, the term "hot" indicates that this wire is energized, meaning it carries electrical voltage. Proper identification of this wire is crucial for safety, as touching a hot conductor can lead to electric shock.

The other terms mentioned have specific meanings in electrical wiring: the grounded conductor usually refers to the neutral wire, which is typically white in a standard circuit and serves to return current safely to the panel. The term "ungrounded conductor" is not commonly used to describe the black wire; rather, it can refer to any conductor that is not grounded, which can be related to the concept of a hot conductor that may be ungrounded in certain contexts. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure safe and code-compliant electrical installations.