hottoneutral

Hottoneutral is a term used in electrical engineering and safety documentation to denote the voltage difference between the hot (live) conductor and the neutral conductor in alternating current power systems. The phrase, often written as hot-to-neutral, is commonly employed in testing, circuit design, and troubleshooting to describe the potential that exists between line and neutral paths, as distinct from hot-to-ground or line-to-line measurements.

In practice, hot-to-neutral measurements are used to verify supply presence, wiring correctness, and to diagnose faults in outlets, fixtures, and circuits. A standard multimeter or powered test device can measure this voltage when the circuit is energized. The nominal value depends on the regional power standard: in North American residential wiring, hot-to-neutral is typically about 120 volts; in many parts of Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, it is typically about 230 volts, with tolerances specified by local electrical codes.

Safety considerations: because the hot conductor is energized, touching the hot-to-neutral terminals can deliver a dangerous shock. Work on energized circuits is generally restricted to qualified personnel, and procedures require de-energizing the circuit, using proper personal protective equipment, and following applicable codes and lockout/tagout practices. In some devices, hot-to-neutral sensing is used by protection circuits to detect wiring faults or abnormal voltage levels.

See also: electrical outlet, line voltage, neutral conductor, ground conductor, multimeter, electrical safety.