What happen if I short red wire to black wire?

Question

In electrical panel,there are three wires which are red,black and white.I know that either red or black can not touch white. But if red touch black what would it happen? Thanks

Answer 1

you are looking at a 220v breaker. what is it you are trying to do? red and black should be on seperate poles.

Answer 2

The transformer on the pole outside the house steps down to 230volts. The secondary winding is taped at the center of the winding, creating a 115volt tap. If you want 230volts we use the entire secondary winding on the transformer. Because the 115volt is taped at the center of the winding. There are (2) 115volt circuits available. (1) one each side of the transformer windings center tap.

The voltage to the main distribution box in the house has (3) hot circuits, (1) 220volt circuit and (2) 115volt circuits and a ground sent from the transformer on the pole.

(1)  220volt wire  is color coded Red  and the other Black.

When you need 115 volt (1)  wire is Black and the other wire is White. The White wire is the tap from the secondary transformer winding. The green wire is the ground.  

If the Red and Black wire are crossed it creates a 230volt short.   If the Red and White wire are crossed it creates a 115volt short.

If the Black and White wire are crossed it creates a 115volt short.

If the Black or Red wire are crossed with the White or the Green it creates a 115volt short.

I hopes this explanation helps you with your home repairs.

Answer 3

The first two answers are good, but left out what would happen - you'd probably have a big spark and probably trip the main breaker (If it's on.. hopefully it's off If your messing with the wires!)

Red and black might both be hot, but I'm guessing their phase is 180 degrees apart, meaning they are opposite polarity.

Answer 4

Red and black are usually both hot. White is nuetral. Green or bare is ground.

Answer 5

you would create 220. if you did this on a circuit supplying 115 volts to a devise that was on at the time it would supply an over voltage and likely damage the devise