(3) live wire and the neutral wire Explanation: Three wires enter most homes from the power pole—two "hot" wires and a third "neutral" wire. Each hot wire provides 120- volt current for conventional lights, receptacles, and appliances when paired with the neutral wire, which is normally kept at zero volts or "ground potential." When both, hot wires are used together with the neutral, they power large 240-volt appliances such as air conditioners and electric ovens. All the electric appliances stop working in a house when the main switch is put off because the electric circuit (the path where the electricity travels) gets opened.