The position on a receptacle, where the cord's wider prong is forced to plug into, due to a change that was made to 20-amp cords in 1987

The position on a receptacle, where the cord's wider prong is forced to plug into, due to a change that was made to 20-amp cords in 1987

• A. Neutral Position
• B. Grounded Position
• C. Wide-Prong Slot
• D. Top-Receptacle Alignment

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is which contact on a receptacle is designated for the neutral conductor, and how the 1987 change to 20-amp cords established that the wider prong belongs in the neutral position. The wide blade on a 20-amp plug is the neutral, and the receptacle is designed so that this wider prong can only be inserted into the neutral slot. The other blade, which is narrower, goes into the hot slot, while the grounding pin remains separate. This arrangement ensures correct polarity and reduces the chance of miswiring. So, the position described—the place on the receptacle where the cord’s wider prong is meant to plug in—is the neutral position.

The concept being tested is which contact on a receptacle is designated for the neutral conductor, and how the 1987 change to 20-amp cords established that the wider prong belongs in the neutral position. The wide blade on a 20-amp plug is the neutral, and the receptacle is designed so that this wider prong can only be inserted into the neutral slot. The other blade, which is narrower, goes into the hot slot, while the grounding pin remains separate. This arrangement ensures correct polarity and reduces the chance of miswiring. So, the position described—the place on the receptacle where the cord’s wider prong is meant to plug in—is the neutral position.