When wiring a polarized 2-prong plug, which AC wire connects to the wide blade?

The wide blade of a polarized 2-prong plug is designed to connect to the neutral wire. This design is crucial for safety reasons. The purpose of a polarized plug is to ensure that the electrical device operates correctly and reduces the risk of electric shock.

When the plug is connected to a socket, the neutral wire (which carries current away from the device) is connected to the wider blade, while the hot wire (which carries current to the device) connects to the narrower blade. This arrangement helps to ensure that the device casing is properly grounded under normal circumstances, preventing it from becoming energized.

Using the neutral wire in this manner minimizes the risk of shock because it ensures that the device shell is more likely to be at ground potential. Therefore, the proper wiring of the polarized plug is essential for maintaining both functionality and safety in electrical devices.