In electrical circuits, what does L1 refer to?

In electrical circuits, L1 typically refers to a hot wire, which carries current from the supply to the load. In residential and commercial wiring systems, L1 is often part of a multi-phase system and is essential for delivering electrical power to various devices and appliances. Identifying L1 as the "Hot-Line In" emphasizes its role in providing the necessary electrical supply that energizes the circuit.

The neutral wire is not designated as L1, as it serves a different purpose by providing a return path for the current. Similarly, the ground wire is a safety feature designed to prevent electrical shock, functioning independently from the live or hot connections. The transformer output is a point where the voltage has been transformed, but it does not specifically refer to L1 in typical circuit designations. This context helps clarify why “Hot-Line In” is the correct interpretation for L1 in electrical circuit terminology.