Copper wire and shove it into the positive terminal

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of inserting a copper wire into an electrical outlet and grounding it, exploring the implications of current flow in this setup. The scope includes safety concerns, electrical terminology, and the potential consequences of such actions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that current would flow if a copper wire is inserted into the positive terminal of an outlet and grounded, implying a brief but significant flow until a safety mechanism activates.
  • Another participant clarifies that electrical outlets do not have positive terminals, only hot, neutral, and ground, indicating that current would flow through the hot terminal if that is what was meant.
  • A different participant describes the scenario as a short circuit or line-to-ground fault, warning of the dangers involved, including the risk of fire and the importance of circuit breakers in preventing such hazards.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology used regarding electrical outlets and the implications of the proposed action. While there is agreement on the dangers of the scenario, the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of current flow and safety mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about electrical terminology and the conditions under which current would flow, as well as the potential for misunderstanding the nature of electrical outlets.

MotoPayton
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If I were to take a copper wire and shove it into the positive terminal of an electrical outlet and then stick the other side of the copper wire into the earth, will current flow??
 
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Of course .. and lots for a brief time till the copper wired fused or the house circuit breaker tripped

Why would you want to do such a dopey thing ?
You are setting yourself to be a darwin Award contender

if you don't do and don't even consider such actions you will " Live Long And Prosper"
cheers
Dave
 
Electrical outlets don't have positive terminals, only hot, neutral and ground. If you meant the hot terminal, yes, current will flow, including through you if you aren't protected.
 
MotoPayton said:
If I were to take a copper wire and shove it into the positive terminal of an electrical outlet and then stick the other side of the copper wire into the earth, will current flow??
It's called a short circut (or line-to-ground fault). Hopefully a breaker would trip somewhere, otherwise one risks starting a fire if the circuit overheats. That is a dangerous activity that we discourage.
 

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