I'm curious as to how the term "live" came to refer to an energized circuit. It is somewhat of a contradiction, as touching a live wire has the potential of making someone dead! I can however, see how the term expresses the idea that the circuit has a certain quality of "life" to it. I've tried checking etymological sources but the most mentioned is that the term came about around 1890, which would make sense.
Thanks! :)
I gues the opposite is when you 'kill' the power.
Colin =^.^=
Well, I think it's got something to do with the early experiments with electricity whereby a DEAD frog?s leg would move as if it was ALIVE when shocked with electrical current. It would then be early 1800s you'd need to look at if you want to find out when did the term come about.
Maybe because when you grab the Live wire you may flail around in a lively manner. I imagine Hot comes from how hot something (like your body) gets when connected to the Hot wire. I have heard electricians say they were were all "Het up" when they touched the wrong wire. ERS
When voltage is going through it, it can do something. It's live.
If there's no voltage, it can't do anything. It's dead.
Michael
I always prevent my voltage from going through my circuits... I find it easier to measure voltage when it is across a circuit.
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