In a message dated 11/15/2005 1:20:38 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, craxd1 at verizon.net writes: I always want to know a neutral isn't hot unless it's going to a switch leg which I think is the only NEC exception to the rule. Best, Will If a "white" wire is hot, it is not a neutral. So a neutral is never hot unless there is a fault.