How many conductors does a 120V snakebite have?

How many conductors does a 120V snakebite have?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 1

Answer: (B)

A standard 120V circuit uses three conductors: hot, neutral, and ground. A snakebite cord designed for 120V includes all three so it can deliver power and provide a safety path for fault current. The hot carries the live voltage, the neutral completes the circuit, and the ground protects you by giving fault current somewhere to go, reducing shock risk. That’s why a 120V snakebite has three conductors. Two would leave out the safety ground, which isn’t acceptable for typical 120V use; four would add an extra conductor not needed for this purpose; one isn’t sufficient to supply a complete and safe circuit.

A standard 120V circuit uses three conductors: hot, neutral, and ground. A snakebite cord designed for 120V includes all three so it can deliver power and provide a safety path for fault current. The hot carries the live voltage, the neutral completes the circuit, and the ground protects you by giving fault current somewhere to go, reducing shock risk. That’s why a 120V snakebite has three conductors. Two would leave out the safety ground, which isn’t acceptable for typical 120V use; four would add an extra conductor not needed for this purpose; one isn’t sufficient to supply a complete and safe circuit.