The NEC has a number of precise definitions because it is both a technical document and it is intended to be part of the law.
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In doing residential installations I find it sufficient to think and talk about DC current flow. (The current flows out through the black wire and back through the white wire. Let's hope that the bare wire carries no current.)
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I will agree that discussions here about the various types of conductors is too much for most jobs, but it is necessary for some jobs.
