before you touch a wire in an appliance how should you make sure itiis not hot

Unplug the appliance.

That will work as long as the device has no stored electrical energy in capacitors. (TV,Computer)

To really be safe, ground the components with a metal tool with an insulated handle to ground (like the metal case)before handling the wires.

Thanks, Damon. That is very useful knowledge that I knew long ago but had forgotten.

Before touching a wire in an appliance, you should make sure it is not hot to prevent any potential accidents or electrocution. To determine if a wire is hot, you can follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the appliance: Start by disconnecting the appliance from the power source. Unplug it from the electrical outlet or turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker, if applicable. This will ensure that no electrical current is flowing through the appliance.

2. Wait for cooldown: Allow some time for the wire and the appliance to cool down. Depending on the type of appliance and the specific wire you are dealing with, this may take a few minutes or longer. During this time, avoid any contact with the wire.

3. Use a multimeter: If you have a multimeter, set it to measure voltage. Carefully touch the meter's probes to the wire and check the reading on the display. If the wire is not hot, the multimeter will show zero or very low voltage. However, if there is still voltage present, it indicates that the wire is still hot or there might be a fault in the appliance. In such cases, it is better to consult a professional electrician or refrain from touching the wire.

It is essential to prioritize safety when dealing with electrical appliances. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with checking the wire's temperature or voltage, it is always best to consult a qualified electrician to avoid any potential hazards.