Is the live wire always ungrounded?

The assertion that the live wire is always ungrounded is accurate in most common electrical systems. The live wire, often referred to as "hot," carries current from the power source to the load in a circuit. It is designed to be at a higher potential compared to the ground, which ensures that electrical current flows properly to power devices.

In typical installations, the purpose of grounding is to provide a safe path for electrical current in case of a fault, thus protecting people and equipment. The live wire's ungrounded nature is crucial for the intended operation of electrical devices and systems. If it were to become grounded, it could cause short circuits or unintended current paths, leading to safety hazards such as electrical shocks or fires.

In some specialized installations or particular systems (for instance, certain types of multi-phase systems or ungrounded systems), the configuration can differ. However, in the general context of low voltage communication systems as referenced in the practice exam, the statement holds true that the live wire is classified as ungrounded under standard conditions.