In the context of an electric clothes dryer or washing machine, the two colored wires coming from the plug typically refer to the hot wires, which are usually colored black and red in the United States.
Black Wire: The black wire is one of the hot wires, and it carries the current from the electrical panel to the appliance. It provides the primary source of power for the dryer or washing machine.
Red Wire: The red wire is the other hot wire, also carrying current from the electrical panel to the appliance. In a standard 240-volt residential electrical setup in the United States, the black and red wires are opposite phases of the split-phase electrical system.
Both the black and red wires provide a voltage of approximately 120 volts each, and when combined, they give a total voltage of 240 volts, which is the standard voltage requirement for many electric dryers and washing machines.
It's crucial to handle electrical wiring with caution and adhere to safety guidelines. If you're not familiar with electrical work, it's best to have a licensed electrician handle any installation or repairs to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes. Additionally, make sure to turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker/fuse box before working on any electrical connections.