What type of conductor is known as a hot or live wire?

The correct choice, which identifies the type of conductor known as a hot or live wire, is ungrounded conductor. This terminology refers to conductors that carry current and are not connected to ground. In a typical electrical system, ungrounded conductors are responsible for delivering electrical energy to devices and outlets, making them essential for normal operation.

In contrast, the grounded conductor is typically known as the neutral wire and serves to provide a return path for current, safely connecting to the ground at the electrical panel to help stabilize the voltage of the system. The equipment grounding conductor is intended solely for safety. It does not carry current under normal circumstances but provides a path to ground in case of a fault, preventing electrical shock hazards. The neutral conductor also connects to the ground but predominantly serves the purpose of carrying current back to the source when the circuit is active.

Given these distinctions, it is clear how the ungrounded conductor functions as the hot or live wire, providing the necessary electrical current for operation while distinguishing it from other conductors which serve different purposes in an electrical system.