Final answer:
In an old house where she's redoing wiring, Irma sees a lot of white wires in one area of the attic. Being a seasoned electrician, she knows that these wires are likely neutral wires that carry return current from outlets and fixtures back to the main electrical panel.
Step-by-step explanation:
Since there are a lot of white wires in one area of the attic, Irma, as a seasoned electrician, knows that these wires are likely neutral wires. In electrical systems, white wires are typically used to carry the return current from outlets and fixtures back to the main electrical panel. They are connected to the neutral bus bar in the panel and are not capable of shocking someone.
Neutral wires allow the flow of electricity to be completed in a circuit, while the hot/live wires provide the power. In the United States, the common color-coding for neutral wires is white, while in some countries, it may be blue or black.
It's important for Irma to be cautious and follow proper safety procedures when working with electrical wiring in the attic to avoid any potential hazards and ensure that the wiring is done correctly.