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In the US , for example, the live wire changes from zero to +120 volts rms, then back to zero, then to -120 volts rms, then back to zero. It goes through that cycle 60 times every second. At all times throughout each cycle, the live wire "feeds" the current at the varying voltage and the neutral wire "returns" it to the power source.

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A neutral wire is always needed as the return path back to the power station for any single-phase circuit in which a single live wire feeds alternating current into the connected load.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

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What cause current on the neutral line in a three phase?

Current on neutral in a multi phase system is caused by imbalance between the phases. Question: Are you talking about neutral or ground? The two are very different. Although neutral is grounded, it is expected to be a current carrying conductor, so current on neutral is normal, so to speak. Ground, on the other hand is a protective circuit that is not supposed to have any current on it at all.


Can a 3 wire system create neutral voltages due to Harmonic distortion?

Yes, a 3 wire system can create neutral voltages due to harmonic distortion. Neutral voltages can also be caused by load imbalance between the two hots. It is normal for neutral to have a voltage differential relative to ground. Neutral is, after all, a current carrying conductor. In a well balanced system, however, there is little (theoretically zero) current in neutral.


When phase and neutral are glowing what is the problem in circuit?

There is more current flowing and the wire can not flow that much current.


Why neutral size is 50 percent of Phase in cable?

The neutral size is typically 50 percent of the phase conductors in a cable to ensure proper current-carrying capacity and safety in unbalanced load conditions. In three-phase systems, if the loads are balanced, the neutral current is minimal; however, in cases of unbalanced loads, the neutral needs to handle the return current effectively. Sizing the neutral at 50 percent of the phase conductors provides a margin for safety and accounts for potential unbalances in the system. This approach also helps prevent overheating and ensures compliance with electrical codes.


Is a neutral considered a current carrying conductor?

No, in a three phase balance load, there should not be any current through Neutral conductor. If it is a 2 wire, single phase system, the Neutral will carry the same current as live conductor if the system has no Earth fault, leak.

Related Questions

Why does the neutral in power circuits run hotter than the active?

Neutral must be carrying a leakage or fault current continuously


What cause current on the neutral line in a three phase?

Current on neutral in a multi phase system is caused by imbalance between the phases. Question: Are you talking about neutral or ground? The two are very different. Although neutral is grounded, it is expected to be a current carrying conductor, so current on neutral is normal, so to speak. Ground, on the other hand is a protective circuit that is not supposed to have any current on it at all.


Is the ground wire safe to be the hotwire?

No. A ground wire is a non-current carrying conductor and cannot be used for hot or neutral.


Can a wire carry a current and still maintain a neutral charge?

No, a wire carrying a current cannot maintain a neutral charge. When a wire carries a current, it means that there is a flow of charged particles (usually electrons) through the wire, which results in a net charge within the wire.


Why dont phase and neutral exchange?

Phase wires are "hot" wires and are the current-carrying conductors. (These are the wires that will shock you if you touch them.). The neutral wire is basically there to carry the electricity back to the source. It is not normally considered current-carrying. If you switch these two wires, you might energize the metal of equipment, causing a dangerous shock hazard.


Is a current-carrying wire electrically charged because of the electrons moving in it?

A current-carrying wire is not electrically charged because of the movement of electrons. The wire as a whole remains electrically neutral even though the electrons are moving within it. The flow of electrons is what constitutes an electric current.


What is difference between ground and neutral?

A neutral is an active conductor in the circuit. It is grounded at the source but that's for another discussion. The ground exists to ensure the proper operation of over current devices like fuses and breakers in the event of a fault.


Can a 3 wire system create neutral voltages due to Harmonic distortion?

Yes, a 3 wire system can create neutral voltages due to harmonic distortion. Neutral voltages can also be caused by load imbalance between the two hots. It is normal for neutral to have a voltage differential relative to ground. Neutral is, after all, a current carrying conductor. In a well balanced system, however, there is little (theoretically zero) current in neutral.


When phase and neutral are glowing what is the problem in circuit?

There is more current flowing and the wire can not flow that much current.


How much will neutral current be in a 3phase 4-wire y system with a balanced load?

Balanced load means no unbalanced currents, so the neutral current should be near zero.


Can earth wire be used as a neutral wire?

No, an earth wire has a specific safety role in an electrical circuit that does not allow it to be used as one of the two current-carrying wires.


What is the purpose of neutral contactor?

Presumably, you are asking the purpose of a neutral conductor, rather than 'contactor'?A alternating-current supply has two conductors, a lineconductor and a neutral conductor. The line conductor is at system potential (e.g. 230 V in Europe), whereas the neutral conductor is at approximately earth (ground) potential because it is earthed (grounded) at the supply transformer. The neutral conductor acts as the 'return' path to the transformer, carrying the same load current as the line conductor.