What is the purpose of a neutral wire in an electrical appliance?

Answer 1

In order for current to flow in a circuit, it must have an "input" wire, and a "return" wire. So "what goes in, has got to come out" of a circuit. The "hot" wire in a home appliance connects to the "hot" wire in an electrical outlet (which in turn is connected to the black color coded wire supplying power to the outlet).

The "neutral" wire provides the return path to the outlet (white color coded wire, and "wider" blade of the outlet) for the current. In a typical, properly wired system, both the "neutral" and "ground" wires are connected to an actual "earth" ground by means of a long (6 to 12 ft.) rod driven into the earth at the power inlet to the home

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As to the "ground" wire (usually a bare wire when "unsheathed" in an outlet box), while it generally IS connected to the "neutral" wire in the distribution panel, and would carry the "return" current, it's intended only as a safety measure to: (1) provide a return current path should the "neutral" wire open or become disconnected, (2) provide a "grounded" current return path should the "hot wire in the appliance be shorted (or develop a low current path) to the frame or outer portions of the appliance.

Answer 2

It greatly depends on what you are considering an 'appliance'. For a typically small appliance in North America (Canada & USA) will use 'polarized' plugs. In the absence of a ground contact, one of the two blades will be slightly larger thus only allowing the plug to be inserted in one way.

The smaller of the blades is for the Non-grounded, current carrying conductor (I.E. Hot, Black Wire, etc...)

The larger blade is the for the Grounded, current carrying conductor (I.E. Common, Neutral, White Wire, etc...)

The third contact (if present) is the Ground, or the 'Grounded, non-current carrying conductor. And when replacing a grounded plug, never substitute a grounded three prong plug with a non-grounded two prong plug (Also, do not remove the ground 'prong' to facilitate plugging into a non-grounded receptacle or cord, or use a 'Cheater') as the devices safety will be severely compromised and create serious fire & safety issues.

Most larger appliances such as dryers and stoves use both L1 and L2, and may not have a true neutral. While you may see a 'White' wire on one of the contacts of the receptacle, it is typically being used as a Non-grounded, current carrying conductor and is actually a 'Hot' wire.

It is best consult a licensed/certified electrician as improper connections can lead to both fire & safety hazards...

On lamp cords where both blades are of equal size the neutral side of the wire has a raised rib along its length.

Answer 3

The neutral wire in an electrical appliance provides a return path for the current to flow back to the electrical panel. It carries the current back from the appliance to complete the circuit and ensure the safe operation of the appliance.