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The power company uses a single transformer outside your home to reduce the voltage from the transmission line voltage down to the 240/120 volts that you can use when you plug in your appliances.
The power company is trying to be responsible with their money when they put that transformer out there, so they use a transformer that can provide both 240 Volts and 120 Volts, at the same time.
To do that, the output of the transformer is divided into two halves; one half provides 120 Volts, and the other half provides 120 Volts, with a "common" or "center tap" in the center of the 240 Volt transformer winding.
It isn't a coincidence that your 240 volt plug that operates the electric range or electric dryer is twice the voltage of the 120 volt plug that operates your TV.
By using half of the output from the transformer to provide your 120 Volt service, you are technically using the center tap/Common wire as one of the current carriers for the circuit. In theory, the common wire should be identical to the ground wire, but because real life isn't quite the same as the theoretic, it is necessary to treat them differently.
In some VERY OLD neighborhoods there were no 240 volt Transformers, and as such, no neutral/common wire.
What else can I help you with?
Why neutral wire does not carry current in closed ac circuit?
The neutral wire does carry current in a closed AC circuit. Clamp a clamp on amp meter around the neutral wire directly after the circuit load and it will read the same current as is on the "hot" wire.
Can you use a neutral wire from a existing 110 volt 20 amp circuit to supply a neutral for a washer dryer combo that has only a 220 volt 30 amp 2 wire?
No !
Why are the live wire and neutral wire never joined together?
An electrical circuit forms a loop. The "live" or hot wire supplies the voltage, which is returned on the neutral. If the hot wire and neutral wire were connected together without a load between them, the circuit would be short out and trip the circuit's protection device.
Instead of neutral wire earth wire connected in a lamp.it will glow or not?
A circuit can be made to work with a hot and a ground. The normal and safe way is to use a neutral wire which is bonded at the electrical panel to the ground. The neutral wire is used as a return path for electricity back to your panel. If you were to use a ground wire instead of a neutral wire you are creating a potential hazard as the circuit now employs the ground as a return path for electricity. Any stray voltage caused by equipment faults will go through the grounding system and could produce a hazard to anyone as they become part of this circuit. It is not uncommon that people get an electrical shock if they touch both a live wire and a neutral wire. If you were to do that the current in the circuit would run through you. If you use an earth ground as the return path and are in contact with the hot wire and a ground you will get an electrical shock. The bottom line here is yes the light will work, the question I would have for you is "why don't you call an electrician to solve this potentially dangerous situation?".
What size wire for neutral in a 240v 30 amp circuit?
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.240 volt two wire circuits loads do not need a neutral to operate. A three wire 240 volt circuit that needs a neutral, will have a neutral the same size as the current carrying conductors. In this case a #10.
Is the white wire in this electrical circuit designated as the hot wire or the neutral wire?
In an electrical circuit, the white wire is typically designated as the neutral wire.
How can I test the neutral wire in an electrical circuit?
To test the neutral wire in an electrical circuit, you can use a multimeter set to measure voltage. First, turn off the power to the circuit. Then, place one probe of the multimeter on the neutral wire and the other probe on the ground wire. If the multimeter reads a voltage close to zero, the neutral wire is functioning correctly. If there is a significant voltage reading, there may be an issue with the neutral wire.
Is the white wire hot or neutral in the electrical circuit?
In an electrical circuit, the white wire is typically used as the neutral wire, not the hot wire.
How to find the neutral wire in an electrical circuit?
To find the neutral wire in an electrical circuit, you can use a voltage tester or a multimeter. Turn off the power to the circuit, then test each wire to see which one has a voltage reading close to zero. This wire is the neutral wire. Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with electricity.
How can I determine how to find a neutral wire in an electrical circuit?
To find a neutral wire in an electrical circuit, you can use a voltage tester or a multimeter. Turn off the power to the circuit, then test each wire to see which one has a voltage close to zero. This wire is likely the neutral wire. Be sure to follow safety precautions when working with electricity.
Is the white wire in an electrical circuit considered to be hot or neutral?
In an electrical circuit, the white wire is typically considered to be the neutral wire.
Is the white wire in an electrical circuit typically used as the neutral or hot wire?
In an electrical circuit, the white wire is typically used as the neutral wire.
Does a neutral wire carry current in an electrical circuit?
Yes, a neutral wire carries current in an electrical circuit.
What is the voltage of the neutral wire in an electrical circuit?
The voltage of the neutral wire in an electrical circuit is typically close to zero volts.
What voltage does a neutral wire have in an electrical circuit?
In an electrical circuit, the neutral wire typically has a voltage of around 0 volts.
Which wire is the common wire in a typical electrical circuit?
The common wire in a typical electrical circuit is the neutral wire.
How can I determine the location of the neutral wire in an electrical circuit?
To determine the location of the neutral wire in an electrical circuit, you can use a voltage tester or a multimeter to identify the wire that carries little to no voltage compared to the hot wire. The neutral wire is typically connected to the ground or earth in the electrical panel. Be sure to turn off the power before attempting to locate the neutral wire for safety.
