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A hunk of copper is visible that is designed to be easily connected or disconnected from its place between two screws, rated for 600 A (as stamped on it). We also see the thick wires in standard colors (two yellow/green ground and two blue neutral), as well as markings PEN (protected earth and neutral), PE (protective earth) and N (neutral).
The neutral is theoretically at 0 V potential, as any grounded object, but current flows on the neutral back to the source, somewhat elevating the neutral voltage. NEV is the product of current flowing on the neutral and the finite, non-zero impedance of the neutral conductor between a given point and its source, often a distant electrical ...
Long-distance electromagnetic telegraph systems from 1820 onwards [a] used two or more wires to carry the signal and return currents. It was discovered by German scientist C.A. von Steinheil in 1836–1837, that the ground could be used as the return path to complete the circuit, making the return wire unnecessary. [2]
Hot is any line or neutral conductor (wire or otherwise) connected with an electrical system that has electric potential relative to electrical ground or line to neutral. Ground is a safety conductor with a low impedance path to earth. It is often called the "ground wire," or safety ground. It is either bare or has green insulation. [1]
The ground potential at different outlets may differ by as much as 10 to 20 volts [4] due to voltage drops from these currents. The diagram shows leakage current from an appliance such as an electric motor A flowing through the building's ground system G to the neutral wire at the utility ground bonding point at the service panel.
In North America, overhead distribution systems may be three phase, four wire, with a neutral conductor. Rural distribution system may have long runs of one phase conductor and a neutral. [17] In other countries or in extreme rural areas the neutral wire is connected to the ground to use that as a return (single-wire earth return).
In essence, then, two of the three wires at the wall receptacle are actually grounded wires, one being used for power flow, and the other connected only to exposed metal parts on the equipment. The power wire that is grounded is called the "neutral" wire because it is not dangerous with respect to exposed metal parts or plumbing.
This is done in the UK because many buildings are supplied with a TN−C−S earthing system where the neutral and earth conductors are combined. Close to the electricity meter this conductor is divided into two, the earth and the neutral busbar in the consumer unit. If the ground connection to the neutral is lost, all wiring and other objects ...