What is The Purpose of the Neutral Wire
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The Purpose of the Neutral Wire in Electrical Systems: What is the purpose of the neutral wire and the difference between the ground wire and the white neutral wire.
© By: Dave Rongey
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The Neutral Wire in Electrical Systems
Electrical Question: What is the purpose of the neutral?
- What is the difference between the green ground wire and the white negative wire?
These electrical questions came from: John, in Lemon Grove California, and John in Sun City Center, Florida.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical questions.
The Purpose of the Neutral Wire
The following will provide an explanation for the purpose of the neutral wire and the the difference between the ground wire and the neutral wire.
- United States Home Electrical System
The typical home electrical systems here in the United States uses what is known as AC, which stands for Alternating Current.
- 120volt Circuits and the Neutral Wire
The typical 120volt AC circuit requires a return path to earth ground which is provided by the neutral. If the neutral wire were disconnected it would prevent the flow of electricity, therefore the circuit would stop working.
- The Neutral Wire
The purpose of the neutral wire is to complete the 120volt AC circuit by providing the path back to the electrical panel where the neutral wire is connected and bonded to the earth ground. The neutral is an insulated wire because it is part of the circuit which flows electrical current.
- The Grounded Electrode Conductor
The neutral wire is part of the GEC or Grounded Electrode Conductor which is part of the home electrical system. The connection of the neutral wire and the ground system is made only at the main electrical panel which is where the bond is made to the earth ground.
- The Ground Wire is the Safety Wire
All 120 volt and 240 volt AC electrical circuits require a separate ground wire which also connects to the ground system of the panel where the circuit originates. The ground wire is not a part of the circuit current flow, therefore some ground wires are not insulated. The ground wire is the safety wire that is connected to the components of a circuit thereby providing a direct path to ground in the event of an electrical fault. Ground fault devices and other safety systems are required on specific circuits to prevent electrical shock in a fault condition. Over current devices such as fuses and circuit beakers are installed on circuits which react and interrupt the flow of electrical current in an abnormal condition.
- NEC Code Requirements
The NEC, National Electrical Code, has several codes which must be considered for each specific electrical wiring project and application.
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This link is helpful as a Homeowner
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The following may also be helpful for you:
A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
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Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
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My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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Light Switches
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