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 |
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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