What is neutral wire? Effect and how to distinguish neutral wire

In the process of using electrical equipment, you should grasp the basic knowledge to ensure safety. Find out with lassho.edu.vn what is the neutral wire? Effects and ways to distinguish the neutral wire!

What is neutral wire?

The neutral wire is also known as the ground wire , the ground wire , the cold wire , the N wire .

The neutral wire is not the ground wire, it has the effect of transmitting power to the devices.

The neutral wire in a 3-phase circuit is often used to balance the voltages of the phases in the circuit. The neutral wire in a single-phase circuit has the role of sealing the circuit, bringing current into the operation of household appliances.

Distinguishing neutral wire

What are the main types of wires in a home circuit?

There are 3 main types of wires in a home electrical network:

• Hot wire : Hot wire carries alternating current, has a high voltage and will shock when touched.
• Neutral wire : Based on theory, neutral wire has zero potential difference along with earth potential difference. Therefore, the neutral wire does not recoil to the touch.
• Ground wire : The ground wire is used to level the leakage current in the equipment to the ground to avoid causing shock and danger when touched.

Distinguish neutral wire and other wires in electrical circuit

– Based on color :

+ 3 phase electricity :

• Phase A: Red
• Phase B: White
• Phase C: Blue
• Neutral wire: Black
• Ground wire: Green with yellow stripes

+ 1 phase electricity :

• Hot wire: Red
• Neutral wire: Black/white/blue

– Based on size : The neutral wire is smaller than the phase wire.

– Using an electric tester : The neutral wire has a voltage of 0V or lower, so the electric tester does not light up.

Why is the neutral wire smaller than the phase wire?

In a three-phase circuit, the neutral conductor carries a current equal to the sum of the three phase currents. If the phases are balanced then this current is much smaller (approximately zero) than the phase current. Therefore, the neutral wires are smaller in size than the phase wires.

In a single-phase circuit, the neutral wire bears the same phase current, so the cross-sectional area is equal.

Uses of neutral wire

The neutral wire is used for:

• In a 3-phase circuit, the neutral wire is used to keep voltage stable and transmit power to electrical equipment.
• Anti-jamming.
• Helps reduce voltage when grounding or grounding, preventing and limiting the risk of electrical leakage outside the device.
• The neutral wire helps to create two different voltage values: Line voltage and phase voltage make it convenient to use electrical equipment.

Does the neutral wire cause jerks?

Based on theory, the neutral wire has a voltage level of 0V. Therefore, the neutral wire does not recoil to the touch.

But in fact, the neutral wire still has electricity and has the ability to shock because during the power transmission there is a phase difference and the neutral wire always has voltage. When there is no ground wire, leaking devices can lead to slight shock.

Hopefully, the above article has provided you with sufficient information about what is the neutral wire? Effects and ways to distinguish the neutral wire. If you have any questions? Please leave a comment below!