AC Fundamentals

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vishwanath_rao_001

Joined Oct 18, 2013
1
Can anyone explain that in an AC power supply why does not neutral have cureent.
I am getting this doubt because while writing AC waveforms we write sinusoidals waveforms covering both +ve & -ve regions which indicates change of direction of current every half cycle. this means every half cycle current changes direction from phase to neutral & neutral to phase. Then y dont we get a shock while we touch neutral wire????
 

w2aew

Joined Jan 3, 2012
219
The neutral DOES carry current, in fact it is equal to the current in the "hot" lead, just the opposite direction. However, since it is tied to ground, there is no voltage on the neutral with respect to ground. Voltage is what causes you to feel a shock.
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
28,576
Also in a single phase supply it is optional which conductor is originally selected as neutral, it is termed neutral upon connecting to Earth Ground.
In a 3 phase supply with a star (wye) connected transformer, the star point is termed Neutral whether connected to earth ground or not.
Max.
 
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