Difference between Earth and Neutral: Neutral and earth wires are commonly confused in the electrical field, given that both conductors function with zero voltage. Incorrectly connecting the ground wire as a neutral wire might allow devices to operate, but such connections violate electrical codes. Each conductor serves distinct functions in electrical installations.
This article aims to clarify the disparity between earth and neutral. Initially, grasping the difference between these two can be challenging. Safety and protection aspects must be carefully considered when delving into these concepts. Typically, the neutral point is grounded at the distribution transformer. This practice ensures that the earth and neutral remain at the same potential, safeguarding equipment against hazardous voltages in the neutral conductor.NEET Physics Syllabus | NEET Physics Important Questions with Answers |
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Difference between Earth and Neutral |
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Sr. No. | Feature | Earth | Neutral |
1 | Function | Acts as a safety connection for equipment and provides a path for fault currents to safely dissipate into the ground. | Provides a return path for electric current to flow back to the source in a balanced electrical system. |
2 | Color Coding | Often color-coded as green or green with a yellow stripe in electrical wiring. | Color-coded as blue in most countries, serving as the return path for the current. |
3 | Connection | Connected to the grounding system and Earth itself to prevent electrical shocks and provide safety. | Connected to the electrical circuit to complete the circuit and return the current to the source. |
4 | Voltage Level | Normally maintained at or close to zero volts. In the event of a fault, the voltage may rise to a significant level. | Carries the same voltage as the live or phase wire under normal conditions but is designed to carry current back to the source. |
5 | Purpose | Safety measure to prevent electric shocks and ensure proper grounding of electrical systems. | Ensures a closed circuit for the electric current, facilitating the safe operation of electrical devices. |
6 | Usage in Wiring | Connected to the ground or earth electrode system. | Connected to the electrical devices and forms a closed loop with the live or phase wire. |
7 | Fault Conditions | Becomes a path for fault currents in case of a short circuit or other faults, facilitating a safe discharge into the ground. | Carries fault currents back to the source during a fault condition, ensuring the protection of the electrical system. |
8 | Regulations | Governed by safety standards and regulations to ensure proper grounding practices. | Governed by electrical codes to maintain a balanced and safe electrical distribution system. |