Difference between neutral and ground wire

In summary, the neutral wire and ground wire in household supply are both at 0 potential. However, it is not safe to interchange them as the ground wire is not designed to carry continuous current and may overheat quickly. It is also against safety codes and can result in potential differences between surfaces. While it may be technically feasible, it is not recommended to use the live wire with ground in household supply.
  • #1
shubhamdixit
1
0
in household supply, one wire is neutral wire and another is ground. Both are at 0 potential. My question is that can we interchange both wire. I mean use live wire with ground?
 
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  • #2
shubhamdixit said:
in household supply, one wire is neutral wire and another is ground. Both are at 0 potential. My question is that can we interchange both wire. I mean use live wire with ground?

No, the 'ground' wire should never carry current unless there is a fault. The neutral wire is designed to carry the circuits current continuously and is sized appropriately. The ground wire is designed to carry a fault current for a short time until a protection device like a fuse or breaker stops the current so it's usually smaller and may overheat quickly.

In addition to code safety problems there are other reasons not to do it.
http://www.mikeholt.com/technical.p...lGroundVoltage&type=u&title=Neutral-to-Ground
 
  • #3
The Neutral is really part of the circuit supplying the power, and if you are far from your panel - there may be some small potental on it.
The Ground wire is really for your safety and ideally ensures all of the surfaces you touch are at the same, hopefully Zero, voltage.
Electrically what you propose is OK - assuming the ground and neutral are the same - but this is NOT something you should be doing in reality.
 

FAQ: Difference between neutral and ground wire

What is the purpose of a neutral wire?

The neutral wire is used to carry current back to the power source in an electrical circuit. It provides a return path for the flow of electricity and helps to balance the load in the circuit.

Why is the neutral wire colored white?

In most countries, the neutral wire is colored white to distinguish it from the hot wires, which are typically black or red. This color coding helps to ensure proper wiring and safe handling of electrical systems.

What is the difference between a neutral wire and a ground wire?

The neutral wire is part of the normal electrical circuit and carries current, while the ground wire is used for safety and carries current only in the event of a fault. The neutral wire also helps to balance the electrical load, while the ground wire provides a safe path for excess electricity to flow to the ground.

Is it necessary to have both a neutral wire and a ground wire?

Yes, it is necessary to have both a neutral wire and a ground wire in an electrical circuit. The neutral wire is essential for the functioning of the circuit, while the ground wire is important for safety and protection against electrical shocks.

Can the neutral wire and the ground wire be connected together?

No, the neutral wire and the ground wire should never be connected together. They serve different purposes in an electrical circuit and connecting them can create a hazardous situation, such as a ground fault or electrical shock.

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