Table of Contents
Why is there a live and neutral wire in AC?
LIVE WIRE The live wire is connected directly to the generators of the electricity supply company.It carries current at high voltages (about 220−230V). NEUTRAL WIRE The neutral wire returns the electricity to the generator after it has passed through the appliance.
Why does AC power need a neutral?
More specifically, neutral wire brings the circuit to a ground or busbar usually connected at the electrical panel. This gives currents circulation through your electrical system, which allows electricity to be fully utilized. Additionally, this prevents faulty or excess currents from residing in your outlet.
Why is there a hot wire in alternating current?
Hot: The black wire is the hot wire, which provides a 120 VAC current source. It provides the return path for the current provided by the hot wire. The neutral wire is connected to an earth ground. Ground: The bare wire is called the ground wire.
What happens when live and neutral wires touch?
The neutral wire is touched by the live wire. The path from the live to the neutral wire has very low resistance and will create a short circuit if the large current exceeds the fuse rating. There will be a blow.
What is the purpose of the live wire?
Each wire in the mains cable has an important function: The wire covered in brown plastic is the live wire. This carries the 230 V alternating potential difference from the power supply. The wire covered in blue plastic is the neutral wire and this completes the circuit from the appliance back to the supply.
Why neutral wire has no current?
As there is no potential difference between the two ends of neutral in other words voltage at both ends is same, hence no current flow is observed.
How does electricity flow from live to neutral?
The neutral wire completes the circuit, giving a return path for the current. Similarly, when the current flows in the live wire, it flows out the neutral. At any given time, whatever current flows through the live wire, an equal amount (*note 2) flows in the opposite direction through the neutral wire.