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When a 'neutral' isn't neutral
Few codes or standards offer a clear definition.
In both single-phase and three-phase a-c power systems, one of the most frequently encountered terms is “neutral”—as in “neutral conductor,” “grounded neutral,” or “line-to-neutral” load connection or voltage.
But “neutral,” in an electrical context, should not always be associated with definitions such as “safe to touch” or “not presenting a shock hazard.”
While under certain conditions those presumptions may be correct, this article explains why neither will be true under all electrical system conditions.
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Featured Technical Article
October 2004
On this page is a summary of the Electrical Apparatus October 2004 featured technical article, by Richard L. Nailen, P.E. , "When a 'neutral' isn't neutral" Wenn 'neutral' nicht neutral ist ... Lorsqu'un 'neutre' n'est past neutre ... Cuando 'Neutral' No Es Neutral ...
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