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Neutrals

What a neutral is, how it is derived, and why a neutral wire isn't always safe or neutral.

The Video

View this video on Youtube.

Neutral only when connected

In an AC system, a neutral wire is connected to the earthed point of the transformer. In normal operation, the voltage between neutral and earth is zero or very close to zero.

However if the circuit is broken, the 'neutral' is no longer connected to the transformer, and a dangerous voltage can appear on the wire.