Neutralledningen

Neutralledningen, also known as the neutral wire or neutral conductor, is a fundamental component of electrical power systems. It serves as the return path for electric current in alternating current (AC) circuits. In a typical single-phase AC system, the power source has two main connections: a live wire (hot wire) and a neutral wire. Current flows from the live wire to the appliance or device and then returns to the power source through the neutral wire. This completes the electrical circuit, allowing electricity to do work.

The neutral wire is typically connected to ground at the power source, such as a transformer or a main service panel. This grounding provides a safety measure by creating a path for fault current to flow to the earth, preventing dangerous voltages from appearing on metal enclosures of electrical equipment. While the neutral wire is intended to be at or near ground potential, it can carry current under normal operating conditions, unlike a ground wire which should ideally carry no current except during a fault. It is crucial that the neutral conductor remains intact and properly connected for the circuit to function correctly and safely. Interrupting the neutral wire can lead to unpredictable voltage fluctuations and hazardous situations.