Neutralphasen

Neutralphasen refers to a concept in physics and engineering, particularly in the context of alternating current (AC) power systems. In a three-phase AC system, there are typically three conductors carrying alternating currents that are out of phase with each other by 120 degrees. The neutral phase, often referred to as the neutral wire or neutral conductor, is a conductor that is connected to the neutral point of the power source, such as a transformer or generator.

The primary purpose of the neutral phase is to provide a return path for current. In a balanced three-phase system where the loads are equally distributed across all three phases, the sum of the currents in the three phases at any given moment is zero. In such an ideal scenario, no current would flow through the neutral wire. However, in reality, loads are rarely perfectly balanced, leading to a net current flowing in the neutral conductor. This neutral current needs to be safely conducted back to the source.

The neutral phase is typically grounded at the source and sometimes at other points in the distribution system. This grounding serves safety purposes, providing a path for fault currents to flow to the ground, which can then trigger protective devices like circuit breakers. It also helps to stabilize the voltage across the phases. In some two-wire single-phase systems derived from a three-phase source, one phase conductor and the neutral conductor are used to supply power. The neutral conductor is usually at or near ground potential.