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EF: Why is neutral at 0 volts?

  • Thread starter LmarshallSparks
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EF: Why is neutral at 0 volts?

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LmarshallSparks

Why is neutral at 0 volts?

I’m confused why neutral is at 0v (or close too) in certain situations!

TN-C-S system for this example, no borrowed neutrals or faults! A simple lighting circuit!

Now I can understand that when the circuit is open neutral would be at 0 volts due to it being connected to the earthing conductor and having no line to it! Now let’s say we closed that circuit (turned a light on), I can’t understand why the neutral wouldn’t become 230v

Now I understand most replies will say due to voltage being potential difference we need that difference! However what I can’t understand is now that circuit is closed why doesn’t one of two things happen

1) The neutral becomes 230v
2) The line becomes 0v

Is this due to the extremely high resistance of a bulb or appliance etc using that voltage up, meaning that very few volts remain by the time the current reaches the neutral so it takes the easy path back to the transformer and lacks the power to take any other direction?

Or am I going far too complicated! Is it simply potential difference! The transformer is pushing 230v down the line and the neutral is connected to earth so will always remain at 0v (or close too)

Appreciate any help on the matter!

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