Question About Earthing and Neutral System

You may have some misconceptions about the Electrical Earthing and Neutral System. In this post, we will try to provide you with a better idea about it with some common questions that are frequently asked.

We are going to discuss what is earthing, why we need earthing and neutral, what is the difference between earthing and neutral, and many more.

What is Earthing?

The method of all electrical connection to the general mass of the earth is normally called earthing or grounding system. So there is a big relationship between your earthing system and the earth. If the relation is well established then you are safe.

Why We Use Earthing?

By definition, we already know that earthing and grounding are kind of the same thing. If there is any leakage current in the circuit system then it will pass through the earth by connecting the cable between the earth pint and the circuit.

What Should Be The Earth Resistance?

1. For resident houses earth resistance should not be more than 5 ohm.
2. For substation, resistance should not be more than 1 ohm.

Why We Need Earthing?

1. If there is any glitch in the circuit system or any leakage current is present then earthing will provide an easy path to the leakage current to be grounded to the earth. In this way, earthing keeps safe all circuit systems from leakage current.
2. Voltage remains constantan at any point in a system according to Earth. If there is any glitch in the system then all electrical equipment's voltage level will not cross the safety limit.

What is Earth Switch?

Generally, an Earth Switch is present in electrical substations. During substation maintenance earth switch remains close to the line when the isolator is open. Earth Switch also grounds the leakage current from the power transformer. Earth switch another point is connected with the earth point.

About Neutral:

Only current exists in a neutral system. Without neutral, a circuit cannot be closed which means current will not flow through the circuit. Neutral provides a small flow path to the current.

Why Neutral Line Does Not Shock?

Now come to a common question. If the neutral line is carrying current then why is it not shocked? We all know that electrical shock depends on the voltage. In a neutral line, the voltage remains zero and sometimes it remains connected to the earthing system. For this reason, there is no pressure in the neutral line and we don’t get shocked by it.

Related:- Why Should We Install a Lightning Rod?

What are The Differences Between Earthing and Neutral?

1. The Earthing system is connected to the earth. All leakage current passes through it to earth. But the neutral line remains connected with the power station or back to the power transformer.
2. A Neutral line provided a small safe passage for current to flow without voltage to complete the circuit. But the earthing system provides emergency safety if there is any short-circuit in the line and it transfers electricity to the ground.

Standard Cable Color for Earthing and Neutral:

By international law, a live or phase cable will be brown color, a Neutral cable will be blue and an Earthing cable color will be black or green.