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:
According to “An Electrical Engineer”, 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.
Earthing. Source – SlideShare
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.
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What Should Be The Earth Resistance:
- For the resident house, earth resistance should not be more than 5 ohms.
- For the substation, resistance should not be more than 1 ohm.
Why We Need Earthing:
- 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 earth. In this way, earthing keep safe all circuit system from leakage current.
- Voltage remains constant 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 an electrical substation. During substation maintenance, the 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. Because 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.
Neutral
Why Neutral Line Does Not Shock:
Now come to a common question. If the neutral line is carrying current then why it does not shock? We all know that electrical shock depends on the voltage. In the neutral line, voltage remains zero and sometimes it remains connected with the earthing system. For this reason, there is no pressure in the neutral line and we don’t get shocked by it.
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What are The Differences Between Earthing and Neutral:
- Earthing system is connected with the earth. All leakage current passes through it to earth. But the neutral line remains to connect with the power station or back to the power transformer.
- The neutral line provided a small safe passage for the 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, alive or phase cable will be a brown color, Neutral cable will be blue and Earthing cable color will be black or green.
