What is the difference between earth and neutral?

[Manon_Chaboud]

In electrical systems, earth (ground) and neutral serve distinct yet crucial roles.

In summary, earth is for safety and stabilizing voltage, while neutral is for completing the electrical circuit. Both are essential for the proper functioning and safety of electrical systems.

1.  Earth (Ground)

Typically, earth wires are green or green-yellow. Earth is primarily for safety, providing a path for electrical current to return to the ground in case of a fault, thereby preventing electric shocks. It is connected to the physical ground (earth) and helps stabilize voltage levels in the system.

2.  Neutral

Neutral wires are usually white or gray. On the other hand, neutral is the return path for electrical current in a circuit, completing the circuit by carrying current back to the power source. It is connected to the ground at the main electrical panel but is not directly connected to the physical ground like the earth wire.

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