Neutral Wire Current Direction and Magnitude in AC Power Distribution

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The direction of current flow through the neutral wire in AC power distribution is determined by the alternating nature of the current, which flows one way during one half of the cycle and reverses during the other half. The magnitude of the current in the neutral wire is calculated using Ohm's Law, where it is proportional to the voltage divided by the impedance of the load. When the active and neutral conductors run parallel, their currents are equal and opposite, resulting in the cancellation of magnetic fields outside the wires but not in the space between them.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC power distribution systems
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law
  • Knowledge of electrical impedance
  • Concept of magnetic fields in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of AC power distribution
  • Study the application of Ohm's Law in electrical circuits
  • Explore the effects of impedance on current flow
  • Investigate the behavior of magnetic fields around conductors
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, technicians working with AC power systems, and students studying electrical engineering concepts will benefit from this discussion.

cnunez12
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
What determines the direction of current flow through the neutral wire? What determines the value of the current through the neutral wire?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Assuming the subject is AC power distribution. The neutral conductor carries the same current as the active conductor. The current flows first one way around the return circuit, then reverses and flows back again, it repeats that every cycle.

The magnitude of the current is proportional to the voltage divided by the impedance of the load. That is Ohm's Law.

Where the two conductors run parallel, the active and neutral currents are equal and opposite. That means the magnetic fields cancel outside the region of the wires, but not in the small region between them.
 

Thread 'Is it dangerous if there is a mains fault on a potable water pipe?'

Both the main electrical cable (three-phase, line to neutral=230V, line to line =400V, 50Hz) and the water supply line(ppr pipe) are underground, below the earth in the garden, located next to each other, the main electrical power has damaged insulation, bare live line is exposed to a water leak from a broken main potable water line. So fault contact happen before RCD. Could this situation be dangerous, especially if a person is showering at the same time? I am trying to understand whether...
View full post »

Similar threads

Question about bonding ground and neutral
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Current In/Out: Understanding Electrical Circuits
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
How much current in this wire to reach observed temperature?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
AC generator, current and ground
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
How does Earth Ground "absorb" electric current?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Alternating Current, live and neutral wires
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
How might electronics be different if AC voltage was 72V at 45 Hz?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
1K
Current through Flat Sheet or plate
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
What explains the current flow in a LC circuit?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Wheatstone bridge and conditions for current to flow between 2 points
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K