Why don't I get shocks on neutral wire?

[justwild]

Why don't I get shocks on neutral wire?

In my textbook the AC current is defined to be one which changes its direction periodically.
So according to the text both the wires of the AC supply should give you shock, but I felt the real shock when I observed that the neutral wiring didn't shook me!

So what is different in household wiring?

 

[mfb]

The neutral wire is called neutral because it is, well, neutral. The other one has AC, this gives AC between the two cables.

 

[rcgldr]

Link to diagram of household wiring (USA style):

hsehld.htm

At my home, depending on location, I measure up to 1/2 volt difference between "neutral" and "ground", due to issues like impedance. The US National Electrical Code translates into a max of 3.6 volts between neutral and ground for 120 volt outlet, and 6.6 volts for 240 volt outlet.

Going back to that diagram in hsehld.htm, at my area, that transformer has a single phase 6900 volt line and ground on the input side of the transformer, and a 240 volt transformer with grounded center tap (for 120 volt) output.

"Stray voltage" can be an issue for locations like dairy farms. Wiki article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stray_voltage

 

[Nugatory]

Link to diagram of household wiring (USA style):
The US National Electrical Code translates into a max of 3.6 volts between neutral and ground for 120 volt outlet, and 6.6 volts for 240 volt outlet.

Why the higher limit between neutral and ground for a household 240v circuit than 120v? The 240v circuit is two 120v circuits on opposite phases, so shouldn't be able to pull anything further away from ground than a 120v circuit? Just wondering... I'm away from my copy of the code right now.

 

[davenn]

So what is different in household wiring?

In Australia, New Zealand and maybe a few other countries
the neutral line is grounded at the household fuse/meter panel

Dave