What is the difference between neutral and earth wire in the distribution system?

Answer 1

Both conductors are at ground potential. They are connected together with a bonding jumper at the panel. The primary difference is the neutral is used as the return current path for single-phase loads, and the ground is the return path for fault current only. So, unless the hot conductor accidentally comes in contact with, say, a grounded equipment cabinet, there would be no current flow on the ground wire. The neutral wire carries current any time the single-phase load is in operation. With a three-phase balanced load, no neutral is necessary or required, yet electrical codes still require a ground wire for safety.

Answer 2

Nuetral wire carries current; earth does not. The neutral (grounded conductor)is the return path back to the utility's transformer it definitely carries current. It completes the circuit for your 120 volt loads. The earth wire(grounding conductor) grounds the metal cases of your appliances and makes for a low impedance path back to the service and into the grounding system. So in case a hot conductor shorts to the metal case the fault current would flow into the ground and not through you.

Answer 3

The neutral is the term used for the grounded circuit conductor. That is somewhat of a misnomer since a true neutral carries the unbalanced load on a multiwire branch circuit.

The common is determined by how something is wired. Most often, the common is the neutral since all neutrals on a circuit wire together regardless of how switches, fixtures, or other equipment are wired.

But the common can also be the hot wire, as in the case of a 3 way switch. The hot wire on one end of the circuit or the switch leg on the other are "common" as opposed to the travelers which are distinct.

Answer 4

i think if its a balanced 3 phase supply then the phasor sum of voltages at neutral point of a star connected system. so the its potential is zero.