[Johnson] AC Circuit Wiring Question

[Tom Bates]

>>What is done with current appliances, stoves, dryers, etc.? 

Probably an understading of the terms for the conductors would be helpful.

When one speaks of the "neutral" conductor, he is referring to a current carrying conductor.  This would also be the "identified" conductor or "white" wire, and is "grounded" to earth back at the service.  That's also why it is called the "grounded" conductor.   In years past, the Natl Electrical Code allowed the bare stranded conductor on some cables to be used as both a "grounded" neutral conductor and also a "groundING" conductor on some 120/240 3 wire circuits (very commonly seen as 30Amp 3 wire plug on dryers and welders and 50 Amp 3 wire plug on electric stoves).  Now days, a 4 wire plug is required on those split circuits.  That's those circuits (like a clothes dryer) that utilize 240 Volts for the heating elements and 120 Volts for the motor and controls.

So, simply put--The neutral or ground-ED  wire is normally a white insulated current carrying conductor while the ground-ING wire (usually insulated green or bare) is used as a safety wire connecting equipment metalliac parts directly to ground and only carries current if there is a fault.


Take Care,

Tom  -  AA1NZ