[Johnson] AC Circuit Wiring Question

[Tom Bates]

Hi Ed,

I think you have the idea.

I know the question of grounding safety when restoring these old boat anchors comes up here frequently, so maybe an explanation of why the neutral or "ground-ED" wire should not used as the equipment "ground-ING" conductor may interest some.

The purpose of the equipment grounding conductor is to insure the exposed metal parts are all connected to a common ground back at the service.  If that is the case, then all mettalic things connected to the grounding conductor will be at zero volts relative to earth ground.  If the neutral is used for a grounding wire, and there is current flow in the neutral wire, there WILL be a voltage drop in that wire between the ground at the service and the connected equipment. That will establish a potential on the case to earth ground if you have the neutral grounded to the equipment.

Sorry to deviate so far away from Johnson.

73,  Tom - AA1NZ