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40 votes
5 answers
38k views

Why don't we use neutral wire for to ground devices and earth wire for closing the circuit?

I know that the neutral point of a distribution transformer is connected to the grounding (earthing) wire, so I think they are the same. Can I use the neutral wire for protecting metal-cased electric ...
Michael George's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
30k views

Why is neutral wire connected to ground at the transformer?

I understand the use of ground wire at the home appliances but why is the neutral wire connected to ground at the transformer? Why doesn't the neutral wire go back to the power generation plants. I ...
rustyelectron's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

What is the purpose of the 1 Mega-ohm 1/2 watt resistor between neutral and ground, in a vintage audio amplifier (SONY model STR-7800SD)

I own an old SONY radio / amplifier, model STR-7800SD. I opened it and I saw a resistor between one of the AC lines and the chassis. The funny thing is that it has a REVERSIBLE 2-prong plug! So, I ...
SimplyTech's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
2k views

Hot and neutral have similar voltage to ground - finding the problem

I have an APC battery backup and surge protector for my computer. It has a light, labeled "Building wiring fault." This light is on, and my computer will not start. I am unemployed and my landlord is ...
andrewH's user avatar
  • 161
0 votes
1 answer
224 views

Running a long 120VAC line without a neutral

Source is a home 120/240VAC with pole transformer. I want to direct bury a 500 foot 120V line to run some battery chargers and dont need more than 10 amps. Why cant I only run a single large ...
JoeATL's user avatar
  • 11