I always thought AC current requires 2 wires to carry the current both ways just like DC. Recently I read a post on this sub saying neutral wires go to ground. What am I missing?
In: 19
Voltage is always a ‘difference’ between two electrical points. Your height is a good analogy, it’s always the difference between the top of your head and the bottom of your feet regardless of wether you’re standing on the ground or standing on the roof of your house (your clothes will fit fine either way).
All electrical appliances will work fine as long as the difference between ‘hot’ and ‘neutral’ is 120V (US), but for safety we make sure the voltage between ‘neutral’ and ‘ground’ is 0V (which makes them electrically the ‘same’) Just like your clothes will fit you regardless of where you’re standing, it’s safer if you change clothes while standing on the ground rather than standing on the roof of your house.
Latest Answers