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?

Question

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

Answer 1

DC common goes to ground as well. In single phase power systems ground is always the reference. In multiphase or split phase systems things become more complicated.