Questions for someone electrically inclined

[Doc Sprocket]

I understand your confusion. I read the entire article, and although it refers to "grounds" many times along the way, it never explains the distinction between ground and neutral. It also leaves you ASSUMING that two wires come from your panel to the outlet- one hot, one ground- and therefore makes no explanation for the third prong of the outlet.

 

[devino246]

Basically, its a crappy article.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Basically, its a crappy article.

Well said, sir!

 

[dave1701]

Source #2-

Wikipedia

Definitions

Ground or earth in a mains (AC power) electrical wiring system is a conductor that provides a low impedance path to the earth to prevent hazardous voltages from appearing on equipment (the terms "ground" (North American practice) and "earth" (most other English-speaking countries) are used synonymously here). Normally a grounding conductor does not carry current.

Neutral is a circuit conductor (that carries current in normal operation), which is connected to earth (or ground) generally at the service panel with the main disconnecting switch or breaker.

 

[CaptCanadia]

Don't trust Wiki either. Anyone can change that stuff.

 

[devino246]

Neutral wires are usually connected together at a neutral bus within panelboards or switchboards, and are "bonded" to earth ground at either the electrical service entrance, or at transformers within the system.

It seems as though the earth does serve as the neutral, but the location of the tie-in point varies.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Okay- read this on the neutral vs. ground distinction. http://en.allexperts.com/q/Electrical-Wiring-Home-1734/Neutral-vs-ground.htm

 

[dave1701]

At the point of service where the utility's supply neutral meets the customers meter....the neutral is bonded to ground...usually by a rod. This establishes a solid ground path both for the customer AND the utility. Once the service is tapped and energized - this bond...as you know...must not be broken..it is essentially for the proper flow of electricity.

What does this mean?

 

[redsox985]

Don't trust Wiki either. Anyone can change that stuff.

I hate when teachers say this! Encyclopedias have errors too, so they aren't the be-all-end-all.

 

[Farmer Mike]

My only concern is not to touch 2 wires at the same time.

 

[CaptCanadia]

Hmmm. Is it possible to use your body as a negative??

 

[anderkart]

My only concern is not to touch 2 wires at the same time.

You'd get shocked just touching an AC hot wire alone too.

Hmmm. Is it possible to use your body as a negative??

That's whats happening while your being shocked by AC voltage.

 

[dave1701]

IT goes through your body and into the ground right?

 

[devino246]

IT goes through your body and into the ground right?

Assuming your grounded. If you touch a hot wire without being grounded, it juts makes your hand feel funny(aske me how I know )

 

[dave1701]

It seems as though the earth does serve as the neutral, but the location of the tie-in point varies.

So if you got a light bulb and had one end plugged into a hot AC wire from an outlet, and had the other end buried into the earth (ground water), would the light bulb turn on?

 

[CaptCanadia]

So if your in bare feet and touch a hot wire it's going to possibly kill but if you're wearing say work boots with a thick rubber sole it will just tingle your hand?

 

[dave1701]

I think you are correct.

 

[devino246]

So if your in bare feet and touch a hot wire it's going to possibly kill but if you're wearing say work boots with a thick rubber sole it will just tingle your hand?

Pretty much, I dont suggest trying it though.

 

[dave1701]

So if you got a light bulb and had one end plugged into a hot AC wire from an outlet, and had the other end buried into the earth (ground water), would the light bulb turn on?
Edit/Delete Message

 

[devino246]

So if you got a light bulb and had one end plugged into a hot AC wire from an outlet, and had the other end buried into the earth (ground water), would the light bulb turn on?
Edit/Delete Message

Depending on how good its grounded.