Voltage on Nuetral?

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In a typical American,400amp feed,120v,60hz,2-phase panel for home use. What should the total Neutral return voltage be?

I've wondered this ever since I returned from Germany where I was an Electrician for the USAF.
 

roger

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Fl
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Retired Electrician
Re: Voltage on Nuetral?

Chris,
In a typical American,400amp feed,120v,60hz,2-phase panel for home use.
the problem is, this is not typical and a "neutral" wouldn't exist in it's true meaning if it were a typical system.

If we are looking at a typical 120/240 v single phase system, (one winding center tapped) the neutral should have no voltage in theory.

Roger

[ January 20, 2005, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 

jtester

Senior Member
Location
Las Cruces N.M.
Re: Voltage on Nuetral?

The neutral voltage depends on - neutral to what? If you measure neutral to ground at a service disconnect, you better read nearly 0 volts. On the other hand neutral current won't flow without accompanying voltage drop. A 120 volt single phase voltage drop calculation includes distance x 2, or circuit length down and back, or phase voltage drop plus neutral voltage drop. Neutral voltage depends on where your other reference is.
Jim T
 
Re: Voltage on Nuetral?

My meaning was at the service disconnect. By the way I'm glad I stumbled across this forum. I've already looked over several of the postings and this is the most informative forum I've come across.
 

caosesvida

Senior Member
Re: Voltage on Nuetral?

you may have some voltage to ground on a neutral. I commercial we can typically have 1 to 3 volts, and not worry too much about it. Over that the electronics tend to see it.
 
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