Current how it works.

[kjroller]

If I have a 120v heater and I cut the Neutral so current can't make its way back to source will the hot wire still have any current on it. From how I understand it the answer is no as it won't trip a GFCI breaker as there is no imbalance. Let me know what you think thank you.

 

[kjroller]

Basically, what I am asking is if I intentionally open the neutral and put my amp clamp on the hot with a load attached will I see current on the hot.

 

[infinity]

No. If there is only one conductor connected (with the cut neutral) there is no current flow.

 

[roger]

There has to be voltage drop for current to flow

 

[kjroller]

Thank you thats what i figured appreciate it

 

[kjroller]

So in other words the gfci breaker wouldnt trip because there is no imbalance

 

[roger]

So in other words the gfci breaker wouldnt trip because there is no imbalance

There's no circuit would be the correct statement

 

[charlie b]

So in other words the gfci breaker wouldnt trip because there is no imbalance

I will put it a different way: there is no imbalance because the current in the hot wire and the current in the neutral wire are both exactly zero.

 

[Joethemechanic]

Certain conditions you could have a slight reactive current due to the hot conductor capacitive coupling to a neutral or a ground. But that would not be enough to matter.