Does neutral counts as a current carrying conductor?
- Thread starter rknikko
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walton
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- Sacramento, CA
Re: Does neutral counts as a current carrying conductor?
NEC 310.15 (B)(4)(c)... where the major portion of the load consists of nonlinear loads... the neutral is counted as a current carrying-conductor
NEC 310.15 (B)(4)(c)... where the major portion of the load consists of nonlinear loads... the neutral is counted as a current carrying-conductor
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Does neutral counts as a current carrying conductor?
Most of the time, most of the loads are linear. Unless you have a vast great number of computers, or fluorescent lights, or VFDs, or other fancy electronics, the loads are likely to be less than 50% non-linear.
But for us to answer your question, you would need to tell us what kind of power system you are talking about. For a single phase, 2-wire branch circuit, the neutral is always counted. For a single phase, multi-wire branch circuit,, the neutral is probably not counted. For a three phase, 4- wire branch circuit or feeder, the neutral is probably not counted. What are you working with?
Most of the time, most of the loads are linear. Unless you have a vast great number of computers, or fluorescent lights, or VFDs, or other fancy electronics, the loads are likely to be less than 50% non-linear.
But for us to answer your question, you would need to tell us what kind of power system you are talking about. For a single phase, 2-wire branch circuit, the neutral is always counted. For a single phase, multi-wire branch circuit,, the neutral is probably not counted. For a three phase, 4- wire branch circuit or feeder, the neutral is probably not counted. What are you working with?
Re: Does neutral counts as a current carrying conductor?
This is for 3-family residential house. The line coming in to the meters is a single phase 3-wire. (Red, Black & White) But I was told that in NYC, the utility has a Wye three phase 4-wire system. So, which one should we take into consideration? I'm confused!
This is for 3-family residential house. The line coming in to the meters is a single phase 3-wire. (Red, Black & White) But I was told that in NYC, the utility has a Wye three phase 4-wire system. So, which one should we take into consideration? I'm confused!
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Does neutral counts as a current carrying conductor?
Because the supply is three phase four wire and you are only using two phase conductors and a neutral you must count the neutral as a current carrying conductor.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Does neutral counts as a current carrying conductor?
GOod idea. I have been keeping a running list of possible additions to the FAQ topic. I just added this item to the list. Thanks, Steve.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
Re: Does neutral counts as a current carrying conductor?
I agree with Bob. NYC is under the 2002 NEC with several amendments. I was wondering, shouldn't someone who is working on a 3 family house know what the supply voltage is?
I agree with Bob. NYC is under the 2002 NEC with several amendments. I was wondering, shouldn't someone who is working on a 3 family house know what the supply voltage is?
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