phase conductors not adjacent to grounded conductor ?

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packerbacker

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WI
On a service call, I found a bad neutral underground. I replaced it temporarly (frozen ground, wisconsin) with a single neutral conductor on top of groung until spring time.
Problem solved right? My boss tells me that there will be an issue with no grounded or grounding conductor in the same trench or raceway. I cant think of what that may be. Looking for help...?
 
packerbacker said:
On a service call, I found a bad neutral underground. I replaced it temporarly (frozen ground, wisconsin) with a single neutral conductor on top of groung until spring time.
Problem solved right? My boss tells me that there will be an issue with no grounded or grounding conductor in the same trench or raceway. I cant think of what that may be. Looking for help...?
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Well, your boss is correct. See 300.3(B). But as practical matter in an emergency situation as you describe I would not have an issue with it on a temporary basis.
 
130301-2342 EST

There will be an increased stray magnetic field in the area of the cables. In the middle of nowhere you probably don't care.

If the neutral (grounded conductor) is not tied down (restrained), then depending upon current levels the wire may move around. With enough current on a short circuit it could move enough to rip the wire loose from its moorings and possibly hurt someone or something, and open the neutral circuit.

A hairpin shaped conductive current loop will naturally force itself into a circle on high current if not restrained.

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