Electrical engineering basics

Question on Phase Neutral connection

In a Phase-Neutral connection,if we say neutral is the return path of the current then how can it be neutral?
neutral is supposed to mean that no charge flows through it right? then how can it be so when current actually flows back through it?
ALSO
please tell me,
when we study about EMI we say common mode current which mainly causes it, flows on both the phase and neutral(which is why we call it common mode in the first place),if the current comes back via the neutral then will there not be any clash between the common mode current and the neutral/return current?
forgive me if its too basic for i'm learning

Re: Question on Phase Neutral connection

You are right. Neutral is the return path. The current going from phase is returning to neutral through the load. But generally AC distribution is 3 phase. in this connection all the 3 phase currents return through the neutral. The currents are having a phase difference of 120 degree. When the 3 phase currents are equal in magnitude their algebraic sum is zero.
That is Sin 0+ sin 120+ sin 240 =0 . Interesting . That is why no current in the neutral conductor.

Re: Question on Phase Neutral connection

maginjohn said:

In a Phase-Neutral connection,if we say neutral is the return path of the current then how can it be neutral?

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As far as i know when you check current on your wall outlet you find current in phase wire while there is no current in neutral...that may be the reason to call it neutral (although current does flow through it when load is connected).
Secondly, as sabuthankappan said...In three phase system, current through phase wires cancels out each other when they meet at neutral so there is no current in neutral...:shock:

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.

In a polyphase or three-wire (single-phase) AC system, the neutral conductor is intended to have similar voltages to each of the other circuit conductors. By this definition, a circuit must have at least three wires for one to serve as a neutral.

In the electrical trade, the conductor of a 2-wire circuit that is connected to the supply neutral point and earth ground is also referred to as the "neutral".

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Ground and neutral - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the Phase-Neutral connection hot and neutral wires are interchangeable as far as the equipment is concerned. Both are power carrying wires. One of the power carrying wires is grounded at the source for reasons of safety. The only reason why the two wires are differentiated is to identify which of the wires is grounded (the neutral wire).