What “Neutral” Means

What “Neutral” Means

The neutral conductor is the conductor that leads back to the center tap of the utility transformer. It is connected to earth at two locations: the utility transformer and the main panel. That is why it is sometimes referred to as the grounded neutral conductor. Its designation is white or a white tape on a black cable. Neutral current is commonly referred to as return current, because once the current passes through the load, the white insulated neutral conductor makes the complete circuit back to the utility transformer. All electrical current must make a complete loop. The current starts at the utility transformer and must therefore return to the transformer; the neutral is simply the return part of that loop.
The neutral cable or wire can kill you just as readily as a “hot” cable. The same current that flows in a hot conductor flows out the neutral. If you place yourself in series within that loop, even on the neutral side, you will be electrocuted.