What is the Difference Between Earth and Neutral?

The main differences between Earth and Neutral are as follows:

1. Purpose: Earth is used for safety concerns against leakage or residual currents in the system, while Neutral is the return path for an AC circuit that carries current in normal conditions.
2. Current Carrying Capacity: In normal conditions, the Earth wire doesn't carry any current, but in case of insulation failure, it might carry minor current. On the other hand, a Neutral wire is always charged and carries current in normal conditions.
3. Connection: Earth cannot be turned into Neutral, but a Neutral wire can be turned into an Earth wire. Earth may be separately connected or connected by a Neutral wire. Neutral wire requires a separate connection only.
4. Grounding Point: Earth is the grounding point for electricity, while Neutral is referred to as the returning point of the electricity.
5. Resistance: Neutral has no current at all, while Earth carries a minor current.

In an electrical AC power supply, there are three types of wires – phase (Hot), Neutral, and Earth. Both Earth and Neutral are maintained at zero potential, but they have different purposes and functions in the electrical system.

Comparative Table: Earth vs Neutral

The main difference between Earth and Neutral lies in their functions in an electrical circuit. Here is a table summarizing the differences between Earth and Neutral:

Earth (Ground) and Neutral both have the same voltage equal to zero, but they serve different functions in an electrical circuit. Earth wire is used as a safety wire to protect against electric shock, while Neutral is used to complete the circuit and carry the return current.