What is the role of neutral?
I have read that: (A) The power alternates from + to - with the little electrons rushing back and forth and (B) that there is no back and forth but rather a pulsing from a + state to a Zero charge state.
I don't know which it is. But I suspect the role of the neutral will not tolerate one while it will facilitate the other.
Talismanic phrases like Center tap, Balancing, yadda yadda are tossed around on the interwebs with no explanation of the actual mechanics of what is going on.
What is going on?
In scenario A, I believe that the neutral would have to be charged (but it is not) in order to make the flipping of + to - happen or else there could be no rushing back and forth.
In B, I can picture the neutral acting like an open valve but still never being charged. Except for the fact that the electrons that are being pulsed from On to Off from the Mains are not being burned up in the appliance. Electrons are like those short squatty landscaper guys who scurry across insurance company green-scapes. They do work, but are not consumed. Where do they go?
Adding to my confusion is the fact that neutral is bonded to earth in the main panel, but never in a sub panel unless that sub panel is in an out building where it has it's own earrthing rod.
So what are the mechanics of the role of the neutral?
Any takers?
I have read that: (A) The power alternates from + to - with the little electrons rushing back and forth and (B) that there is no back and forth but rather a pulsing from a + state to a Zero charge state.
I don't know which it is. But I suspect the role of the neutral will not tolerate one while it will facilitate the other.
Talismanic phrases like Center tap, Balancing, yadda yadda are tossed around on the interwebs with no explanation of the actual mechanics of what is going on.
What is going on?
In scenario A, I believe that the neutral would have to be charged (but it is not) in order to make the flipping of + to - happen or else there could be no rushing back and forth.
In B, I can picture the neutral acting like an open valve but still never being charged. Except for the fact that the electrons that are being pulsed from On to Off from the Mains are not being burned up in the appliance. Electrons are like those short squatty landscaper guys who scurry across insurance company green-scapes. They do work, but are not consumed. Where do they go?
Adding to my confusion is the fact that neutral is bonded to earth in the main panel, but never in a sub panel unless that sub panel is in an out building where it has it's own earrthing rod.
So what are the mechanics of the role of the neutral?
Any takers?