The Grounded Conductor in Different Electrical Systems

What is the grounded conductor in different electrical systems?

The grounded conductor is the neutral in a 120/240-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire system.

Explanation:

In a three-step process to determine the grounded conductor in different electrical systems: 1. 120/240 - volt, 3-phase, 4-wire system: In this setup, the grounded conductor is indeed the neutral. This is a common configuration found in residential and small commercial electrical systems, where you have two hot wires (120 volts each) and a neutral wire, along with a ground wire for safety. 2. 480-volt, 3-phase, 3-wire corner-grounded delta system: In this type of system, there is no neutral wire, and one of the three phase conductors is grounded at a corner point. Therefore, there is no grounded conductor that serves as a neutral in this system. 3. 277/480-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire wye system: The grounded conductor is indeed the neutral in this system. This setup is often used in larger commercial and industrial settings, with three hot phase wires (277 volts to ground) and a neutral wire, along with a ground wire for safety.
← How to spend wisely and improve your spending habits Investment future value calculation using compound interest →