Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, about loose neutral conductors and the possible damage caused by them, is answered by SELECT:
My question relates to this particular situation: If the neutral conductor becomes loose or disconnected on a single-phase circuit, my understanding is that this can result in the electrical load(s) becoming damaged or perhaps burned out.
Why does this happen? Is it because of an increase in conductor resistance, making it difficult for the current to flow through the load(s) and return via the faulty neutral conductor?
Answer: Any loose connection in a live conductor (including a neutral conductor) can cause overheating at the connection. A disconnected neutral can result in that conductor reaching the line voltage, which could cause damage to any connected equipment.
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