[Explained] Does Neutral Wire Give Electrical Shock or Not?

There are many questions that arise about Neutral Wire. Many people asked Why neutral wire does not give electrical shock? Many people asked why I get an electrical shock when touching a neutral wire? So in this article, we will discuss Does Neutral Wire Give Electrical Shock or Not? If Yes then why? Or if No then why?

If we see theoretically, neutral does not give an electrical shock but if there is any fault in the neutral wire it may give an electrical shock. So all are explained in detail below.

Why Neutral Wire does not give Electric Shock?

When electric current flows through our body, we experience an electrical shock. The electric current will flow through our body if the voltage is applied to our body. So when we touch phase wire standing on the ground directly then a voltage is applied to our body and current starts flowing through our body and we experience the electrical shock. In the below figure, you can see the total concept.

Now, we know that neutral is always connected to the ground or earth. So the voltage at the neutral is always zero. So when touching the neutral wire while standing on the ground there is no voltage applied to our body, therefore no current flows through our body and we do not get the electric shock. In the below figure, you can see the person not getting an electrical shock. But the neutral wire should not have more resistance than the person's body.

Why do I get an electrical shock when touching a neutral wire?

Many people tell me that they get an electrical shock when they touch the neutral wire. It is possible. See the below figure carefully to better understand.

We will get an electrical shock by touching the neutral wire if there is a fault in the neutral wire. As you see in the above diagram the person got an electrical shock because there is a fault in the neutral wire. In this case, the person touches the neutral wire but as the neutral is faulted, the current flows through the load and the body of the person to the ground. So if you getting an electrical shock in your home when you touch the neutral wire, check the whole neutral and repair it if the neutral is faulted. You can check using a neon tester.

What should I do to avoid Electrical Shock from the Neutral Wire?

The following things should be followed to avoid the electrical shock from the neutral wire,

1.      There should be no fault in the neutral wire.

2.      Check first the neutral if it gives the electrical shock.

3.      Always connect switches with phase wire. The connection of a switch with neutral may be very dangerous.

4.      Always connect fuses with phase wire.

5.      Keep ON and OFF together both MCBs for phase and neutral. Suppose you keep ON the MCB for phase and keep OFF the MCB for neutral. So, in this case, the neutral wire may give an electrical shock.

Read Also:

• What is Electric Shock? What is its cause Current or Voltage?
• Which is more dangerous AC or DC-Explained in details
• Main Difference Between Earthing and Grounding
• [BEST] Advantages of Earthing, Purpose, Necessity in Electrical System

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