Combined Science GCSE
Neutral wire
What Neutral wire means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Neutral wire
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Reference: AQA
It is at, or close to, earth potential, about 0 V, because it is connected to earth at the supply substation, and it still completes the circuit and carries the normal operating current.
Identified by blue insulation in a three-core mains cable, it completes the circuit, carrying current from the appliance back to the supply.
Completes the circuit and is near earth potential in normal operation, so it is not the wire that supplies the dangerous driving potential.
Completes the circuit by providing the return path for current through the appliance.
Completes the circuit and is near zero volts in normal operation.
The wire whose insulation is blue in a three-core cable.
Topics that use Neutral wire
- Mains electricity (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- colour code
- double insulation
- Earth wire
- Electrical safety
- Function and placement of switches
- fuse
- Fuses and circuit breakers
- Insulation
Using Neutral wire in the exam
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