What is the purpose of the neutral in a grounded system?

The purpose of the neutral in a grounded system is to provide a low-impedance return path for fault current. This is crucial for the safe operation of electrical systems because, in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit, the neutral conductor facilitates the return of the fault current back to the supply side of the system. This helps to ensure that protective devices, like circuit breakers, can detect the fault and trip quickly, minimizing the risk of electrical shock or fire.

In grounded systems, the neutral is bonded to ground at the service entrance, which establishes a reference point for the system voltage and helps ensure that any fault current can safely return to the source. This low-impedance path is essential for the effective operation of overcurrent protective devices, allowing them to clear faults promptly and maintain system safety.