[Amps] NEC-think.

[John Popelish]

Jim Brown wrote:
> On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 12:10:23 -0500, John Popelish wrote:
> 
> 
>>If there is actually no load of any kind connected to the neutral and 
>>that line is dedicated to that appliance (not shared with any other 
>>loads) then it is effectively an equipment grounding conductor, not a 
>>neutral.  
> 
> 
> NO, NO, NO, NO!  
> 
> A neutral is NEVER permitted to be an equipment grounding conductor.

I didn't say it is permitted.  I said it is effectively a grounding 
conductor, because it carries no load current.  For it to be 
permitted, it would have to be tied directly to the ground bus, not 
the neutral buss at the power panel, and be properly color coded as a 
safety ground, and be connected to the proper terminal of the 
appliance receptacle.  I was discussing physics, not regulations.

> The 
> neutral is required to be bonded at ONE, AND ONLY ONE, POINT to the 
> equipment ground (the service entrance in the case of a simple system, 
> and the secondary of each distribution transformer in the case of more 
> complex systems). 
> 
> This is primarily a safety issue, AND it is a NOISE issue. Both are 
> based on the laws of physics and fundamental circuit theory. And it is 
> not limited to NEC -- very similar requirements are part of electrical 
> codes throughout the developed world. In Europe, for example, there are 
> several common systems, but all have that in common -- a single bond. 
> The differences relate to WHERE that single bond is located. 
> 
> See my website for a tutorial on these issues specifically written for 
> those working in professional audio. There is much in it that is 
> directly applicable to the current discussion, and to the grounding of 
> our homes and ham stations. 
> 
> http://audiosystemsgroup.com/SurgeXPowerGround.pdf

All good stuff.