Open Neutral Wiring Diagram

The neutral is opened. The neutral wire on the left side of the open (comes from the panel) is 0V. The wire on the right side of the open (goes to the load) and is 120V.

Neutral is open

Neutral is open. The neutral wire on the left side of the open (comes from the panel) is 0V. The wire on the right side of the open (goes to the load) is 240V to ground. 120V A phase and 120V B phase combine for 240V to ground.

Multi-Wire Branch Circuit Wiring Diagrams

A and B phase circuit breakers are closed

Both circuit breakers and switches are closed.

A phase circuit breaker is open

The neutral wire on the left side of the open (comes from the panel) is 0V. The wire on the right side of the open (goes to the load) is 120V to ground.

A and B phase circuit breakers are open

Both phase A and B breakers or switches are open. The neutral wire on the left side of the open (comes from the panel) is 0V. The wire on the right side of the open (goes to the load) is also 0V.

Multi-Wire Branch Circuits

Open Neutral Multi-Wire Circuit

Open Neutral

Question or Comment?

Can You get a Shock from a Neutral Wire?

Yes you can, if the neutral wire is open somewhere in the circuit.

Open Neutral Wiring

In an electrical system, ground and neutral are connected together in one location only, at the neutral point. This connection is either at the power company transformer or in the main electrical panel of the dwelling (see Electrical Circuits).

On a 120, 240V circuit, the voltage on a neutral wire is normally 0V (volts) on a live circuit. However, if a neutral wire is open, the voltage on the line side of this open neutral is 120V. Find Multimeters