Why is a neutral system used in electrical grids? Is it essential to have a neutral throughout the grid side and what is the purpose and necessity of grounding?

Answer-

In electrical grids, a neutral system is indispensable for maintaining stable power distribution. Its primary role is to serve as a reference point for voltage levels, ensuring balanced loads in three-phase systems and contributing to overall system stability. While star-configured systems generate a neutral point, this isn’t the case in delta configurations.

While guidelines recommend the presence of a neutral throughout the grid, it may not be uniformly implemented across all infrastructure. Nevertheless, having a neutral is essential for various reasons, including load balancing, preventing voltage fluctuations, and supporting single-phase loads within a three-phase system. This helps guarantee a reliable and consistent power supply.

Grounding is a critical aspect of electrical systems primarily focused on safety. By providing a dedicated path for fault currents to dissipate into the ground, grounding minimizes the risk of electrical shocks and fire hazards. Beyond safety, grounding plays a pivotal role in safeguarding electrical equipment and ensuring the effective operation of protective devices such as fuses and circuit breakers.

In summary, the neutral system is fundamental for voltage stability and load balancing in electrical grids, while grounding is essential for safety, effectively dissipating fault currents, and protecting both individuals and equipment from potential electrical hazards.