<P> As the neutral point of an electrical supply system is often connected to earth ground, ground and neutral are closely related . Under certain conditions, a conductor used to connect to a system neutral is also used for grounding (earthing) of equipment and structures . Current carried on a grounding conductor can result in objectionable or dangerous voltages appearing on equipment enclosures, so the installation of grounding conductors and neutral conductors is carefully defined in electrical regulations . Where a neutral conductor is used also to connect equipment enclosures to earth, care must be taken that the neutral conductor never rises to a high voltage with respect to local ground . </P> <P> Ground or earth in a mains (AC power) electrical wiring system is a conductor that provides a low - impedance path to the earth to prevent hazardous voltages from appearing on equipment (high voltage spikes). (The terms "ground" and "earth" are used synonymously here . "Ground" is more common in North American English, and "earth" is more common in British English .) Under normal conditions, a grounding conductor does not carry current . Grounding is an integral path for home wiring also because it causes circuit breakers to trip more quickly (ie, GFI), which is safer . Adding new grounds requires a qualified electrician with information particular to a power company distribution region . </P> <P> Neutral is a circuit conductor that normally carries current back to the source . Neutral is usually connected to ground (earth) at the main electrical panel, street drop, or meter, and also at the final step - down transformer of the supply . That is for simple single panel installations, for multiple panels the situation is more complex . </P> <P> In the electrical trade, the conductor of a 2 - wire circuit connected to the supply neutral point and earth ground is referred to as the "neutral". </P>

What does the neutral wire do in an electrical circuit
find me the text answering this question