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Re: Why An Open Neutral Kills 120V Devices




Yeah, that's the point at which we differ.  It is my understanding that standard USA practice is that in urban areas, WYE distribution is the norm, and thus there is a neutral conductor that goes pole to pole in addition to the phase conductor(s).  Further I understand that normal practice is that this supply neutral is bonded to the secondary drop.  This is a peculiar (evil) American practice, called the Multi Grounded Neutral.


From a helpful diagram on Florida PSC website on a page entitled What's on a Utility Pole?



There are two hots coming out of the transformer, and also the centre tap, the neutral, which is commoned  to the utility neutral as well as going on the drop to the consumer.


Thus I continue to contend that your diagram should show a link between the utility neutral with its ground rod, and the secondary neutral with its ground rod.


As someone brought up in the European way of doing electricity, the MGN arrangement is nuts.  For reasons why its evil, see an article entitled The Hazardous Multigrounded Neutral Distribution System And Dangerous Stray Currents.


Boy, are we off topic here :)