Why are we not allowed to measure voltage from the neutral wire to the ground wire in an electrical wiring system?
It is generally not recommended to measure the voltage in an electrical wiring system from the neutral wire to the ground wire because of possible risks and safety issues. This is the reason:
1). Safety Risk
In the case of a malfunction or short circuit, the ground wire is intended to offer a secure path for electrical electricity. Usually, a grounding electrode system or the earth ground are used to connect it. When measuring the voltage between the neutral & ground wires, one may put himself in danger, particularly if there is a malfunction in the system.
2). Misinterpretation
Under typical operating conditions, the voltage between the neutral & ground wires in a fully functioning electrical system should ideally be extremely close to zero. However, there might be voltage between these two sites if there is a malfunction or wiring problem. A misinterpretation of such a reading could result in conclusions concerning the electrical system’s integrity and safety that are not accurate.
3). Potential Damage
A low-impedance channel for current flow can be created by connecting a voltmeter across the neutral and ground wires. Should a malfunction arise, it may harm the voltmeter (or) other measuring apparatus, and in the most extreme case, it might hurt the person taking the measurement.
It is safer and more common to monitor the voltage between the neutral & hot (or live) wires rather than between the neutral & ground wires. This offers important details regarding the voltage that the electrical system supplies without adding unnecessary risks to safety or causing misconceptions. It is essential to get in touch with a licensed electrician to conduct a comprehensive inspection and diagnostic if there are worries about the integrity of the electrical system or the existence of voltage between the neutral and ground wires.